POLARIS 550 INDY LXT 2014 (01) PDF Document

Safe operation of your POLARIS 550 INDY LXT 2014 is crucial. Always be aware of the following signal words and symbols found in your owner’s manual and on the vehicle:

DANGER: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE: Indicates a situation that could result in property damage.

Prohibition Safety Sign (Circle with a diagonal line): Indicates an action NOT to take to avoid a hazard.

Mandatory Action Sign (Solid circle): Indicates an action that NEEDS to be taken to avoid a hazard.

Driving a snowmobile requires your full attention. Do not drink alcohol or use drugs or medications before or while driving. Do not modify your machine to increase speed or power, as this will terminate your warranty and may create safety hazards.

Stay Clear of Track:

The revolving track propels the snowmobile and is partially exposed. Serious injuries can result if hands, feet, or clothing become entangled. Always remain properly seated to stay clear of the track. Never hold the snowmobile up or stand behind it while warming it up, as a loose track or flying debris could cause serious injury or death.

Stay Clear of Engine:

Never attempt adjustments with the engine running. Always turn off the ignition, open side panels or the hood to make adjustments, secure everything, and then restart the engine to check its operation. Contact with moving engine parts can cause serious injury.

Helmet: Always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds established safety standards (e.g., DOT or ECE 22.05 approved) to prevent severe head injury.

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

Clothing: Be prepared for the weather, especially windchill. Dress warmly and comfortably. Avoid wearing loose clothing or long scarves, which 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 you must travel in remote areas, carry survival equipment appropriate for the conditions, which may include:

• Extra clothing

• Sleeping bag

• Flashlight

• Food and water

• Signaling mirror

• Means of building a fire

• Two-way radio or cellular telephone

Always carry these additional 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

Your POLARIS 550 INDY LXT 2014 is designed for up to two riders. Follow these rules when carrying a passenger:

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

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

3. Perform necessary suspension adjustments for the extra weight.

4. Ensure the passenger is tall enough to reach the grab handles and footrests.

5. Both driver and passenger must wear appropriate riding gear, including an approved helmet.

6. Perform all pre-ride inspections.

7. Lock the parking brake when the passenger is mounting or dismounting.

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.

12. The passenger must be seated with both feet on the footrests and both hands on the grab handles at all times.

13. Ensure the passenger understands “active riding” and shifts their body weight with the driver during turns and maneuvers.

Driver Awareness: Slow down near obstacles like poles or posts. Be alert for wire fences, especially after dark. Always ensure the way is clear before crossing roads or railroads, as the snowmobile’s noise can drown out approaching vehicles.

Ice Conditions: Never travel on frozen bodies of water unless you have verified the ice is thick enough to support your party and equipment. Ice thickness can be uneven.

Slippery Surfaces: Driving on ice or hard-packed snow reduces steering and braking control. Slow down, use extra caution, and avoid abrupt changes of direction.

Ice and Snow Build-up: Keep the underhood area free of snow and ice, as build-up can interfere with steering. Manually turn the skis left and right before driving to check for interference.

Inadequate Snow Conditions: Adequate snow cover is required for suspension lubrication and engine cooling. Driving in too little snow can cause excessive wear and damage to the slide rail, track, and engine.

Driving Downhill: Shift your weight to the rear, reduce speed, and apply enough throttle to keep the clutch engaged, allowing engine compression to help slow the vehicle. Pump the brakes on long downhill stretches to avoid overheating.

Driving in Hilly Terrain: Keep your weight low and forward when climbing a hill. If crossing the face of a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side to maintain balance. Slow down when reaching the crest of a hill.

The labels on your POLARIS 550 INDY LXT 2014 provide critical safety information. Always read and follow their instructions.

Clutch Warning/Belt Removal: Warns not to operate the engine with the hood or side panels open, not to attempt adjustments with the engine running, and not to service clutches yourself. It also provides instructions for belt removal.

Passenger Warning: Indicates the vehicle is designed for an operator and “ONE” passenger only.

Reverse Warning: Warns that reverse operation can cause loss of control. It advises to look behind while backing up, avoid sharp turns, shift only when stopped, and apply the throttle slowly.

Operation Warning: Provides a summary of key safety rules, including reading the owner’s manual, reducing speed in unfamiliar terrain, avoiding excessive speed at night, never consuming alcohol or drugs before riding, and always wearing proper safety gear.

Track Warning: Warns to stay clear of the track and not to sit on the seat back to avoid entanglement or falls.

The instrument cluster contains the speedometer, indicator lamps, MODE button, and rider information center.

