Polaris 550 IQ Shift 2012 Guide

PMS 419
Snowmobile Owner's Manual
for Maintenance and Safety
550 IQ Shift
550 IQ Shift ES
550 Shift 136
550 Shift 136 ES
550 IQ LXT

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.

The text is printed on 100% recycled
with 40% post-consumer waste (PCW).

For your nearest Polaris dealer,
call 1-800-POLARIS
or visit www.polarisindustries.com
Polaris Sales Inc.,
2100 Hwy. 55, Medina, MN 55340
Phone [phone]
Part No. 9923365 Rev 01
Printed in USA
PMS 419
*9923365 *

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.polarisindustries.com for the latest news, new product introduc-
tions, 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)
•RANGER®utility vehicles
• Victory Motorcycles®
• Low emission vehicles (LEVs)
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 pro-
duced.
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 ser-
vice needs during, and after, the warranty period.
We also take great pride in our complete line of apparel, parts and acces-
sories, available through our online store at www.purepolaris.com. Have
your accessories and clothing delivered right to your door!

2
The following are registered trademarks of POLARIS Industries Inc.:
Copyright 2011 POLARIS Sales 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 discrep-
ancies may result between the actual vehicle and the information presented in this publi-
cation. 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.
Owner's Manual P/N 9923365
2012 550 IQ SHIFT/ES, 550 SHIFT 136/ES, 550 IQ LXT
POLARIS®IQ®PERC®
THE WAY OUT®IQ SHIFT®

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
This section describes safe vehicle operation and identifies warning
decals and their locations.
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
This section identifies the locations of your snowmobile's controls and
features.
The Perfect Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
This section explains how to tailor the suspension and other features for
an optimum riding experience.
Pre-Ride Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
This section explains procedures that must be performed before riding.
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
This section explains proper engine break-in, operation of features and
general operating procedures.
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
This section defines your role, and your dealer's role, in your snowmo-
bile's regular maintenance.
POLARIS Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

4
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.
Vehicle Model Number: ___________________________________________________
Tunnel VIN (right side of the tunnel): _________________________________________
Engine Serial Number (on recoil housing): ____________________________________
Key Number: ___________________________________________________________
Important Notes for Owners and Drivers
After reading this manual, store it in the snowmobile for convenient ref-
erence. It should remain with the snowmobile when the snowmobile is
sold.
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 neces-
sary to ensure warranty coverage.
Protect and preserve your right to ride by joining your local trail riding
clubs.
Tunnel VIN

5
INTRODUCTION
Preservation of the Environment
POLARIS is committed to supporting an environmental education cam-
paign. We encourage governments to adopt rigorous safety training pro-
grams that encourage protection of our environment, including wildlife
and vegetation.
Snowmobile clubs and other organizations are working together to pro-
tect 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 stan-
dards. 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 reduc-
tion 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.

6
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 indicates a potential personal injury hazard.
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION
A CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
A NOTICE indicates a situation that may 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.

7
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Follow the recommended maintenance program beginning on page 62
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
aerodynamically 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 hazard 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

8
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Stay Clear of Track
Your snowmobile is propelled by a revolving track that must be partially
exposed for proper operation.
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 igni-
tion, raise the hood, make the adjustment, secure shields and guards,
secure the 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.

9
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Riding Apparel
Be prepared, be warm and be com-
fortable when riding. Be aware of the
weather forecast, especially the wind-
chill, 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.
Helmet
Wearing a helmet can prevent a
severe head injury. Whenever riding a
POLARIS vehicle, always wear a helmet that meets or exceeds estab-
lished 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. When-
ever 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.
E
4
051039
0006.31

10
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 that's appropriate to the condi-
tions you may encounter. Such equipment may include, but is not lim-
ited 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 cel-
lular telephone.
For added protection, carry the following items on your snowmobile at
all times:
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.
Cargo Overload
Too much weight on the rear of the machine may reduce your ability to
steer. If equipped, do not exceed carrier and rack weight limits, and do
not allow a passenger to sit on the cargo carrier.
• Spare Drive Belt • Winter Survival Kit
• Extra Set of Spark Plugs • Trail Map
• Tow Rope • Owner's Manual
• Extra Oil • First Aid Kit
• Fuel Deicer • Tool Kit

11
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Rider Capacity
Driving 1-Up - Some POLARIS snowmobiles are designed for a single
rider only. A decal on the console of these models indicates single rider
operation. Never carry a passenger on a single-rider snowmobile.
Driving 2-Up - Some POLARIS snowmobiles are designed for up to
two riders. A decal on the console of these models indicates that the
vehicle is designed for one operator and one passenger only.
WARNING! Control becomes more difficult with two people on board. More
space is required to make turns, and longer distances are needed for stopping.
Make sure the passenger remains seated behind the driver, facing forward, with
both feet placed firmly on the running boards. Slow down and avoid “jumping”
your snowmobile.
Snowmobiles designed for two riders should never be operated with
more than two people on board. When traveling with a passenger, it’s
the driver’s responsibility to operate the snowmobile safely.
Slow down! Control becomes more difficult with two people on board.
More space is required to make turns, and longer distances are necessary
for stopping.
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 laws governing snowmobile operation and speed
limits. Always be alert and pay attention to the trail ahead. Multiplying
speed (MPH) by 1.5 will equal the approximate number of feet per sec-
ond your machine travels. If your speed is 40 MPH, your machine is
traveling about 60 feet per second. If you look back for only two sec-
onds, your machine will travel about 120 feet. If your speed is 60 MPH,
your machine will travel about 180 feet 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 machine to a stop in the distance illumi-
nated by the headlight.

12
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 machine will drown out
the sound of approaching vehicles. Look
ahead, behind, and to both sides before
turning or crossing railroad tracks or high-
ways. 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. Always check with local residents or authorities for general
information on conditions when traveling on lakes and streams that are
strange to you. Before riding your snowmobile on a frozen body of
water, be sure the ice is thick enough to support the snowmobile and its
operator, as well as the force created by a moving vehicle. You may
drown if you and the snowmobile break through the ice.
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.
RR

13
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 moun-
tainous terrain.
Before riding in mountainous terrain, call or log on to your local ava-
lanche advisory to get current weather and snow stability information.
For more information about avalanche training and avalanche condi-
tions, contact local law enforcement in your area, or visit either the
American Avalanche Association online at www.americanavalancheas-
sociation.org or the U.S. Forest Service National Avalanche Center at
www.avalanche.org.

14
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Ice and Snow Build-up
WARNING! Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your
machine, 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.

15
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.
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.

16
SAFETY
Operator Safety
Driving in Hilly Terrain
WARNING! Climbing a hill or crossing the face of a slope may result in loss of
balance and machine roll-over, 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 machine 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 machine 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 machine, pull the rear of the snowmobile around and point
the front end and skis downhill. Remount the machine, restart the
engine, release the parking brake, and descend the hill carefully.