Polaris 2009 Trail RMK- User Manual

6 INTRODUCTION Preservation of the Environment Polaris is committed to supporting an environmental education cam- paign. We encourage state and provincial governments across the snow- belt to adopt rigorous safety training programs that encourage protection of our environment, including wildlife and...

7 INTRODUCTION Vehicle Identification Numbers Record your snowmobile’s identification numbers and key number in the spaces provided. Remove the spare key and store it in a safe place. Your key can be duplicated only by mating a Polaris key blank with one of your existing keys, so if both keys are lo...

8 SAFETY Operator Safety The following signal words and symbols appear throughout this manual and on your vehicle. Your safety is involved when these words and sym- bols are used. Become familiar with their meanings before reading the manual. The safety alert symbol , on your vehicle or in this manu...

9 SAFETY Operator Safety Your Polaris snowmobile is a well-engineered and well-constructed rec- reational vehicle. Follow the recommended maintenance program out- lined beginning on page 67 of this manual to ensure that all critical components on the snowmobile are thoroughly inspected by your deale...

10 SAFETY Operator Safety Stay Clear of Track Your snowmobile is propelled by a revolving track that must be partially exposed for proper operation. Stay Clear of Engine Never attempt adjustments with the engine running. Turn off the igni- tion, raise the hood, make the adjustment, secure shields an...

11 SAFETY Operator Safety Survival Preparation For your safety, always ride in a group of other snowmobilers. Always tell someone where you’re going and how long you expect to be gone. If it isn’t possible to ride with others, and you must travel into remote areas, always carry survival equipment th...

12 SAFETY Operator Safety Riding Apparel Be prepared, be warm and be com- fortable when riding. Be aware of the weather forecast, especially the windchill, and dress accordingly. See the chart on page 22. Helmet Wearing a helmet can prevent a severe head injury. Whenever riding a Polaris vehicle, al...

13 SAFETY Operator Safety Cargo Overload Too much weight on the rear of the machine may reduce your ability to steer. Do not exceed carrier and rack weight limits, and do not allow a passenger to sit on the seat back or the cargo carrier. Disabled Operators Safe operation of this rider-active vehicl...

14 SAFETY Operator Safety Driver Awareness Slow down when traveling near poles, posts, or other obstacles. Be especially alert if you’re snowmobiling after dark. Always be on the alert for wire fences. Single strands are especially dangerous, since there may be a great distance between posts. Guy wi...

15 SAFETY Operator Safety Avalanches Snowmobilers should always be properly trained and equipped before traveling in mountainous terrain:• Take an avalanche class• Travel with experienced people• Travel on designated trails• Make sure each person is equipped with a shovel, probe and avalanche beacon...

16 SAFETY Operator Safety Ice and Snow Build-up 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, check for ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing the steering linkage. Snow...

17 SAFETY Operator Safety Driving in Hilly Terrain Operating in hilly terrain requires extreme caution to maintain balance and avoid roll-over. If climbing a hill is unavoidable, keep all your weight low and forward. If you must cross the face of a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the m...

18 SAFETY Operator Safety Driving Downhill When riding downhill, shift your weight to the rear of the machine and reduce your speed to a minimum. Apply just enough throttle to keep the clutch engaged, allowing the engine’s compression to help slow the machine and keep it from rolling freely downhill...

19 SAFETY Operator Safety Intake Silencer Do not operate the engine with the intake silencer or filter removed. Damage to the engine may occur if the intake silencer or filter are removed. Clutches Do not attempt to service the clutches. All clutch service must be performed by your dealer. The clutc...

20 SAFETY Operator Safety Inadequate Snow Conditions Since snow provides the only lubrication for the power slide suspension and, on liquid cooled models, cooling for the engine, adequate snow cover is a requirement for operation of your machine. Driving in too lit- tle snow will result in excessive...

21 SAFETY Operator Safety Driving Responsibly Every snowmobile handles differently, and even the most docile condi- tions may become dangerous if operators drive improperly. If you’re new to snowmobiling, acquaint yourself with the machine and with what it will and won’t do under various conditions....

