Snowmobile Polaris 600 Switchback / 800 Switchback (2013 year). Manual - part 18

72

OPERATION

Fuel Recommendation

For peak performance, POLARIS recommends the use of 91 octane fuel 
or higher. Although 87 octane fuel is usable, some engine performance 
will be lost and fuel economy will decrease. Do not use lower than 87 
octane fuel. Do not use fuel containing more than 10% ethanol. Never 
use E85 fuel in your snowmobile.

NOTICE: Operating with obstructed fuel systems will result in serious engine 

damage. Perform maintenance as recommended.

Prolonged exposure to petroleum based products may damage paint. 
Always protect painted surfaces when handling fuel.

Fuel System Deicers

If you use non-ethanol fuel (sometimes labeled “non-oxygenated”), 
POLARIS recommends the regular use of isopropyl-based fuel system 
deicer. Add one to two ounces per gallon (8-16 ml per liter) of gasoline 
to prevent damage resulting from fuel system icing. Never use deicers 
or additives containing methanol. POLARIS recommends the use of 
Carbon Clean Plus. See page 116 for the part numbers of POLARIS 
products.

If you use fuel with up to 10% ethanol (sometimes labeled “oxygen-
ated”) do not add deicers or additives that contain any form of alcohol. 

73

OPERATION

Oil

Low Oil Level

Always maintain the oil level between 
the “add” mark and the bottle neck. 
Do not fill the bottle neck. See page 
68 for oil recommendations.

1. Immediately stop the engine if the 

low oil indicator light comes on.

2. Open the left side panel.

3. View the oil level in the oil bottle.

4. Add oil as needed before operating. 

NOTICE: Operating the snowmobile without adequate engine lubrication can 

result in serious engine damage. Always check the oil level when refu-
eling. Add oil as needed.

The oil bottle cap is vented to allow proper oil flow. See your POLARIS 
dealer for recommended replacement parts.

“Add” 

Mark

74

OPERATION

Engine Stop Switch

Push down on the engine 
stop switch (X) to ground 
out the ignition and stop 
the engine quickly. Pull 
the switch up to the ON 
position to allow restart-
ing.

Throttle Safety Switch

The throttle safety switch is designed to stop the engine whenever all 
pressure is removed from the throttle lever and the throttle cable or 
valves do not return to the normal closed position.

WARNING! Operating the snowmobile with a faulty throttle safety switch can 
result in serious injury or death in the event of an accident. If the throttle safety 
switch does not shut off the engine during a carburetor/throttle system 
malfunction, immediately push down the engine stop switch. Do not start the 
engine again until the malfunction has been corrected by your dealer.

Test the throttle safety switch 
system daily before operation.

1. Sit on the seat.

2. Start the engine and allow it 

to idle.

3. Hold the throttle lever pin 

stationary by exerting pres-
sure on the pivot pin in the direction shown in the illustration.

4. Apply a slight amount of throttle. A properly functioning switch 

must shut down the engine.

x

75

OPERATION

Throttle Lever

WARNING! An improperly functioning throttle lever may cause erratic 
snowmobile behavior and loss of control, which could result in serious injury or 
death. If the throttle lever does not work properly, DO NOT start the engine.

If the engine stops abruptly when the throttle lever is released:

1. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.

2. Visually inspect the throttle cable and carburetor/throttle body to 

determine what caused the safety switch to activate.

3. Test the throttle lever by compressing and releasing it several times. 

The lever and cable must return to the idle position quickly and 
completely.

4. If the throttle lever operates properly, turn the ignition switch on and 

go through normal starting procedures.

5. If the engine doesn't start, take the snowmobile to an authorized 

POLARIS dealer for service.

Excessive freeplay in the throttle cable may cause the safety switch to 
activate, preventing the engine from starting. If this occurs, return the 
snowmobile to an authorized POLARIS dealer for service. 

If an emergency exists and it's necessary to start the engine, the throttle 
safety switch and engine stop switch may be disconnected from the wire 
harness. When these switches are disconnected, the ignition key switch 
must be used to shut off the engine. DO NOT continue to operate the 
snowmobile with the throttle safety switch disconnected. Return the 
snowmobile to an authorized POLARIS dealer for service as soon as 
possible.