Polaris 550 INDY 144 User manual

PMS 419
Snowmobile Owner's Manual
for Maintenance and Safety
550 INDY

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO OWNER
Modifications to this snowmobile are not recommended
and may result in voided warranty coverage. Please
read the warranty section of this manual carefully.
WARNING
Read, understand, and follow all of the instructions and safety
precautions in this manual and on all product labels.
Failure to follow the safety precautions
could result in serious injury or death.
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
For videos and more information
about a safe riding experience with
your Polaris vehicle, scan this QR
code with your smartphone.

1
WELCOME
Thank you for purchasing a POLARIS vehicle, and welcome to our
world-wide family of POLARIS enthusiasts. Be sure to visit us online at
www.polaris.com for the latest news, new product introductions,
upcoming events, career opportunities and more.
Here at POLARIS we proudly produce an exciting line of utility and
recreational products.
• Snowmobiles
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• Low emission vehicles (LEVs)
•RANGER®utility vehicles
•RZR®sport vehicles
• VICTORY® motorcycles
• GEM® vehicles
We believe POLARIS sets a standard of excellence for all utility and
recreational vehicles manufactured in the world today. Many years of
experience have gone into the engineering, design, and development of
your POLARIS vehicle, making it the finest machine we’ve ever
produced.
For safe and enjoyable operation of your vehicle, be sure to follow the
instructions and recommendations in this owner’s manual. Your manual
contains instructions for minor maintenance, but information about
major repairs is outlined in the POLARIS Service Manual and should be
performed only by a factory certified Master Service Dealer® (MSD)
technician.
Your POLARIS dealer knows your vehicle best and is interested in your
total satisfaction. Be sure to return to your dealership for all of your
service needs during, and after, the warranty period.

2
The following are trademarks of POLARIS Industries Inc.:
Copyright 2015 POLARIS Industries Inc. All information contained within this
publication is based on the latest product information at the time of publication. Due to
constant improvements in the design and quality of production components, some minor
discrepancies may result between the actual vehicle and the information presented in
this publication. Depictions and/or procedures in this publication are intended for
reference use only. No liability can be accepted for omissions or inaccuracies. Any
reprinting or reuse of the depictions and/or procedures contained within, whether whole
or in part, is expressly prohibited.
The original instructions for this vehicle are in English. Other languages are provided as
translations of the original instructions.
Printed in U.S.A.
2016 550 INDY 121 Owner's Manual
P/N 9925966
POLARIS® INDY® PERC®

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
This section contains helpful information for owners and drivers and
illustrates the location of important identification numbers that should
be recorded in the owner's manual.
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
This section describes safe vehicle operation and identifies warning
labels and their locations.
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
This section identifies the locations of your snowmobile's controls and
features.
The Perfect Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
This section includes suspension set-up information and explains how to
make additional suspension adjustments for the perfect riding
experience.
Pre-Ride Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
This section explains procedures that must be performed before riding.
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
This section explains proper engine break-in, operation of features and
general operating procedures.
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
This section defines your role, and your dealer's role, in your
snowmobile's regular maintenance.
Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
POLARIS Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

4

5
INTRODUCTION
Important Notes for Owners and Drivers
After reading this manual, store it in the snowmobile for convenient
reference. It should remain with the snowmobile when the snowmobile
is sold.
Some of the illustrations and photos used in this manual are general
representations. Your model may differ.
Follow the maintenance program outlined in this manual. Preventive
maintenance ensures that critical components of the snowmobile are
inspected by your dealer at specific mileage intervals.
You and your dealer must complete the registration form included with
your snowmobile and forward it to us. This completed form is necessary
to ensure warranty coverage.
Protect and preserve your right to ride by joining your local trail riding
clubs.
When teaching inexperienced operators to ride, set up a predetermined
course for practice. Make sure they know how to drive and control the
snowmobile before allowing them to make longer trips. Teach them
proper snowmobile courtesy, and enroll them in driver’s training and
safety courses sponsored by local or state organizations.