22 SAFETY Operator Safety Windchill/Temperature Charts The following information is provided to help you determine when tem- peratures become dangerous for riding. WIND CHILL CHART ( ° F) WIND CHILL CHART ( ° C) Wind Speed in MPH Actual Thermometer Reading ( _ F) 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 ...

23 SAFETY Safety Decals and Locations Warning decals have been placed on the snowmobile for your protec- tion. Read and follow the instructions of the decals and other warnings on the snowmobile carefully. If any of the decals depicted in this manual differ from the decals on your snowmobile, always...

24 SAFETY Safety Decals and Locations Track/Seat Warning The track/seat warning decal is on the rear of the tunnel: WARNINGStay clear of track. Do not sit on seat back. Entanglement with the track or a fall from seat back may result in severe injury or death. Reverse Warning Polaris snowmobiles equi...

25 SAFETY Safety Decals and Locations Operation Warning An operation warning decal is present on the console of all Polaris snowmobiles: WARNING • To avoid serious injury or death, read and understand all warnings and the Owner’s Manual before operation. If manual is missing, con- tact a Polaris dea...

26 FEATURES AND CONTROLS 1. Fuel Filler Cap (may include a fuel gauge) 2. Ignition Switch 3. Brake Lever 4. Speedometer (may include indicator/warning lights) 5. Reverse Indicator 6. Mountain Bar (accessory) 7. Engine Stop Switch (see page 58) 8. Throttle Control 9. Choke 10. Recoil Starter Handle 5...

27 FEATURES AND CONTROLS Some Polaris snowmobiles are equipped with special features. Controls for these features are illustrated on this page. Not all models come with these features. See your Owner’s Manual Supplement. NOTE: Accessories are available from your Polaris dealer. 1. Headlight Dimmer S...

29 THE PERFECT FIT Front Suspension Adjustments Break in the suspension for approximately 150 miles (240 km) and re- grease all suspension parts before making any fine-tuning adjustments. Settings will vary from rider to rider, depending on rider weight, vehicle speed, riding style, and trail condit...

30 THE PERFECT FIT Front Suspension Adjustments The tension at which the shock coil spring is set is called spring preload. For the best ride, the spring preload should be set as low as possible to use the full travel of the ski shock, with occasional light bottoming. To determine if your machine is...

31 THE PERFECT FIT Front Suspension Adjustments Front Springs For models without externally adjustable or revalvable shocks, the front springs can be changed if spring preload alone isn’t sufficient and fur- ther adjustment is desired to control suspension stiffness. See your Polaris dealer for more...

32 THE PERFECT FIT Front Suspension Adjustments Shock Spring Preload Increasing spring preload will increase ski-to-ground pressure. Decreasing spring preload will decrease ski-to- ground pressure. When adjusting, be sure the springs on both the left and right sides of the machine are at the same ad...

33 THE PERFECT FIT Rear Suspension Adjustments Rider weight, riding style, trail conditions, and vehicle speed all affect suspension action. Each rear suspension can be adjusted to suit rider preference and deliver excellent performance for a given set of condi- tions. However, all suspension design...

34 THE PERFECT FIT Rear Suspension Adjustments Initial Spring Preload Setting (Sag Method) To set up the EDGE RMK rear suspension torsion spring preload, mea- sure the distance between the ground and rear bumper (see illustration). This measurement should be taken with no rider and the rear suspensi...

35 THE PERFECT FIT Rear Suspension Adjustments Initial Spring Preload Setting (Sag Method)) To determine sag, commonly referred to as ride-in, subtract measure- ment Y from X (sag=X-Y). Adjust sag by rotating the torsion spring preload cams located on the rear torque arm. Use the illustration for re...

36 THE PERFECT FIT Rear Suspension Adjustments Torsion Spring Preload To adjust rear torsion spring preload, rotate the three-position cam using the engine spark plug tool. Different rate torsion springs are available if a firmer ride is desired. See your dealer for more information. The following i...

37 THE PERFECT FIT Rear Suspension Adjustments Shock Compression Damping Your snowmobile is equipped with the Indy Select rear shock, which allows for adjustments to the compression valving. 1. Locate the adjustment screw near the base of the shock.2. Adjust the screw 1/2 turn clockwise to increase ...

