POLARIS 550 INDY 144 2014 (01) PDF Document

You can find the identification numbers for your POLARIS 550 INDY 144 2014 in the following locations:

– Tunnel VIN: Located on the right side of the tunnel.

– Engine Serial Number: Located on the recoil housing.

It is recommended to record these numbers along with your key number in a safe place.

Operating a snowmobile requires skill and balance. While riding positions may vary with experience, under many conditions, the proper position for the POLARIS 550 INDY 144 2014 is to be seated with both feet on the running boards and both hands on the handlebar grips. This position allows for proper throttle, brake, and steering control.

For your safety, always wear the following apparel when riding your POLARIS 550 INDY 144 2014:

– Helmet: Always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds established safety standards to prevent severe head injury. Approved helmets in the USA and Canada have a DOT label, while those in Europe, Asia, and Oceania bear an ECE 22.05 label.

– Eye Protection: Do not rely on eyeglasses or sunglasses. Always wear shatterproof goggles or use a shatterproof helmet face shield.

– Clothing: Dress warmly and comfortably, being aware of the weather forecast and windchill. Avoid wearing loose clothing or long scarves that can become entangled in moving parts.

For your safety, always ride in a group and inform someone of your route and expected return time. If traveling into remote areas, carry survival equipment appropriate for the conditions, which may include:

– extra clothing

– a sleeping bag

– a flashlight

– food and water

– a signaling mirror

– a means of building a fire

– a two-way radio or cellular telephone

Additionally, it is recommended to purchase and carry these items on your snowmobile:

– Spare Drive Belt

– Extra Set of Spark Plugs

– Tow Rope

– Extra Oil

– Fuel Deicer

– Winter Survival Kit

– Trail Map

– First Aid Kit

– Tool Kit

Follow these steps when carrying a passenger on approved models:

1. Do not carry a passenger until you have at least two hours of driving experience with the vehicle.

2. Only allow a passenger on models equipped with a passenger seat.

3. Perform suspension adjustments required for the extra rider weight.

4. Ensure the passenger is tall enough to comfortably reach the grab handles and running boards/footrests.

5. Ensure both driver and passenger wear appropriate riding gear, including an approved helmet.

6. Perform all recommended pre-ride inspections.

7. Lock the parking brake when loading a passenger to keep the vehicle motionless.

8. The passenger must only ride in the approved passenger seat.

9. Never carry more than one passenger.

10. Slow down. Control is more difficult with a passenger. Allow more time and distance for braking and reduce speed when turning.

11. Ride to the ability of your passenger, not your own. Avoid aggressive maneuvers.

12. The passenger should be seated with both feet on the running boards/footrests and both hands on the passenger grab handles at all times. The passenger should never hold on to the operator.

13. Ensure the passenger understands “active riding” and shifts body weight in the same manner as the driver during turns and maneuvers.

14. Ensure the passenger has read and understands the instructions and warnings in the owner’s manual.

A passenger on the POLARIS 550 INDY 144 2014 has the following responsibilities:

1. Read and understand the owner’s manual, including all warnings and labels.

2. Always remain seated in the passenger seat, facing forward, with hands on the passenger hand holds and both feet firmly on the running boards/footrests.

3. Inform the driver to slow down or stop if you are uncomfortable.

4. Always use an approved helmet and protective gear.

5. During turns and maneuvers, shift your body weight in the same manner as the driver.

Maintain driver awareness by observing the following:

– Obstacles: Slow down near poles, posts, or other obstacles. Be especially alert for wire fences and guy wires, which can be hard to see, particularly after dark.

– Crossings: Make sure the way is clear before crossing railroads, roads, and highways. Your snowmobile’s noise can drown out approaching vehicles. Look in all directions before proceeding.

– Ice Travel: Never travel on frozen bodies of water unless you have verified that the ice is thick enough to support the weight and moving force of your entire party. Ice thickness can be uneven. Always check with local authorities and residents about conditions.

If your snowmobile becomes stuck in deep snow, first clear the snow from the running board area. Then, step down the snow in front of the snowmobile. This creates a ramp, allowing the snowmobile to climb up and over the snow when you open the throttle.

Use extra caution when operating in hilly terrain:

– Uphill: If climbing a hill is unavoidable, keep your weight low and forward.

– Crossing a Slope: If you must cross the face of a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the snowmobile to maintain balance and avoid a roll-over.

– Cresting a Hill: Slow down when reaching the crest of a hill, as you cannot see what is on the other side.

