Polaris 550 Transport User manual

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.

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 recre-
ational products.
• Snowmobiles
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
•RANGER utility vehicles
• Victory motorcycles
We believe Polaris sets a standard of excellence for all utility and recre-
ational vehicles manufactured in the world today. Many years of experi-
ence 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 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!

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POLARIS and POLARIS THE WAY OUT are registered trademarks of Polaris Indus-
tries Inc.
Copyright 2008 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.
Printed in U.S.A.
2009 550 Transport/Trail Touring Deluxe Owner's Manual
P/N 9921592

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
This section identifies the locations of your snowmobile's controls and
features.
The Perfect Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
This section explains how to tailor the suspension and other features for
an optimum 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
This section defines your role, and your dealer's role, in your snowmo-
bile's regular maintenance.
Polaris Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Maintenance Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Record maintenance and service in the log for your reference and for
future owners of the vehicle.
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

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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:_____________________________________________________________
(lower right side of the tunnel)
Engine Serial Number: ____________________________________________________
(right front side of engine crankcase)
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.
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.
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.

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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 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 lev-
els 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.

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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 manual, alerts you to the
potential for injury.
WARNING
The safety alert warning indicates a potential hazard that may result in serious
injury or death.
CAUTION
The safety alert caution indicates a potential hazard that may result in minor
injury or damage to the vehicle.
CAUTION
A caution indicates a situation that may result in damage to the vehicle.
NOTE
A note will alert you to important information or instructions.

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SAFETY
Operator Safety
Follow the recommended maintenance program beginning on page 72
of this manual to ensure that all critical components on the snowmobile
are thoroughly inspected by your dealer at specific mileage intervals.
WARNING
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.