6
INTRODUCTION
Preservation of the Environment
POLARIS is committed to supporting an environmental education
campaign. We encourage state and provincial governments across the
snowbelt to adopt rigorous safety training programs that encourage
protection of our environment, including wildlife and vegetation.
Snowmobile clubs and other organizations are working together to
protect our environment. Please support their efforts and operate your
snowmobile with consideration for the protection and preservation of
our environment.
Noise Level
One of the most publicized issues about snowmobiles is noise. The
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the standard-setting body for
snowmobile development, recommends that snowmobiles conform to
prescribed sound levels.
POLARIS snowmobiles are engineered to conform to these SAE
standards. Our muffler systems are designed to reduce noise levels and
must not be altered or removed. The sound of your snowmobile may not
be welcome to non-snowmobilers, so you have a responsibility to
operate your snowmobile with concern for others. We do our part by
manufacturing quieter machines; we ask your help to further reduce the
impact of noise by operating your snowmobile safely and responsibly.
Air Pollution
POLARIS engineers continuously investigate ways to reduce emission
levels of two-stroke engines. We expect our efforts to lead to the
reduction of potential air pollution.
In addition to our technological research, we encourage government
agencies, manufacturers, distributors, dealers, ecologists, and other
interested parties to work together to develop data on environmental
topics.

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 lost, the ignition switch
must be replaced.
NOTICE: If installing an aftermarket tunnel wrap, do not cover the tunnel
certification, tunnel VIN or emissions certification labels with the wrap.
If the tunnel wrap doesn’t provide an opening for these labels, remove
the section of wrap where the labels are located.
Vehicle Model Number: ___________________________________________________
Tunnel VIN (right side of tunnel): ____________________________________________
Engine Serial Number (on recoil housing): _____________________________________
Key Number: ____________________________________________________________
Tunnel VIN
Certification
Label Emissions
Certification Label

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
symbols are used. Become familiar with their meanings before reading
the manual.
The safety alert symbol indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
DANGER
A DANGER indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in
death or serious injury.
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION
A CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
A NOTICE indicates a situation that could result in property damage.
The Prohibition Safety Sign indicates an action NOT to take in order
to avoid a hazard.
The Mandatory Action Sign indicates an action that NEEDS to be
taken to avoid a hazard.

9
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Follow the recommended maintenance program beginning on page 67
of this manual to ensure that all critical components on the snowmobile
are thoroughly inspected by your dealer at specific mileage intervals.
Driving a snowmobile requires your full attention. DO NOT drink alcohol or use
drugs or medications before or while driving or riding as a passenger. They will
reduce your alertness and slow your reaction time.
Snowmobiles are capable of traveling at high speeds. Use extra caution to
ensure operator safety. Make sure your snowmobile is in excellent operating
condition at all times. Always check major and vital safety components before
every ride.
All POLARIS snowmobiles are designed and tested to provide safe operation
when used as directed. Failure of critical machine components may result from
operation with any modifications, especially those that increase speed or power.
DO NOT MODIFY YOUR MACHINE. The snowmobile may become aerody-
namically unstable at speeds higher than those for which it is designed. Loss of
control may occur at higher speeds. Modifications may also create a safety haz-
ard and lead to bodily injury.
The warranty on your entire machine is terminated if any equipment has been
added, or any modifications have been made, to increase the speed or power of
the snowmobile.
WARNING

10
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Stay Clear of Track
Your snowmobile is propelled by a revolving track that must be partially
exposed for proper operation. Do not stand on the plastic flap.
WARNING! Serious injuries may result if
hands, feet, or clothing become entangled
in the track. Be alert when riding, and
remain properly seated to stay clear of the
track. Never hold the snowmobile up or
stand behind it while warming up the track.
A loose track or flying debris could cause
serious injury or death. We recommend
having your dealer perform all track service
and alignment procedures.
Stay Clear of Engine
Never attempt adjustments with the engine running. Turn off the
ignition, open the side panels or hood, make the adjustment, secure
shields and guards, secure the side panels and hood, and then restart the
engine to check its operation.
WARNING! Serious injury can occur if fingers or clothing contact the moving
parts of an engine. Always stop the engine before attempting adjustments.
Riding Position
Operating a snowmobile requires skill and balance for proper control.
Rider positions may vary with experience and the features available on
some snowmobiles, but under many conditions, the proper position is to
be seated with both feet on the running boards and both hands on the
handlebar grips for proper throttle, brake and steering control.
WARNING! Improper riding position may reduce control and could result in
serious injury or death. Always ride in a position that allows for control of your
vehicle.