– If You Can’t Continue Uphill: If you cannot continue up a hill, turn the snowmobile downhill before it loses momentum. If that isn’t possible, spin the track just enough to dig in and prevent it from rolling back. Stop the engine and set the parking brake. Keeping away from the downhill side, pull the rear of the snowmobile around to point the front end and skis downhill. Remount, restart the engine, release the parking brake, and descend carefully.

The following charts help determine when temperatures become dangerous for riding. The equivalent temperature is what your body feels based on the combination of wind speed and the actual air temperature.

WINDCHILL CHART (°F)

WINDCHILL CHART (°C)

The warning label on the clutch cover provides the following instructions for belt removal:

1. For electric reverse models, the engine must be stopped in a forward gear to allow the clutch to open.

2. Install the L-wrench from the tool kit into the open threaded hole in the driven clutch.

3. Turn the L-wrench clockwise to open the sheaves and replace the belt. Return the L-wrench to the tool kit when finished.

Refer to your owner’s manual for the sheave width adjustment procedure.

To avoid loss of control when operating in reverse, always:

– Look behind before and while backing up.

– Avoid sharp turns.

– Shift to or from reverse only when stopped.

– Apply throttle slowly.

For electric reverse models:

– With the machine stopped and the engine at idle, push the yellow button on the left-hand control to engage reverse. A flashing light on the dash will indicate reverse operation.

– Push the button again to return to forward.

To adjust the headlights, locate the headlight adjuster. Move the adjuster to the left to raise the headlight beam upward. Move the adjuster to the right to lower the beam downward.

If your model is equipped with a passenger grab handle, you can adjust it for rider preference by following these steps:

1. Remove the hardware that secures the grab handles to the grab handle tube.

2. Reposition the grab handles to one of the three available positions.

3. Reinstall the hardware and ensure it is secure.

The display can be changed between standard (Miles) and metric (Kilometers) units. To change the units, navigate to the engine temperature display. Press and hold the MODE button to switch between the units of measurement.

The trip meter records the distance traveled by the vehicle if reset before each trip. To reset it, select the trip meter mode using the MODE button. Then, press and hold the MODE button until the meter resets to zero.

Adjusting the IFS shock spring preload changes the ski-to-ground pressure. Increasing preload increases pressure, while decreasing it reduces pressure. Always perform adjustments with the weight of the vehicle removed from the shock and with the shock at full extension. Ensure springs on both sides are at the same adjustment.

To change the shock spring preload, grasp the spring retainer and rotate it.

The initial setting for Ryde FX shocks is 4.375″ (11.1 cm), measured from the body end to the spring.

NOTICE: When decreasing preload, ensure at least two turns of preload are holding the spring. Failure to do so could cause the retainer to fall off when the suspension is fully extended.

To adjust the rear track shock spring based on total rider weight (including gear, cargo, and passenger if applicable):

1. Elevate and support the rear of the snowmobile to remove all weight from the suspension.

2. Use a tape measure to measure the installed length of the spring between the two spring retainers.

3. Refer to the chart to find the correct spring length for your weight. If adjustment is needed, clear any snow or ice from the spring and threads.

4. Use a spanner wrench to rotate the spring and adjust its length.

NOTICE: Never adjust a spring beyond the maximum length shown in the chart, as this can cause damage to the rear suspension.

REAR TRACK SHOCK SPRING (RTSS) SET-UP (Standard Spring)

Shaded cells in the manual indicate factory settings.

1. Loosen the four bolts on the top of the adjuster block. If needed, you can pry the blocks apart with a screwdriver.

2. Adjust the handlebar forward or rearward to the desired angle.

3. Check that the handlebar, brake lever, and throttle lever operate smoothly and do not hit the gas tank, windshield, or any other part of the machine when turned fully left or right. If necessary, adjust the controls by loosening their set screws, rotating them slightly, and re-tightening to the proper torque (Right control: 35 in. lbs. / 4 Nm; Left control: 24 in. lbs. / 2.7 Nm).

4. Tighten the four adjuster block bolts securely.

Before each use of the snowmobile, inspect the following items for proper operation and condition:

On a weekly basis or before any long trip, perform a visual inspection of the following suspension items:

Throttle Lever Check: Squeeze the throttle lever to ensure it compresses evenly and smoothly. When released, the lever must immediately return to the idle position without binding or hesitation. If it does not, do not start the engine and have the throttle serviced.

Throttle Safety Switch Test: Test this system before operation by following the specific procedure outlined in your owner’s manual.