38 THE PERFECT FIT Handlebar Adjustments Standard Handlebar Follow these steps to adjust handlebar angle at the handlebar block.1. Remove the handlebar cover to expose the handlebar and the four adjuster block bolts. 2. Using a 7/16-inch wrench, loosen the four nuts on the bottom of the adjuster blo...

39 THE PERFECT FIT Accessories Polaris offers a wide range of accessories for your snowmobile. From map light to electric start, Polaris has the accessories that will help make each ride more enjoyable. See your dealer for a list of accessories. Use only Polaris parts and accessories on your Polaris...

40 THE PERFECT FIT Traction Products Another way to tailor your machine is to install traction products. See your dealer about installing studs and/or carbides. Many tracks with deep lug designs cannot be studded, but your dealer will be able to offer advice and assistance. NOTE: Before equipping yo...

42 THE PERFECT FIT Traction Products Wear Strips To avoid excessive tunnel or cooler damage, wear strips must be installed whenever track studding is used. See your dealer for more information. Wear strips are designed for a specific stud length. See your dealer’s studding chart for recommended trac...

43 PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS Pre-Ride Checklist Inspect all items on the checklist for proper operation or condition before each use of the snowmobile. Procedures are outlined on the refer- enced pages. Look for a checkmark ( n ) on the referenced pages to locate the pre-ride inspection items Item See Pa...

44 PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS Before Starting the Engine Before starting the engine, always refer to all safety warnings pertaining to snowmobile operation. Never start the engine without checking all vehicle components to be sure of proper operation. Read and Understand Your Owner’s Manual Read the Owner...

45 PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS Before Starting the Engine n 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 i...

46 PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS Before Starting the Engine n 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 ...

47 PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS Before Starting the Engine n Steering System Manually turn the skis completely to the right and to the left. If any dif- ficulty is encountered, check for ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing the steering linkage. Make sure all greasable components are properly lubri...

48 PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS Start the Engine and Check n 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. n Lighting Check the headlight (high and low beam), taillight, and brake light. Replace burned ou...

49 OPERATION Starting the Engine 1. Turn the fuel valve on. See page 27. 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 if starting a warm engine. NOTE: Do not depress ...

50 OPERATION Engine Break-In No single action on your part is as important to long, trouble-free machine life as proper break-in of a new or rebuilt engine. Premix the first tank of gasoline with one pint of Polaris injection oil for each five gallons of fuel. This, in addition to the lubrication su...

51 OPERATION Engine Break-In Oil Injection System Always check and fill the oil tank when refueling. See page 55. Oil Recommendations This snowmobile is equipped with a variable exhaust system (VES). Engine lubrication comes from oil added to the fuel and oil injection systems. Polaris recommends th...

53 OPERATION Slide Rail and Track Cooling Fuel CAUTION Inadequate cooling and lubrication will lead to overheating of the slide rail and track, resulting in premature wear and failure. Reduce speeds and fre- quently drive into fresh snow to allow adequate cooling and polishing of the slide rail and ...

54 OPERATION Fuel Your Polaris engine is designed to run on 87 octane non-oxygenated or 89 octane oxygenated pump gasoline. There’s a great deal of variability in the quality of the 87 octane gasoline available, so we encourage the use of premium fuel when possible. Do not use lower than 87 octane f...

55 OPERATION n Oil Low Oil Indicator Light The low oil indicator light will alert the operator if the oil level is low. Visually check for oil in the bottle. If oil is not visible, continued opera- tion may cause serious engine damage. Add oil before further operation of the snowmobile. See page 51 ...

56 OPERATION Carburetion Proper carburetor adjustment is critical. A lean mixture (too much air, too little fuel) may result in piston burning, bearing failure, or complete engine failure. A rich mixture (too much fuel, too little air) may foul plugs and cause generally poor engine performance. A le...

57 OPERATION Carburetion Jetting Guidelines Changes in altitude and temperature affect air density, which is the amount of oxygen available for combustion. In low elevations and cold temperatures, the air has more oxygen. In higher elevations and higher temperatures, the air is less dense. RMK carbu...

