Snowmobile Polaris 550 Transport Trail Touring. Manual - part 1

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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.