Before starting the engine, always check the brakes for proper operation:

– Brake Lever Travel: Squeeze the brake lever. It should move no closer than 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) to the handgrip. A smaller distance may indicate low brake fluid or air in the system.

– Lever Feel: If the brake lever feels “spongy” when squeezed, check the brake fluid level and condition. Add fluid if needed. Continued use of spongy brakes may lead to a complete loss of brakes.

Lock Engagement: To engage the parking brake, squeeze the brake lever tightly and push forward on the lock. Hold the lock forward as you release the brake lever. If the brake lever is squeezed tightly enough, the lock will move freely into place; do not force it.

Lock Release: To release the lock, squeeze the brake lever tightly. The lock will automatically return to the unlocked position.

The parking brake should only be used when you want the snowmobile to remain stationary for a short period, such as five minutes or less on an incline.

1. Turn the fuel valve on.

2. Turn the key to the ON position.

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

4. If starting a cold engine, flip the choke toggle to FULL CHOKE. Do not use the choke for a warm engine. Do not depress the throttle until the engine starts.

5. If equipped with electric start, turn the key to START to crank the engine. Release the key to the ON position when it starts.

6. If not equipped with electric start, grasp the starter handle, pull slowly until the recoil engages, then pull abruptly to crank the engine. Do not pull the rope to its full extension.

7. Repeat cranking as needed.

8. After the engine starts, flip the choke toggle to the OFF position. If the engine slows or wants to stop, use intermittent choking at the HALF CHOKE position.

9. Before turning the engine off after a ride, operate the choke intermittently to draw moisture out of the choke plunger area to reduce the chance of it freezing.

In an emergency, you can stop the snowmobile using the following methods:

Engine Break-In:

– The first tank of fuel is the break-in period.

– Premix the first tank of fuel with POLARIS Premium Blue 2-Cycle Semi-Synthetic Oil at a 40:1 ratio (16 oz. of oil per 5 gallons of fuel). Always premix in a separate container, not directly in the fuel tank.

– Fill the oil bottle with the same recommended oil.

– During the first three hours of operation, avoid full throttle or high speeds for extended periods. Vary the throttle openings and vehicle speeds to allow parts to break in slowly.

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 air-dried before use.

Follow these steps to ensure proper warm-up of the engine, drive train, and track:

1. Use a stable rear support stand to securely lift the rear of the snowmobile at the rear bumper. The track should be about 4 inches (10 cm) off the ground.

2. Start the engine and let it warm up for two to three minutes.

3. Depress the throttle abruptly to allow the track to rotate for several revolutions.

4. Release the throttle, apply the brakes, shut off the engine, and lower the snowmobile to the ground.

5. Grasp the skis by their front loops and move them from side to side to loosen any snow and ice.

Fuel: Your POLARIS engine is designed to run on 87 octane non-oxygenated or 89 octane oxygenated pump gasoline. Do not use fuel containing more than 10% ethanol (including E85).

Oil: Use POLARIS Premium Blue 2-Cycle Semi-Synthetic Oil. Never mix brands of oil, as this can cause injection system blockage and serious engine damage.

Test the throttle safety switch system daily before operation. If the switch is faulty, do not start the engine until it has been corrected by a dealer.

1. Sit on the seat.

2. Start the engine and allow it to idle.

3. Hold the throttle lever pin stationary by exerting pressure on the pivot pin in the direction shown in the manual’s illustration.

4. Apply a slight amount of throttle. A properly functioning switch must shut down the engine.

Engaging Reverse:

Electronic reverse will only activate if the engine RPM is below 4000.

1. Stop the snowmobile and leave the engine idling.

2. Make sure the area behind you is clear.

3. Push the yellow reverse button on the left-hand control for one second, then release it. The engine will automatically reduce RPM and start a reverse rotation. A flashing reverse light on the instrument panel will indicate you are in reverse.

4. Apply the throttle slowly to confirm the transmission is in reverse. The maximum engine RPM is limited to 6000 when in reverse.

Disengaging Reverse:

1. Stop the snowmobile and leave the engine idling.

2. Push the yellow reverse button for one second and release. The engine will slow and begin to rotate forward. The light on the instrument panel will shut off.

3. Apply the throttle slowly to make sure the transmission is in forward.

At altitudes above 6000 feet (1800 m), the engine requires a different ignition setting for the reverse system to work properly.

– To set for higher altitude: Start the engine and hold the reverse button down until the reverse indicator light on the instrument panel flashes rapidly, then release the button.

