Snowmobile Polaris FS IQ Widetrak (2013 year). Manual - part 25

102

MAINTENANCE

Cooling System

Coolant

The coolant supplied in the system is a 60/40 mixture of ethylene-glycol 
and distilled water. This mixture provides protection against freezing. 
Contact your dealer if greater protection is required.

Use Premium 60/40 anti-freeze coolant, which is already premixed and 
ready to use. Do not dilute with water. Never exceed a 60% antifreeze/
40% water mixture. See page 133 for the part numbers of POLARIS 
products.

Tip: Never add tap water to the cooling system. Minerals cause deposits and 

may react adversely with the metals in the engine and cooling system.

Use of a non-standard pressure cap will not allow the recovery system to 
function properly. If the pressure cap needs replacement, contact your 
dealer for the correct part.

CAUTION! Steam and hot liquids will cause burns to your skin. Never remove 
the pressure cap when the engine is warm or hot.

103

MAINTENANCE

Cooling System

Coolant Level

The engine coolant level is 
controlled by the recovery 
system. The recovery system 
components are:

• Coolant recovery bottle

• Coolant reservoir

• Pressure cap

• Connecting hoses

Always maintain the coolant 
level at the “COLD FILL” 
mark on the coolant recovery 
bottle (when the engine is 
cold).

NOTICE: Operating the snowmobile with insufficient coolant will result in 

overheating and serious engine damage. Always maintain the coolant 
level as recommended.

“COLD 

FILL” Level

104

MAINTENANCE

Cooling System

Coolant High Temperature Indicator Light

The high temperature indicator light will illuminate when engine cool-
ant temperature becomes too hot for safe continued operation of the 
engine. Stop the snowmobile and allow the engine to cool. To cool the 
engine, drive the snowmobile into soft snow so that it comes into con-
tact with the heat exchangers on the snowmobile. Alternately, you can 
stop the snowmobile and pack snow or ice onto the heat exchangers to 
bring the temperature of the engine down.

If coolant is low in the coolant reservoir, add coolant to the coolant 
recovery bottle. Do not open the radiator pressure cap. 

CAUTION! Steam and hot liquids will cause burns to your skin. Never remove 
the pressure cap when the engine is warm or hot, or if any part of the cooling 
system is warm or hot.

NOTICE: Operating the snowmobile when the high temperature indicator light is 

illuminated can result in serious engine damage. Always stop the 
snowmobile and cool the engine when the high temperature indicator 
light illuminates.

Drive in adequate snow to prevent overheating. If you must drive your 
snowmobile after the high temperature indicator light has illuminated, 
drive in deep snow. Drive slowly and stop frequently to allow the engine 
to cool down. Engine performance will be reduced if you continue oper-
ating when the high temperature light is illuminated.

105

MAINTENANCE

Cooling System

Flushing the Cooling System

To ensure that the coolant maintains its ability to protect the engine, the 
system should be completely drained every two years and a fresh mix-
ture of antifreeze and distilled water should be added. Have your 
POLARIS dealer perform this service.

Bleeding the Cooling System

Bleed the cooling system at the intervals outlined in the Periodic Main-
tenance Table beginning on page 80. In addition, bleed the cooling sys-
tem any time one or more of the following conditions exist.

• A component of the cooling system has been serviced or replaced 

(including coolers, radiator, engine, coolant lines and oil cooler)

• A cooling system failure occurs, resulting in coolant loss

• A coolant line has been disconnected for any reason

• A coolant leak occurs

CAUTION! Steam and hot liquids will cause burns to your skin. Never bleed the 
cooling system or remove the pressure cap when the engine is warm or hot.

1. Read and understand the entire coolant bleed procedure before 

beginning. Do not start the engine until instructed to do so.

2. Move the snowmobile into a well-ventilated area. Allow the engine 

to cool completely.

3. Place the transmission in neutral.

4. Raise and support the front of the snowmobile so the front bumper 

is at least 30 inches (76 cm) from the ground.