58 OPERATION n Engine Stop Switch Push down on the engine stop switch to stop the engine in an emergency. This will ground out the ignition and bring the engine to a quick stop. To restart the engine, the switch must be pulled up to the ON position. n Throttle Safety Switch The throttle safety switc...

59 OPERATION n Throttle Lever If the engine stops abruptly when the throttle lever is released:1. Turn the ignition switch to OFF. 2. Visually inspect the throttle cable and carburetor(s) to determine what caused the safety switch to activate. 3. Test the throttle lever by compressing and releasing ...

60 OPERATION Emergency Stopping The following chart lists methods for stopping the snowmobile in the event of an emergency. Refer to page 58 for more information about the engine stop switch and throttle safety switch. SYSTEM WHAT IT DOES THROTTLE CONDITION Ignition Switch Interrupts ignition circui...

61 OPERATION Electronic Reverse (PERC t ) Electronic reverse will activate only if the engine is below 4000 RPM. If your machine is running at an altitude of over 6000 feet, adjust the igni- tion setting as described on page 63. Always make sure the vehicle is stopped and the engine is running at id...

62 OPERATION Electronic Reverse (PERC t ) Engaging Reverse 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 sec- ond, then release. The engine will automatically reduce RPM and sta...

63 OPERATION Electronic Reverse (PERC t ) 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 slo...

64 OPERATION Towing Do not use the front bumper to pull or drag the snowmobile. The front bumper is not designed for this type of use and may detach from the vehicle if force is applied. For your safety, do not attempt to using the tow hitch until you’ve read the following warnings and understand th...

65 MAINTENANCE Emission Control Information Any qualified repair shop or qualified person may maintain, replace, or repair the emission control devices or systems on your snowmobile. Emission Control Label Your snowmobile is equipped at the time of sale with an emission con- trol information (ECI) l...

66 MAINTENANCE Emission Control Information Owner's Responsibilities Please read the Snowmobile Engine Emissions Limited Warranty, and read the maintenance section of your owner's manual. You are responsi- ble for ensuring that the specified maintenance is performed. Polaris recommends that you cont...

67 MAINTENANCE Polaris Recommended Maintenance Program To ensure many trouble-free miles of snowmobiling enjoyment, follow recommended regular maintenance and perform service checks as out- lined in this manual. Record maintenance and service in the Mainte- nance Log beginning on page 126. The recom...

68 MAINTENANCE Periodic Maintenance Interval Table The following chart is a guide based on average riding conditions. You may need to increase frequency based on riding conditions. When inspection reveals the need for replacement parts, always use genuine Polaris parts, available from your Polaris d...

72 MAINTENANCE Lubrication Front Suspension Lubricate the suspension and steering components with Polaris Pre- mium All-Season Grease at 500 miles (800 km) and annually or every 1000 miles (1600 km) thereafter. See page 111 for the part numbers of Polaris products. The illustration shows the locatio...

73 MAINTENANCE Lubrication Rear Suspension The suspension pivot shafts should be lubricated with Polaris Premium All Season Grease at 500 miles (800 km) initially, every 1000 miles (1600 km) after that, and before off-season storage each year. Lack of lubrication will adversely affect your ride and ...

74 MAINTENANCE Lubrication Jackshaft Bearing The jackshaft bearing on your model may be equipped with a grease fit- ting, but this component is greased for life at the factory. Additional lubrication is not required. Driveshaft Bearing Inject grease into the fitting on the speedometer drive adaptor ...

75 MAINTENANCE Lubrication n Chaincase Oil Level Check the chaincase oil level at the intervals outlined in the mainte- nance charts beginning on page 68. Change the chaincase oil after the first 500 miles (800 km), then every 1000 miles (1600 km) or season- ally. Maintain the oil level between the ...

76 MAINTENANCE Spark Plugs It’s very important to use the correct spark plug for your machine. A spark plug with a heat range too high will cause engine damage. A spark plug with a heat range too low will cause excessive fouling and engine malfunctioning. In selecting a spark plug heat range for pro...

77 MAINTENANCE Spark Plugs Spark plug condition is indicative of engine operation. The spark plug firing end condition should be read after the engine has been warmed up and the vehicle has been driven at higher speeds. Immediately check the spark plug for correct color. NOTE: Incorrect fuel mixture...