– To set for lower elevations: Start the engine and continue holding the reverse button down until the reverse indicator light blinks slowly, then release the button.

Once set, the setting is stored in memory until it is changed again.

If your snowmobile becomes inoperable and must be towed, and a rigid tow bar is not available, follow these steps:

1. Attach the tow rope to the ski spindles (not the ski loops) to prevent damage to steering components.

2. Remove the drive belt before towing to prevent serious damage to the engine and drive system.

3. Have someone ride on the towed snowmobile to operate the brake and steering when necessary.

Oil Level Check:

1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.

2. Remove the fill plug.

3. Using a funnel, slowly add POLARIS Synthetic Chaincase Lube until the fluid begins to overflow from the fill plug hole.

4. Wipe the fill area clean.

5. Reinstall the fill plug and torque to 6-10 ft. lbs. (8-13 Nm).

Oil Change:

1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.

2. Place a drain pan under the drain plug, remove the plug, and allow the oil to drain completely.

3. Clean all metal shavings from the drain plug.

4. Reinstall the drain plug and torque to 6-10 ft. lbs. (8-13 Nm).

5. Remove the fill plug and clean any metal shavings from it.

6. Slowly add 9 oz. (266 ml) of recommended oil until it begins to overflow.

7. Wipe the fill area clean and reinstall the fill plug. Torque to 6-10 ft. lbs. (8-13 Nm).

Allow the engine and exhaust system to cool before performing this procedure.

1. Remove the left side panel.

2. Remove the spark plug cap.

3. Using the special wrench from the tool pouch, rotate the spark plug counter-clockwise to remove it.

4. To install, reverse the procedure. Torque the new spark plug to 18-22 ft. lbs. (24-30 Nm).

5. Reinstall the spark plug cap.

The trap should be drained about every 1000 miles (1600 km). Work in a well-ventilated area away from any ignition sources.

1. Turn the fuel valve off.

2. Place a container or shop towels below the plug to catch drained fuel.

3. Slide the clamp (1) away from the drain plug (2).

4. Remove the drain plug from the sediment tube.

5. Wipe any residue from the plug, reinstall it, and tighten the clamp.

6. Repeat for any remaining traps.

Check the drive chain tension weekly and before each long trip.

1. Remove the side panels.

2. Rotate the driven clutch counter-clockwise to move all chain slack to the tensioner side. Lock the brake lever or have an assistant hold it firmly.

3. Loosen the adjuster bolt jam nut.

4. Finger tighten the adjuster bolt until it can no longer be adjusted by hand, then back it off 1/4 turn.

5. Tighten the jam nut while holding the adjuster bolt. Torque the jam nut to 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm).

6. Reinstall the side panels and release the brake lever.

If the brake lever feels spongy, air is in the system and it must be bled.

1. Remove the brake master cylinder reservoir cover and gasket.

2. Fill the reservoir to between the MIN and MAX marks.

3. Slip a rubber tube over the ball of the bleeder valve and direct the other end into an approved container.

4. Squeeze the brake lever for a full stroke, then unscrew the bleeder valve 3/4 of a turn to release air.

5. Close the bleeder valve, then release the brake lever.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until fluid flows from the bleeder valve in a solid stream with no air bubbles.

7. After bleeding is complete, refill the reservoir to the proper level.

8. Reinstall the gasket and cover.

Avoid touching the new halogen lamp with bare fingers, as skin oils can shorten its life.

1. Remove the hood.

2. Remove the wire harness connector from the back of the headlight.

3. Grasp the bulb housing and turn it counter-clockwise to remove the bulb.

4. Apply dielectric grease to the socket and install the new bulb. Rotate the bulb 1/4 turn clockwise to secure it.

5. Reinstall the connector to the back of the headlight.

6. Reinstall the hood.

First, check the belt deflection. With both clutches at rest, place a straight edge on top of the belt and apply downward pressure. The deflection should be 1 1/4 inches (3.2 cm).

To adjust:

1. Loosen the two 6mm jam nuts on the belt width adjuster.

2. Using a 3mm Allen wrench, turn the set screw inward (clockwise) to increase the distance between the sheaves, or outward (counter-clockwise) to decrease the distance.

3. Tighten the jam nuts.

1. With the L-wrench inserted into the driven clutch’s threaded hole and the sheaves held open, install the new drive belt. Tip: Install the belt so that the numbers can be read correctly from the left side of the vehicle.

