Snowmobile Polaris 550 Transport Trail Touring. Manual - part 17

66

OPERATION

Reverse Operation

Electronic Reverse (PERCt)

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 but-

ton (+) on the left-hand con-

trol for one second, then 

release. The engine will auto-

matically reduce RPM and 

start a reverse rotation. A 

flashing reverse light on the 

instrument panel will indicate 

that the transmission is in 

reverse.

4. Apply the throttle slowly to 

make sure the transmission is 

in reverse.

NOTE: The maximum engine RPM will be 6000 when in reverse. 
NOTE: If the engine stops running, the snowmobile will be in forward 

gear when it's restarted.

+

67

OPERATION

Reverse Operation

Electronic Reverse (PERCt)

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 slowly to make sure the transmission is in for-

ward.

Altitude Setting
At higher altitudes (above 6000 feet), the engine will require a different 

ignition setting to improve the success of the reverse system. To set for a 

higher altitude, start the engine and hold the button down until the light 

on the instrument panel flashes rapidly, then release the button.

To set the reverse for lower elevations, continue holding the button 

down until the reverse indicator light blinks slowly. Once set, it's stored 

in memory until changed, whether the machine is running or not.

CAUTION

Engaging the starter when the engine is running WILL result in serious 

engine damage, especially if the transmission is in reverse. Never engage 

the starter when the engine is running.

68

OPERATION

Daily Storage

At the end of each ride, park the snow-

mobile on a level surface and support it 

at the rear with an appropriate track 

stand. The track should be suspended 

approximately 4I (10 cm) off the 

ground. Remove the key and cover the 

machine.

69

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 use a tow hitch until you've read the 

following warnings and understand the proper hitch functions.

If the snowmobile becomes inoperable and must be towed, and if it isn't 

possible to use a rigid tow bar, attach the tow rope to the ski spindles 

(not to the ski loops) to prevent damage to the steering components. 

Remove the drive belt before towing, and have someone ride on the 

towed snowmobile to operate the brake and steering when necessary.

WARNING

Objects towed with a rope have no braking power and can easily collide with 

the rear of the snowmobile or other objects, resulting in serious injury or 

death. DO NOT tow toboggans, sleds, saucers, or any type of vehicle with a 

rope. Only a stiff metal pole connecting the towed object and the tow hitch on 

the snowmobile should be used. If passengers are to be towed on a tobog-

gan or sled, make sure the pole is at least four feet (1.2 meters) long to pre-

vent any possibility of contact between the snowmobile's track and a person 

riding in the towed object.
Braking distances increase when towing loads. Slow down to maintain con-

trol of the snowmobile.

CAUTION

Towing a disabled snowmobile with the drive belt in place can result in seri-

ous damage to the engine and drive system. Always remove the drive belt 

from a disabled snowmobile before towing.