78 MAINTENANCE Intake Filter The intake foam filter and screen limits snow ingestion into the intake system. When operating in loose powder snow, check the top of the foam filter and screen periodically to remove any accumulation of snow. NOTE: These illustrations are general representations. Your m...

79 MAINTENANCE Carburetor Water/Sediment Trap Service Most Polaris snowmobiles contain patented carburetor bowl water/sedi- ment traps located at the bottom of each carburetor. The trap, consisting of a hose with a plug, should be drained about every 1000 miles (1600 km) and inspected for contaminat...

80 MAINTENANCE Carburetor The number stamped in the end of the main jet indicates the jet size. The jet installed at the time of manufacture is not necessarily correct for your elevation. It’s your dealer’s responsibility to make sure the correct main jet is installed. Carburetor Adjustments The fre...

81 MAINTENANCE Fuel Filter/Fuel Lines The fuel filter is located inside the fuel tank. This component requires no maintenance. Inspect the fuel lines regularly for signs of deterioration or damage. Always check fuel line condition after periods of storage. Normal dete- rioration from weather and fue...

82 MAINTENANCE Exhaust System Check the exhaust system for wear or damage at approximately 1000 miles (1600 km). To inspect, allow the engine and exhaust system to cool completely. Open the hood and inspect the muffler and pipes for cracks or damage. Check for weak or missing retaining springs or da...

83 MAINTENANCE Brakes n Hydraulic Brake Inspection Inspect the brake lever reserve before each use of the snowmobile. See page 45. Brake pads must be replaced when the brake pad material becomes thin- ner than the backing plate (approximately 1/16 inch/1.5 mm). A kit is available for replacing brake...

84 MAINTENANCE Brakes Brake Fluid The brake fluid level can be seen through a plastic sight glass in the brake reservoir. If the fluid is sufficient, the sight glass will be black. If the sight glass is any color other than black, add brake fluid. We recommend the use of Polaris DOT 4 high temperatu...

85 MAINTENANCE Brakes Bleeding the Hydraulic Brake System Air in the hydraulic brake system will cause spongy brake lever action. Bleed the system before operating the snowmobile. During the bleeding procedure, keep the brake handle as level as possi- ble. The reservoir must be in this position to m...

86 MAINTENANCE Lights Headlight Adjustment The headlight may be adjusted for vertical aim using the following pro- cedure:1. Place the snowmobile on a level surface with the headlight approxi- mately 25 feet (7.6 m) from a wall. 2. Measure the distance from the floor to the center of the headlight a...

87 MAINTENANCE Lights NOTE: Avoid touching a halogen bulb with bare fingers. Oil from skin leaves a residue, causing a hot spot that will shorten the life of the lamp. If fingers do touch the bulb, clean it with an alcohol- moistened towel. Removing Halogen Bulbs 1. Pinch the ends of the spring (1) ...

88 MAINTENANCE Clutch System Periodically inspect the clutch sheaves for damage, wear, or belt resi- due. To maintain optimum performance, clean with non-oil based clean- ers such as isopropyl alcohol. Clutch Alignment Offset Clutch alignment offset is important for maintaining optimum perfor- mance...

89 MAINTENANCE Clutch System n Drive Belt Condition Belt width and length must match the center distance of the clutches and sheave width of the drive clutch. For this reason, Polaris recommends that only O.E.M. belts be used. Other belts may match the dimensions, but can drastically change the shif...

90 MAINTENANCE Clutch System Drive Belt Removal 1. Stop the engine after operating in a forward motion. 2. Turn the ignition key off. Wait for the engine to stop completely. 1. Lock the parking brake (if equipped). 2. Open the hood.3. Remove the clutch guard retain- ing pin and open the clutch guard...

91 MAINTENANCE Clutch System Drive Belt Installation 1. Drop the drive belt over the drive clutch and pull back the slack. NOTE: To ensure satisfactory belt life, install belts so they operate in the same direction of rota- tion by positioning the identification numbers so that you can read them. If...