11
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Riding Apparel
Helmet
Wearing a helmet can prevent a severe head injury. Whenever riding a
POLARIS vehicle, always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds
established safety standards.
Approved helmets in the USA and Canada bear a U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT) label.
Approved helmets in Europe, Asia and Oceania
bear the ECE 22.05 label. The ECE mark consists
of a circle surrounding the letter E, followed by the
distinguishing number of the country which has
granted approval. The approval number and serial
number will also be displayed on the label.
Eye Protection
Do not depend on eyeglasses or sunglasses for eye protection.
Whenever riding a POLARIS vehicle, always wear shatterproof goggles
or use a shatterproof helmet face shield. POLARIS recommends
wearing approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) bearing
markings such as VESC 8, V-8, Z87.1, or CE. Make sure protective eye
wear is kept clean.
Clothing
Be prepared, be warm and be
comfortable when riding. Be aware of
the weather forecast, especially the
windchill, and dress accordingly. See
the chart on page 20.
WARNING! Avoid wearing loose clothing or
long scarves, which can become entangled
in moving parts and cause serious injury.
Always wear an approved helmet and eye
protection.
E
4
051039
0006.31

12
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Disabled Operators
Safe operation of this rider-active vehicle requires good judgement and
physical skills. Operators with cognitive or physical disabilities have an
increased risk of loss of control, which could result in serious injury or
death.
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 that's appropriate to the
conditions you may encounter. Such equipment may include, but is not
limited to: extra clothing, a sleeping bag, a flashlight, food and water, a
signaling mirror, a means of building a fire, and a two-way radio or
cellular telephone.
Always carry the owner’s manual on your snowmobile. For added
protection, purchase and carry the following items on your snowmobile
as well:
• Spare Drive Belt • Winter Survival Kit
• Extra Set of Spark Plugs • Trail Map
•TowRope •FirstAidKit
• Extra Oil • Tool Kit
• Fuel Deicer

13
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Rider Capacity
This snowmobile is designed for a single rider only. Never carry a
passenger on this snowmobile.
Excessive Speed
WARNING! High speed driving, especially at night, could result in serious injury
or death. Always reduce speed when driving at night or in inclement weather.
Always observe all state and local laws governing snowmobile
operation and speed limits. Always be alert and pay attention to the trail
ahead. If your speed is 40 MPH (64 km/h), your snowmobile is traveling
about 60 feet (18 m) per second. If you look back for only two seconds,
your snowmobile will travel about 120 feet (36 m). If your speed is 60
MPH (96 km/h), your snowmobile will travel about 180 feet (55 m) in
two seconds.
Traveling at night requires extra caution. Check headlight and taillight
to ensure proper operation, and don’t over-drive your headlight beam.
Always be able to bring your snowmobile to a stop in the distance
illuminated by the headlight.

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 wires on utility poles are
also difficult to distinguish.
Make sure the way is clear before crossing
railroads and other roads and highways. The
noise of your snowmobile will drown out the
sound of approaching vehicles. Look ahead,
behind, and to both sides before turning or
crossing railroad tracks or highways. Steep
embankments may also hide your view. Always
leave yourself a way out.
Variances in snow depth and/or water currents
may result in uneven ice thickness. You may drown if you break through
the ice. Never travel on frozen bodies of water unless you have first
verified that the ice is sufficiently thick to support the weight and
moving force of the snowmobile, you and your cargo, together with any
other vehicles in your party. Always check with local authorities and
residents to confirm ice conditions and thickness over your entire route.
Snowmobile operators assume all risk associated with ice conditions on
frozen bodies of water.
When teaching inexperienced operators to ride, set up a predetermined
course for practice. Make sure they know how to drive and control the
snowmobile before allowing them to make longer trips. Teach them
proper snowmobile courtesy, and enroll them in driver's training and
safety courses.
RR

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.
You don't have to be snowmobiling on a slope for an avalanche to occur.
Be aware that all of the snow is connected. You may be riding on a flat
slope or snow covered road, but if the snowpack above is unstable
enough you can trigger an avalanche on a steeper slope above you.
Always be aware of snow conditions above you as you travel in
mountainous terrain.
Before riding in mountainous terrain, call or log on to your local
avalanche advisory to get current weather and snow stability
information.
For more information about avalanche training and avalanche
conditions, contact local law enforcement in your area, or visit the
American and Canadian online avalanche centers at
www.avalanche.org.

