Snowmobile Polaris FS IQ Widetrak (2013 year). Manual - part 18

74

OPERATION

Engine Stop Switch

Push down on the engine stop switch to 
ground out the ignition and stop the 
engine quickly. Pull the switch up to the 
RUN position to allow restarting.

Throttle Safety Switch

The throttle safety switch is designed to limit engine speed to 2400 
RPM whenever all pressure is removed from the throttle lever and the 
throttle cable or throttle valves do not return to the normal closed posi-
tion. If the throttle lever is depressed with a throttle valve error, the Mal-
function Indicator Lamp will come on and vehicle speed will be limited 
to 18 MPH (29 km/h).

See page 33 for more information about conditions that will cause vehi-
cle speed and engine speed to be limited.

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 limit engine speed to 2400 RPM when all pressure is removed 
from the throttle lever during a throttle malfunction, immediately push down the 
engine stop switch. Do not start the engine again until the malfunction has been 
corrected by your dealer.

This four-stroke snowmobile has a self-diagnostic check of the throttle 
safety switch. The switch operation is checked through the engine con-
trol unit for correct operation. If a defective switch is detected by the 
self diagnostics system, the MIL will illuminate. Take your snowmobile 
to an authorized POLARIS dealer for diagnosis and repair if the MIL is 
illuminated.

Stop Switch

75

OPERATION

Throttle Lever

WARNING! An improperly functioning throttle lever may cause erratic machine 
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 speed limits at 2400 RPM when the throttle lever is 
released:

1. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.

2. Visually inspect the throttle cable and 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.

76

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 snowmobile 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. The reverse indicator light in the gauge will illuminate when 
the lever is in the reverse position.

NOTICE: 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.

77

OPERATION

Daily Storage

At the end of each ride, park the snowmobile on a level surface and sup-
port it at the rear with an appropriate track stand. The track should be 
suspended approximately 4 inches (10 cm) off the ground.

Remove the key and cover the snowmobile.

Towing

For your safety, do not attempt to use a 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.

Whenever towing or operating with a heavy load, place the transmission 
in low gear. Towing in high gear can result in belt damage. When oper-
ating in low gear, vehicle speed will be limited to protect the drive train.

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 someone ride 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.