92 MAINTENANCE Clutch System n Drive Belt Deflection Measure belt deflection with both clutches at rest and in their full neutral position. Place a straight edge on the belt (1) and apply downward pressure while measuring at point 2. This measurement should be 1 1/4 inches (32 mm). Drive Belt Adjust...

93 MAINTENANCE Clutch System Torque Stop Periodically check torque stop clearance. With clutches in proper alignment, the torque stop clearance should be .010-.030 inch (.25-.75 mm) from the engine case. Adjust if necessary, and lock the jam nut. Tool Kit A tool kit is included with each machine for...

94 MAINTENANCE Track Track Inspection 1. Using a hoist, safely lift and support the rear of the snowmobile off the ground. 2. Rotate the track by hand to check for possible damage. 3. Carefully examine the track along the entire length of each rod ( + ). Bend the track to check for break- age. 4. Re...

95 MAINTENANCE Track Track Lubrication The slide rail requires adequate snow cover for sufficient lubrication. Excessive wear indicates insufficient lubrication. A new rail slide can cause faster heat build-up in limited lubrication, resulting in excessive wear. NOTE: If excessive rail slide wear oc...

96 MAINTENANCE Track Track Tension Track adjustment is critical for proper handling. Always maintain cor- rect tension and alignment. Tension adjustments should be made only after the track is warmed up and limber. 1. Turn the engine off.2. Lift the rear of the machine and safely support it off the ...

97 MAINTENANCE Track Track TensionI f the track needs adjustment: 5. Loosen the rear idler shaft bolt. 6. Loosen the locknuts.7. Tighten or loosen the track adjusting screws as necessary to pro- vide equal adjustment on both sides of the track. 8. Repeat the measure- ment on the other side of the tr...

98 MAINTENANCE Track n Track Alignment Periodically check that the track is centered and running evenly on the slide rails. Misalignment will cause excessive wear to the track and slide rail.1. Safely support the rear of the machine with the track off the ground. 2. Start the engine and apply a smal...

99 MAINTENANCE Steering System Steering Inspection Each week, or before a long ride, check fasteners and tighten if neces- sary. Specific fasteners that should be checked are marked with a + in the illustration. + + + + + +

100 MAINTENANCE Steering System Ski Alignment With the handlebars in a straight-ahead position, and with vehicle weight compressing the suspension, measure from the straight edge of the skis at the center of the ski mounting bolt. The measurement between the skis at point X should be 1/8-1/4 inch (3...

101 MAINTENANCE Steering System n Ski Skags Check skags weekly to maintain positive steering characteristics. Skags must be replaced when worn to half their original diameter. NOTE: Carbide skags must be replaced if any abnormal wear or chip- ping is found. Skag Replacement 1. Raise and support the ...

102 MAINTENANCE Suspension Maintenance n Rail Slide Wear For ease of inspection, all Polaris rail slides have a wear limit indicator groove to indicate the minimum per- missible slide thickness. Replace the rail slides if they are worn to the top of the groove at any point along their length. Failur...

103 MAINTENANCE Battery Battery Fluid A poorly maintained battery will deteriorate rapidly. Check the battery fluid level often. The fluid level should be kept between the upper and lower level marks. Add only distilled water. Tap water contains minerals that are harmful to a battery. WARNING Batter...

104 MAINTENANCE Battery Battery Connections Always keep battery terminals and connections free of corrosion. If cleaning is necessary, remove the corrosion with a stiff wire brush. Wash with a solution of one tablespoon baking soda and one cup water. Rinse well with tap water and dry off with clean ...

105 MAINTENANCE Battery Battery Installation Using a new battery that has not been fully charged can damage the bat- tery 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...

106 MAINTENANCE Battery Battery Storage When your snowmobile is placed in storage for one month or more (in summer or in winter):• Remove the battery.• Charge it to the proper level.• Store it in a cool dry place.• Check and/or charge monthly.• Have the battery tested and recharged before reinstalli...

107 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 machine. NOTE: Polaris has accessory cov...

108 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 pl...

109 MAINTENANCE Extended Storage Engine and Carburetor Protection Using a fuel stabilizer and topping off the fuel tank eliminates the need to drain the fuel system. If you prefer to drain the fuel tank, use the fol- lowing procedure:1. Transfer unused fuel from the fuel tank to an approved fuel con...