Indicator Lamps:

• MPH/KM/H: Shows if speed is displayed in miles per hour or kilometers per hour.

• R (Reverse): Flashes when the transmission is in reverse.

• High Beam: Illuminates when the high beams are on.

• (P) (Parking Brake): Illuminates when the parking brake is engaged or the service brake is in use.

• Low Oil: Illuminates when the oil level is low. Add oil before further operation.

Rider Information Center:

The information center is controlled by the MODE button and can display:

• Odometer: Total distance traveled.

• Trip Meter: Distance traveled on a trip. Press and hold MODE to reset.

• Hour Meter: Total hours the engine has been in operation.

• Tachometer: Engine RPM is displayed digitally.

To change between standard (miles) and metric (kilometers) units, enter the engine temperature display and press and hold the MODE button.

Front Suspension (IFS) Shock Spring Preload:

Adjusting the front shocks affects ski-to-ground pressure. Always perform adjustments with the weight of the vehicle removed from the shock.

• To adjust: Grasp the spring retainer and rotate it.

• Increase preload: Increases ski-to-ground pressure.

• Decrease preload: Decreases ski-to-ground pressure.

• Initial Setting: The initial preload for Ryde FX shocks is 4.375″ (11.1 cm) from the body end to the spring.

Rear Track Shock Spring:

Adjust the rear track shock spring based on the total weight of rider(s), gear, and cargo.

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

2. Measure the installed length of the spring between the two spring retainers.

3. Use a spanner wrench to rotate the spring and adjust its length according to the chart in the owner’s manual.

Refer to the following table for standard spring settings. Shaded cells indicate factory settings.

1. Loosen the four bolts on the top of the adjuster block.

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

3. Ensure the handlebar, brake lever, and throttle lever operate smoothly and do not hit any other part of the machine when turned fully left or right. If necessary, loosen the set screws for the controls, rotate them slightly, and retighten.

4. Tighten the four adjuster block bolts securely.

Inspect the following items for proper operation and condition before each use of your POLARIS 550 INDY LXT 2014:

• Drive Belt Condition
• Steering System
• Recoil Rope
• Chaincase Oil Level
• Injection Oil Level
• Parking Brake Lock/Brake System
• Auxiliary Shut-Off Switch (Engine Stop Switch)
• Ignition Switch
• Headlight/Taillight/Brakelight
• Suspension Mounting Bolts
• Skags (Wear Bars)
• Ski Saddle and Spindle Bolts
• Hood and Side Panel Fasteners
• Throttle Lever/Safety Switch
• Rear Wheel Idler Bolts
• Tether Switch/Strap (if equipped)
• Track Alignment/Condition
• Rail Slide Condition

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 indicates 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. Continued use of spongy brakes may cause a complete loss of brakes.

Parking Brake: To engage, squeeze the brake lever tightly and push forward on the lock. Hold the lock forward while releasing the brake lever. To release, squeeze the brake lever tightly, and the lock will return to the unlocked position. Ensure the lock is completely disengaged before riding.

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. Release the key to the ON position when the engine 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.

7. Repeat the cranking procedure 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 to the HALF CHOKE position.

9. Before turning the engine off, operate the choke intermittently to draw moisture out of the choke plunger area and reduce the possibility of the choke becoming frozen.

Engine Break-In (First tank of fuel):

• Initial Fuel Premix: For the first tank of fuel, you must premix the fuel. Add 16 oz. (473 ml) of POLARIS Premium Blue 2-Cycle Semi-Synthetic Oil for every 5 gallons (19 l) of gasoline (a 40:1 ratio). Always premix in a separate container before adding to the fuel tank.

• Oil Injection System: Fill the oil bottle with the recommended oil.

• Operation: During the first three hours of use, avoid operating at full throttle or high speeds for extended periods. Vary throttle openings and vehicle speeds to allow parts to break in slowly.

Drive Belt Break-In (First 30 miles / 48 km):

• Vary the throttle position under 50% and limit full throttle use during the break-in period.

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

Your POLARIS 550 INDY LXT 2014 engine is designed to run on 87 octane non-oxygenated or 89 octane oxygenated pump gasoline. It is recommended to use premium fuel when possible. Do not use fuel containing more than 10% ethanol (including E85). Using fuels with a lower than recommended octane can result in serious engine damage.

Test the throttle safety switch system daily before operation.

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.

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

If the switch does not shut off the engine, immediately push down the engine stop switch. Do not start the engine again until the malfunction has been corrected by your dealer.

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 your vehicle is clear.

