Snowmobile Polaris Widetrak LX (2015 year). Manual - part 24

98

MAINTENANCE

Battery

Battery Installation

WARNING! Battery electrolyte contains acid. Avoid skin contact with electrolyte 
as severe burns may result.

Using a new battery that has not been fully charged can damage the 
battery and result in a shorter life. It can also hinder vehicle 
performance. 

1. Ensure that the battery is fully charged.

2. Place the battery in the battery holder. Attach the hold down strap.

3. Install the battery vent tube. The vent tube must be free of obstruc-

tions and securely installed. Route the vent tube properly to prevent 
kinks and to allow for proper drainage.

WARNING! Battery gases could accumulate in an improperly installed vent tube 
and cause an explosion, resulting in serious injury or death. Always ensure that 
the vent tube is free of obstructions and is securely installed as recommended. 
Whenever removing or installing the battery, disconnect the negative (black) 
cable first and reinstall the negative cable last to avoid the possibility of 
explosion.

4. Coat the terminals with dielectric grease or petroleum jelly.

5. Connect and tighten the red (positive) cable first.

6. Connect and tighten the black (negative) cable last.

7. Verify that cables and vent tube are properly routed.

99

MAINTENANCE

Battery

Battery Storage

When your snowmobile is placed in storage for one month or more (in 
summer or in winter):

1. Remove the battery.

2. Charge it to the proper level.

3. Store it in a cool dry place.

4. Check and/or charge monthly.

5. Have the battery tested and recharged before reinstalling it in the 

vehicle.

If a battery with a low charge freezes, the cells could be damaged. 
Always maintain a full charge on a stored battery. See the table below.

Charge condition

Will freeze at:

100%

-75° F (-59° C)

75%

-24° F (-31° C)

50%

0° F (-18° C)

25%

+13° F (-11° C)

0%

+18° F (-8° C)

100

MAINTENANCE

Daily Storage

At the end of each ride, park the snowmobile on a level surface and 
support it at the rear with an appropriate track stand. The track should be 
suspended approximately 4 inches (10 cm) off the ground.

Remove the key and cover the snowmobile.

Tip: POLARIS has accessory covers and track stands available to fit all models. 

See your dealer for more information.

101

MAINTENANCE

Extended Storage

Off-season or extended storage of your snowmobile requires preventive 
measures to aid against deterioration and to prolong the useful life of 
many components.

Cleaning and Preservation

Proper storage starts with cleaning, washing, and waxing the hood, 
chassis, and plastic parts. Wipe down remaining surfaces with a damp 
cloth. Clean and touch up with paint any rusted or previously painted 
surfaces. Be sure that corrosive salt and acids are removed from surfaces 
before beginning preservation with waxes and rust inhibitors (grease, oil 
or paint).

The snowmobile should be stored in a dry garage or shed, out of direct 
sunlight, and covered with a fabric snowmobile cover. Plastic tarp may 
cause condensation to form and damage snowmobile components.

Engine and Carburetor Protection

Proper preparation of the engine and fuel system is vital to the 
prevention of rust and corrosion on precision engine parts during 
storage. Whenever the snowmobile is stored for a period of more than 
60 days, the engine must be fogged with fogging oil. Follow the engine 
fogging instructions provided on the can. See page 102.

Always add Premium Carbon Clean or a fuel conditioner/stabilizer to 
the fuel tank. Follow the instructions on the can, running the engine for 
five minutes to get additives through the entire fuel system. Top off with 
fresh fuel.

Tip: For easier starting after extended storage, add lubricant to the fuel in the 

tank at a 40:1 ratio and run the engine for three to five minutes before 
storage. This will lubricate the fuel pump diaphragm to keep it flexible and 
help prevent loss of prime.

If stabilizer is not used, drain the carburetors by removing the water trap 
drain plugs (see page 72). Catch fuel in a container or shop cloth. 
Reinstall plugs securely. Observe all fire safety rules when draining 
carburetors. See gasoline warnings on page 50.

Tip: Jet restriction caused by improper storage can cause lean conditions and 

very poor slow speed driving quality.