110 MAINTENANCE Extended Storage Electrical Connections Separate electrical connector blocks and clean corrosive build-up from connectors. Lubricate or pack connector blocks with dielectric grease and re-connect. See page 111 for the part numbers of Polaris products. Replace worn or frayed electrica...

111 POLARIS PRODUCTS Part No. Description Engine Lubricants 2870791 Fogging Oil (12 oz. Aerosol) 2871098 Premium 2-Cycle Engine Oil (qt.) 2871097 Premium 2-Cycle Engine Oil (gal.) 2871240 Premium 2-Cycle Engine Oil (2.5 gal.) 2874438 VES II Synthetic 2-Cycle Engine Oil (qt.) 2874439 VES II Synthetic...

112 SUSPENSION TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Solution (perform only one change at a time) Rear suspension bot- toms too easily • Verify sag dimension (see page 34). Adjust torsion spring blocks or install optional torsion springs to achieve correct sag dimensions. • Increase shock compression damping (see...

113 TROUBLESHOOTING Belt Wear/Burn Troubleshooting Belt Wear/Burn Diagnosis Causes Solutions Driving at low RPM Drive at higher RPMs. Gear the machine down. Check belt deflection. Insufficient warm-up Warm the engine at least five minutes. Take the drive belt off the machine in extremely cold weathe...

114 TROUBLESHOOTING Engine Troubleshooting CAUTION: Unless you have experience and training in two-cycle engine repair, see your dealer if technical problems arise. Problem Probable Cause Solution Erratic engine operating RPM during acceler- ation or load variations Drive clutch binding • Disassembl...

117 WARRANTY Service And Warranty Information Obtaining Service and Warranty Assistance Read and understand the service data and the Polaris warranty informa- tion contained in this manual. Contact your Polaris dealer for replace- ment parts, service or warranty. Your dealer receives frequent update...

118 WARRANTY Service And Warranty Information Polaris Anti-Theft System The Polaris anti-theft system (PATS) monitoring program is designed to aid owners of registered snowmobiles in recovery of stolen machines. Administration 1. Polaris snowmobile owner reports theft. A. In addition to notifying th...

119 WARRANTY Limited Warranty Polaris Sales Inc., 2100 Highway 55, Medina, MN 55340, provides a ONE YEAR LIM- ITED WARRANTY on all components of the Polaris snowmobile against defects in material or workmanship. This warranty covers the parts and labor charges for repair or replacement of defective ...

121 WARRANTY Conditions and Exclusions In order to qualify for warranty, the product must have been properly set up and tested by a Polaris Dealer (if applicable). Failure of any dealer to perform the required vehicle Pre-Delivery Inspection, perform all applicable service bulletins and have the con...

122 WARRANTY Polaris Second Year Engine Service Contract Second Year Engine Service Contract is standard on all eligible new and unused snow- mobiles that were Snow Checked through an authorized Polaris dealer during the March/April Snow Check promotion. The free Second Year Engine Service Contract ...

123 WARRANTY Exported Vehicles EXCEPT WHERE SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED BY LAW, THERE IS NO WAR- RANTY OR SERVICE BULLETIN COVERAGE ON THIS VEHICLE IF IT IS SOLD OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY OF THE SELLING DEALER’S AUTHORIZED LOCA- TION. This policy does not apply to vehicles that have received authorization for e...

124 WARRANTY Snowmobile Engine Emissions Limited Warranty This snowmobile engine emissions limited warranty is in addition to the Polaris standard limited warranty for snowmobiles. Polaris Industries Inc. warrants that at the time it is first purchased, this emissions- certified snowmobile engine is...

126 MAINTENANCE LOG Present this section of your manual to your dealer each time your snow- mobile is serviced. This will provide you and future owners with an accurate log of maintenance and services performed on the snowmobile. DATE MILES (KM) TECHNICIAN SERVICE PERFORMED / COMMENTS 150 mi. (240 k...

130 INDEX A Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Air Box Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Air Pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Apparel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Avalanches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 B Battery . . . . . . . ...