Snowmobile Polaris Widetrak LX (2014 year). Manual - part 14

57

OPERATION

Emergency Stopping

The following chart lists methods for stopping the snowmobile in the 
event of an emergency. Refer to page 55 for more information about the 
engine stop switch and throttle safety switch.

Emergency Starting

Your snowmobile is equipped with a tool kit containing essential tools 
for emergency use. Snowmobiles equipped with electric start have a 
recoil for emergency starting. If the recoil starter system fails, an 
emergency start strap is provided in the kit.

SYSTEM

WHAT IT DOES

THROTTLE

CONDITION

Ignition Switch

Interrupts ignition circuit

All

Brake

Slows jackshaft

All

Choke

Floods engine

Half throttle or less

Engine Stop Switch

Interrupts ignition circuit

All

Throttle Safety Switch

Interrupts ignition circuit

All

58

OPERATION

Reverse Operation

WARNING! Improper reverse operation, even at low speeds, may cause loss of 
control, resulting in serious injury or death. Damage will occur to the gearcase or 
transmission if shifting is attempted when the engine is operating above idle 
speed. 

• Shift to or from reverse only when the snowmobile is stopped and when 

engine speed is at idle.

• Look behind the vehicle before and while backing.

• Avoid sharp turns.

• Apply throttle slowly.

Mechanical Reverse

Make sure the shift lever is shifted completely into forward or reverse 
position. Some models are equipped with a reverse indicator light that 
will help you make that determination.

Do not force the shift lever into 
reverse if resistance is felt. The 
gears may not always be 
aligned for shifting into 
reverse, and forcing the lever 
may cause damage. If 
resistance is felt, gently apply 
the throttle to move the gears to 
a different position and try to 
shift again.

The transmission may not 
always be in the gear indicated 
by the shift lever. Apply the throttle slowly until you're sure which gear 
is engaged.

Sometimes the drive belt will drag in the drive clutch, causing slight 
tension in the transmission and making it hard to shift. Shutting the 
engine off will remove this tension and ease shifting. This should only 
happen during the break-in of a new belt or when the drive/driven clutch 
center distance is too long. If this is the case, belt tension adjustments 
should be made by your dealer.

Shifter

59

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.

Whenever towing or operating with a heavy load, place the transmission 
in low gear. Towing in high gear can result in belt damage.

NOTICE: When operating in low gear, never exceed 25 MPH (40 km/h). Serious 

engine damage may occur.

For your safety, do not attempt to using the tow hitch until you’ve read 
the following warnings and understand the proper hitch functions.

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 
toboggan or sled, make sure the pole is at least four feet (1.2 meters) long to 
prevent 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 control of the snowmobile.

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. 
Place the transmission in neutral, and have a rider on the towed 
snowmobile to operate the brake and steering when necessary.

NOTICE: Towing a disabled snowmobile with the transmission in gear can result 

in serious damage to the engine and drive system. Always place the 
transmission of the disabled snowmobile in neutral before towing.

60

MAINTENANCE

Emission Control Information

Any qualified repair shop or qualified person may maintain, replace, or 
repair the emission control devices or systems on your snowmobile.

Emission Control Label

Your snowmobile is equipped at the time of sale with an emission 
control information (ECI) label and a factory-installed emissions 
information hangtag. These items are required by U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency regulations. The ECI label is permanently affixed to 
either the right side of the tunnel or the engine recoil cover. The ECI 
label should not be removed, even after you purchase the snowmobile. 
You may remove the factory-installed emissions information hangtag, 
which is intended solely for your use in making a purchasing decision.

Emission Control Maintenance Requirements

Your snowmobile is certified to operate on gasoline with a minimum 
octane level of 87 (R+M)/2. If your snowmobile is equipped with a 
check engine light and it comes on, you must take your snowmobile to a 
qualified dealer for diagnostic service. Specifications and adjustments 
for engine tune-ups are located in the Service Manual, which is 
available to your qualified service technician. Reverse (if equipped) 
must not be engaged during engine tune-ups.

Owner's Responsibilities

Please read the Snowmobile Engine Emissions Limited Warranty, and 
read the maintenance section of your owner's manual. You are 
responsible for ensuring that the specified maintenance is performed. 
POLARIS recommends that you contact an authorized POLARIS dealer 
to perform any service that may be necessary.

Non-ionizing Radiation

This vehicle emits some electromagnetic energy. People with active or 
non-active implantable medical devices (such as heart monitoring or 
controlling devices) should review the limitations of their device and the 
applicable electromagnetic standards and directives that apply to this 
vehicle.