2. Wiggle the belt to remove slack while simultaneously removing the L-wrench.

3. Reinstall the side panel.

4. Properly break in the new belt as per the break-in procedure.

First, check the track tension. Lift and support the rear of the snowmobile. Place a 10 lb (4.54 kg) weight on the track 16 inches (40 cm) ahead of the center of the rear idler shaft. The slack (distance between the track clip and plastic slider) should be 7/8 to 1 1/8 inches (2.2-2.9 cm).

If the track needs adjustment:

1. Loosen the rear idler shaft bolt.

2. Loosen the locknuts on the adjusting screws.

3. Tighten or loosen the track adjusting screws to provide equal adjustment on both sides of the track.

4. Repeat the measurement on the other side of the track.

5. After adjustment, start the engine and slowly rotate the track at least five revolutions. Let it come to a stop without applying brakes.

6. Check track alignment and adjust if necessary.

7. Tighten the locknuts.

8. Tighten the idler shaft bolts to 35 ft. lbs. (47.5 Nm).

1. Safely support the rear of the snowmobile with the track off the ground.

2. Start the engine and apply a small amount of throttle until the track turns slowly for at least five complete revolutions. Stop the engine and let the track come to a stop without using brakes.

3. Look through the track window to see if the slide rails are evenly spaced on each side of the track clips.

– If the track runs to the left: Loosen the idler shaft bolts, then loosen the left locknut and tighten the left adjusting bolt.

– If the track runs to the right: Loosen the idler shaft bolts, then loosen the right locknut and tighten the right adjusting bolt.

4. After adjustments are complete, tighten the locknuts and torque the idler shaft bolts to 35 ft. lbs. (47.5 Nm).

5. Repeat step 2 to verify proper alignment.

1. Place the handlebars in a straight-ahead position.

2. With only the vehicle’s weight on the suspension, measure 10 inches (25.4 cm) forward from the center of the ski mounting bolt. At this point, measure the distance between the skis. This is measurement X.

3. Perform the same measurement 10 inches (25.4 cm) rearward from the center of the ski mounting bolt. This is measurement Y.

4. The X measurement should be 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3-6 mm) greater than the Y measurement. If the skis are misaligned, see your dealer for correction.

Skags must be replaced when worn to half their original diameter.

1. Raise and support the front of the snowmobile so the skis are approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm) off the ground.

2. Remove the attaching nuts and pry the skag downward.

3. Remove the front end of the skag.

4. Remove the rear end of the skag.

5. Reverse these steps to install a new skag.

Battery Removal:

1. Remove the right side panel to access the battery.

2. Disconnect the black (negative) battery cable first.

3. Disconnect the red (positive) battery cable last.

4. Remove the battery.

Battery Installation:

1. Ensure the new or stored battery is fully charged.

2. Set the battery in the battery holder.

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

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

5. Verify cables are properly routed.

6. Reinstall the side panel.

Use a voltmeter or multimeter to measure DC voltage. A fully charged battery will register 12.8 V or higher. If the voltage is less than 12.8 volts, recharge the battery at 1.2 amps or less until it reaches 12.8 V or greater.

Use the following table as a guideline when using a constant current charger:

For off-season or extended storage (more than 60 days):

1. Cleaning: Clean, wash, and wax the hood, side panels, and chassis. Touch up any rusted or painted surfaces. Ensure corrosive salt and acids are removed.

2. Engine and Carburetor Protection: The engine must be fogged with fogging oil.

– Always add Carbon Clean to the fuel tank.

– Run the engine for 10-15 minutes.

– With the engine still running, turn the fuel valve off and spray the engine with fogging oil, following the instructions on the container.

– Allow the engine to stop by itself.

– If stabilizer is not used, drain the carburetors by removing the water trap drain plugs.

3. Battery: Remove the battery, recharge it, and store it in a cool, dry place.

4. Clutch and Drive System: Remove the drive belt and store it in a cool, dry location.

5. Bearings and Controls: Lubricate all bushings, cables, and bearings as outlined in the maintenance schedule.

6. Track and Suspension: Maintain moderate track tension and support the snowmobile off the ground to allow the track to hang freely.

7. Storage Location: Store in a dry garage or shed, out of direct sunlight, and cover with a fabric snowmobile cover (not a plastic tarp).

Carburetor jetting must be adjusted for changes in altitude and ambient temperature. The following chart provides the recommended main jet, pilot jet, and clip position settings. Shaded cells indicate factory settings.

Clutching must be adjusted for changes in altitude. The following chart provides the recommended clutching components. Shaded cells indicate factory settings.

If you experience engine problems, refer to the following table for probable causes and solutions.