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

4. Apply the throttle slowly to make sure the transmission is in reverse. The maximum engine RPM will be 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 reverse indicator light will shut off.

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

High Altitude Setting:

At altitudes above 6000 feet (1800 m), a different ignition setting is required. To set for a higher altitude, start the engine and hold the reverse button down until the light on the instrument panel flashes rapidly, then release the button. To set for lower elevations, continue holding the button until the light blinks slowly.

Drive Belt Condition: Periodically check the belt for frayed edges, missing cogs, cracks, and excessive looseness. Replace if any of these conditions exist. Always carry a spare belt.

Drive Belt Deflection: With both clutches at rest, place a straight edge on top of the belt. Apply downward pressure in the center. The deflection should be 1 1/4 inches (3.2 cm).

Drive Belt Adjustment:

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 sheaves or outward (counter-clockwise) to decrease the distance.

3. Tighten the jam nuts.

Drive Belt Removal:

1. Stop the engine after operating in a forward motion and lock the parking brake.

2. Remove the left side panel.

3. Rotate the driven clutch counter-clockwise 1/4 turn by hand to ensure forward engagement.

4. Install the L-wrench from the tool kit into the open threaded hole in the outer sheave of the clutch.

5. Turn the wrench clockwise to open the sheaves far enough to remove the belt.

Drive Belt Installation:

1. With the L-wrench installed and sheaves open, install the new drive belt. Install the belt so that the numbers can be read correctly on the left side of the vehicle.

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

3. Reinstall the side panel.

4. Break in the new belt as per the procedure.

Track Inspection: With the rear of the snowmobile safely supported off the ground, rotate the track by hand to check for damage, such as broken track rods. Replace the track if any rod damage is found.

Track Tension:

1. Turn the engine off and safely support the rear of the snowmobile off the ground.

2. Place a 10 lbs. (4.54 kg) weight on the track at 16 inches (40 cm) ahead of the center of the rear idler shaft.

3. Measure the slack at the point where the weight is hanging. It should be 7/8 to 1 1/8 inches (2.2-2.9 cm).

4. To adjust, loosen the rear idler shaft bolt and the locknuts on the adjusting screws.

5. Tighten or loosen the track adjusting screws on each side to provide equal adjustment.

6. After adjusting, tighten the locknuts and torque the idler shaft bolts to 35 ft. lbs. (47.5 Nm).

Track Alignment:

1. With the rear supported, start the engine and apply a small amount of throttle until the track turns slowly for at least five revolutions. Stop the engine without applying brakes.

2. Look through the track window to ensure the slide rails are evenly spaced from the track clips on each side.

3. If the track runs to the left, loosen the left locknut and tighten the left adjusting bolt. If it runs to the right, 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).

Cleaning and Preservation: Clean, wash, and wax the hood, side panels, chassis, and plastic parts. Store the snowmobile in a dry garage or shed, out of direct sunlight, and cover it with a fabric snowmobile cover.

Engine and Carburetor Protection (for storage over 60 days):

1. Add Carbon Clean to the fuel tank.

2. Run the engine for 10-15 minutes.

3. With the engine still running, turn the fuel valve off and spray the engine with fogging oil per the container’s instructions.

4. Allow the engine to stop by itself.

Battery Maintenance: Remove the battery, recharge it, and store it in a cool, dry place. Check the voltage monthly and recharge as needed.

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

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

If the engine turns over but does not start, investigate the following possible causes:

• Faulty ignition: Install new spark plug(s). If it still fails to start, check for spark. If there’s no spark, see your dealer.

• No fuel to engine: Make sure the fuel valve is on. Use the choke. Ensure the tank contains fuel. Ice may be in the fuel line, filter, or pump; add isopropyl alcohol to the fuel system.

• Flooded engine (too much choke used): Hold the throttle open and crank the engine several times. You may need to change the plug(s).

• Poor engine compression: This indicates a major engine problem that must be repaired before operating. See your dealer.

The following table outlines common causes for drive belt wear and their solutions:

If the machine darts from side to side:

• Check ski alignment.

• Make sure spindles and all steering components turn freely.

• Check for excessive play in the steering assembly (see your dealer).

• Ensure skags are straight on skis.

• Check rail slide and replace if worn.

If steering is heavy:

• Make sure spindles and all steering components turn freely.

• Check ski alignment.

• Check skags and skis for damage.

Here are the specifications for the POLARIS 550 INDY 144/Voyager/Adventure/LXT models:

Capacities and Dimensions

Engine and Cooling

Carburetor Settings