Snowmobile Polaris Turbo IQ LXT (2014 year). Manual - part 18

75

OPERATION

Fuel Safety

Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive under certain conditions.

• Always exercise extreme caution whenever handling gasoline.

• Always refuel outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. 

• Always turn off the engine before refueling.

• Do not overfill the tank. Do not fill the tank neck.

• Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in or near the area where refu-

eling is performed or where gasoline is stored.

• If gasoline spills on your skin or clothing, immediately wash it off with soap 

and water and change clothing.

• Never start the engine or let it run in an enclosed area. Engine exhaust fumes 

are poisonous and can cause loss of consciousness or death in a short time.

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to cause can-
cer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Operate this vehicle only outdoors 
or in well-ventilated areas.

WARNING

WARNING

76

OPERATION

Break-In Period

Engine Break-In

The break-in period for the engine is the first 500 miles (800 km) of 
operation. No single action on your part is as important as following the 
procedures for a proper break-in. Careful treatment of a new engine and 
drive components will result in more efficient performance and longer 
life for these components.

NOTICE: Excessive heat build-up during the first 500 miles (800 km) of 

operation will damage close-fitting engine parts. Do not operate at full 
throttle or high speeds for extended periods during the break-in 
period. 

NOTICE: Use of non-recommended oil may cause serious engine damage. 

Always use the recommended oil for your POLARIS snowmobile.

1. Fill the fuel tank with the recommended fuel. See page 81.

2. Check the oil level in the oil tank. See page 94. Add oil if necessary 

to maintain at the recommended level.

3. Drive slowly at first. Vary the throttle positions. Do not operate at 

sustained idle. 

4. Perform regular checks on fluid levels, controls and areas outlined 

on the daily pre-ride inspection checklist. See page 66.

5. During the break-in period, change both the oil and the filter at 500 

miles (800 km) or before seasonal storage, whichever comes first.

Drive Belt Break-In

The break-in period for a new drive belt is 30 miles (48 km). During this 
time, vary the throttle position under 50% and limit full throttle use. 

New drive belts should be washed with warm, soapy water and allowed 
to air dry prior to use.

Always take time to warm up the belt and driveline prior to operating 
the snowmobile. Free the track and skis from the ground before engag-
ing throttle.

77

OPERATION

Starting the Engine

1. Turn the key to the ON position.

NOTICE: Engaging the starter when the engine is running WILL result in serious 

engine damage, especially if the transmission is in reverse. Never 
engage the starter when the engine is running.

2. Pull the engine stop switch up to the RUN position.

3. Do not apply throttle when starting the engine unless extremely cold 

temperatures (below -15° F/-26° C) prevent the engine from start-
ing.

Tip: Under these conditions, attempt to start the engine without using the throt-

tle. If two to three attempts are unsuccessful, apply 1/8 to 1/4 throttle while 
cranking the engine. Ease off the throttle immediately when the engine 
starts. Continue to apply just enough throttle to keep the engine running 
until it idles smoothly.

4. Turn the key to START to crank the engine. Release the key to the 

ON position when the engine starts.

5. Repeat the cranking procedure as needed until the engine starts.

Tip: Always allow the engine to warm up to full operating temperature (150° F/

65° C) before shutting it down. Avoid starting and stopping the engine with 
less than 5 minutes of run time when the engine is cold.

78

OPERATION

Emergency Starting

If the battery is too weak to start the engine, and a battery charger is not 
available, the engine can be started using jumper cables and a charged 
battery from another vehicle. Carefully read and follow the instructions 
on the following pages.

WARNING! Improperly connecting or disconnecting jumper cables can result in 
an explosion and cause serious injury or death. When connecting jumper 
cables, always connect the negative (usually black) cable last. When removing 
jumper cables, always disconnect the negative (usually black) cable first.

WARNING! Loose-fitting clothing can get caught in the engine when the vehicle 
is running with the hood open. This can cause serious injury or death. Remove 
or control all items that could catch in the engine, including scarves, gloves, 
jackets and clothing straps and hooks.

NOTICE: If a car or truck battery will be used to jump start the snowmobile, turn 

the engine off. A running engine will put out too much electrical current 
for the snowmobile battery. Never attempt to jump start a discharged 
battery that is frozen.