16
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Ice and Snow Build-up
WARNING! Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your
snowmobile, resulting in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free
of snow and ice.
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, remove ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing
the steering linkage.
Driving on Slippery Surfaces
WARNING! Never attempt an abrupt change of direction when operating on
slippery surfaces. Proceed slowly and use extra caution. Driving on ice or hard-
packed snow reduces steering and braking control, which may result in loss of
control and serious injury or death. Slow down and use extra caution when
operating on slippery surfaces.
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 snowmobile.
NOTICE: Driving in too little snow will result in excessive wear and damage to
the slide rail, track and/or engine.
WARNING! Inadequate cooling and lubrication will lead to overheating of the
slide rail and track, causing premature wear, damage and failure, which can
result in serious injury. Reduce speeds and frequently drive into fresh snow to
allow adequate cooling and polishing of the slide rail and track surfaces. Avoid
operating for prolonged periods on ice, hard-packed surfaces or roads.
Operating in Deep Snow
If the snowmobile becomes stuck in snow, clear the running board area
of snow, then step down the snow in front of the snowmobile so that
when the throttle is opened, the snowmobile will be able to climb up and
over the snow.

17
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Driving Downhill
When riding downhill, shift your weight to the rear of the snowmobile
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
snowmobile and keep it from rolling freely downhill.
WARNING! When driving on long downhill stretches, pump the brakes. Riding
the brakes may cause the brake system to overheat, which may result in brake
failure. Excessive or repetitive use of the brakes for high speed stops will also
cause an overheated brake system. This condition may lead to a sudden loss of
brakes and/or fire and may result in serious injury or death.
Driving in Hilly Terrain
WARNING! Climbing a hill or crossing the face of a slope may result in loss of
balance and snowmobile rollover, causing serious injury or death. Use caution
and good judgement when driving in hilly terrain.
Use extra caution when operating in hilly terrain. If climbing a hill is
unavoidable, keep your weight low and forward. If you must cross the
face of a slope, keep your weight on the uphill side of the snowmobile to
maintain proper balance and avoid possible roll-over.
Slow down when reaching the crest of a hill. Be prepared to react to
obstacles, sharp drops or other people or vehicles that may be on the
other side of the hill.
If you're unable to continue up a hill, turn the snowmobile downhill
before it loses momentum. If this isn't possible, spin the track just
enough to dig in to prevent it from rolling back down the hill. Stop the
engine and set the parking brake (if equipped). Keeping away from the
downhill side of the snowmobile, pull the rear of the snowmobile
around and point the front end and skis downhill. Remount the
snowmobile, restart the engine, release the parking brake, and descend
the hill carefully.

18
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Drive Belt
Do not operate the engine with the drive belt removed.
Any servicing that requires operation without a belt must be performed
by your dealer.
NOTICE: Operation of the engine with the belt removed may result in injury or
damage to the engine.
Intake Silencer
Do not operate the engine with the intake silencer or filter removed.
NOTICE: 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 clutch is a
complex mechanism that rotates at high speeds. Each clutch is
dynamically balanced before installation. Any tampering may disrupt
this precision balancing and create an unstable condition.
Cold Weather Drive-Away
Whenever your snowmobile has been parked for a length of time,
especially overnight, always make sure the skis and track are loosened
from ice and snow before attempting to drive. Apply the throttle with
enough authority to put the snowmobile into motion, but always operate
within safety limits.
Maneuverability
While much control and maneuverability is achieved through the
steering system and skis, maximum control is achieved by the shifting
of your body weight. Maneuverability will change for lighter operators
or snowmobiles designed to carry a load.