Snowmobile Polaris Trail RMK (2010 year). Manual - part 11

45

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

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Brakes

Properly functioning brakes are critical to your safety. Always check the 

following items to assure proper operation before starting the engine.
Brake Lever Travel
Squeeze the brake lever. It 

should move no closer to the 

handgrip than 1/2 inch (1.3 

cm). A smaller distance indi-

cates low brake fluid level or 

air in the hydraulic system. 

See pages 82-83 or see your 

dealer for service.
Lever Feel
If the brake lever feels “spongy” when squeezed, check the brake fluid 

level and condition. Also check for the presence of air in the fluid sys-

tem. See pages 82-83 or see your dealer for service.

WARNING! Continued use of “spongy” brakes may cause a complete loss of 

brakes, which could result in serious injury or death. Always have the brakes 

serviced at the first sign of sponginess.

1/2 inch (1.3 cm)

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PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

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Parking Brake Lever Lock

Your snowmobile may have a 

parking brake lever lock located 

over the brake lever. Use the 

brake lever lock only when you 

want the machine to remain sta-

tionary; for example, when 

parked on an incline for a period 

of five minutes or less.
1. Brake Lever
2. Parking Brake Lever Lock
3. Master Cylinder Reservoir/ 

Cover

4. Fluid Level Indicator
Lock Engagement
To engage the lock, squeeze the brake lever tightly and push forward on 

the lock. Hold the lock forward while releasing the brake lever.

NOTICE: If the brake lever is squeezed tightly enough, the lock will move freely 

into place. Do not force the lock or it may break. 

The brake light will illuminate if the parking brake lever lock is set 

while the engine is running. It will also illuminate when the service 

brake is in use. If the parking brake light does not come on when the 

parking brake or service brake is in use, have it serviced by your dealer.
Lock Release
To release the lock, squeeze the brake lever tightly. The lock will return 

to the unlocked position.

WARNING! If the parking brake lever lock is partially or entirely engaged while 

riding, the brakes may overheat, resulting in brake damage. In extreme cases it 

could cause a fire, which could result in serious injury or death. Always ensure 

that the lever lock is completely disengaged before operating the snowmobile.

1

2

3

4

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PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

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Steering System

WARNING! Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your 

machine, resulting in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free of 

snow and ice.

Before driving, manually turn the skis to the left and right to be sure ice 

and snow are not interfering with full left and right steering. If difficulty 

is encountered, remove ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing 

the steering linkage. Make sure all greasable components are properly 

lubricated.

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Track

WARNING! Always inspect the track for damage before using the vehicle. 

Operating the snowmobile with a damaged track increases the possibility of 

track failure, which could cause loss of control resulting in serious injury or 

death.

Use of traction products such as studs increases the possibility of track 

damage and/or failure. Driving at high speeds for extended periods of 

time with inadequate lubrication could severely damage track rods, 

break track edges, and cause other track damage. Examples of inade-

quate lubrication would include frozen bodies of water without snow 

cover, icy trails, and no-snow conditions.
Track damage or failure caused by operation on ice or under poor lubri-

cation conditions voids the track warranty.

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Hood Latches

The hood of the snowmobile protects the operator from moving parts as 

well as aiding in sound emission control and other functions. Under no 

circumstances should your snowmobile be operated with the hood open 

or removed. Always ensure that the hood straps are in good condition 

and that the latches are securely in place before operating the snowmo-

bile.

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Recoil Rope

Inspect the recoil rope and handle for excessive wear, and make sure the 

knot securing the rope inside the handle is secure. If excessive wear is 

found, see your Polaris dealer for replacement.

48

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Start the Engine and Check

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Engine Stop Switch

Check the auxiliary shut-off switch for proper operation.   Push the 

switch down to stop the engine. Pull it up to allow restarting.

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Lighting

Check the headlight (high and low beam), taillight, and brake light. 

Replace burned out lamps before operating.

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Mirrors (if equipped)

Adjust the mirrors so they can be used to their full advantage.

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Operating Area

Before driving, check your surroundings. Be aware of obstacles and 

make sure bystanders are a safe distance from the machine. 

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Ignition Switch

Make sure the engine stops when the ignition switch is turned to OFF.