Snowmobile Polaris 600 IQ Racer (2015 year). Instruction - part 10

43

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

Before starting the engine, always refer to all safety warnings pertaining 
to snowmobile operation. Never start the engine without checking all 
vehicle components to be sure of proper operation.

WARNING! Operating the vehicle with worn, damaged, or malfunctioning 
components could result in serious injury or death. Never start the engine 
without checking all vehicle components to be sure of proper operation.

Read and Understand Your Owner's Manual

Read the Owner's Manual completely and refer to it often. The manual 
is your guide to safe and enjoyable snowmobiling experience.

Throttle Lever

The throttle and brake are the primary controls of your snowmobile. 
Always make sure both are functioning properly.

Squeeze the throttle lever to make sure it compresses evenly and 
smoothly. When released, the lever should immediately return to the 
idle position without binding or hesitation. If the throttle does not 
function smoothly, or if you discover excessive lever freeplay, DO NOT 
start the engine. Have the throttle serviced immediately.

44

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

Brakes

Always check the following items for proper operation before starting 
the engine.

Brake Lever Travel

Squeeze the brake lever. It should 
move no closer to the handgrip than 
1/2” (1.3 cm). A smaller distance 
indicates low brake fluid level or air 
in the hydraulic system. Refer to the 
brake bleeding information on page 
76 or see your dealer for service.

Lever Feel

If the brake lever feels “spongy” when squeezed, check the brake fluid 
level and condition. Add fluid as needed. See page 75. 

WARNING! Continued use of “spongy” brakes may cause a complete loss of 
brakes, which could result in serious injury or death. Always have the brakes 
serviced at the first sign of sponginess.

Brake Fluid

Check the brake fluid in the 
master cylinder before each 
ride.

View the brake fluid level 
through the sight glass on the 
top of the master cylinder. The 
eye will appear dark when the 
fluid level is full. If the sight 
glass is any color other than 
black, add brake fluid. See page 
75.

1/2

”

 (1.3 cm)

Sight 

Glass

Master 

Cylinder

45

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

Parking Brake Lever Lock

Use the parking brake lever lock 
only when you want the machine 
to remain stationary; for 
example, when parked on an 
incline for a period of five 
minutes or less.

Lock Engagement

To engage the lock, squeeze the 
brake lever tightly and push 
forward on the lock. Hold the 
lock forward while releasing the 
brake lever.

TIP: If the brake lever is squeezed tightly enough, the lock will move freely into 

place. Do not force the lock or it may break. 

The brake light will illuminate if the parking brake lever lock is set 
while the engine is running. It will also illuminate when the service 
brake is in use. If the parking brake light does not come on when the 
parking brake or service brake is in use, have it serviced by your dealer.

Lock Release

To release the lock, squeeze the brake lever tightly. The lock will return 
to the unlocked position.

WARNING! If the parking brake lever lock is partially or entirely engaged while 
riding, the brakes may overheat, resulting in brake damage. In extreme cases it 
could cause a fire, which could result in serious injury or death. Always ensure 
that the lever lock is completely disengaged before operating the snowmobile.

Parking 

Brake Lock

Brake 

Lever

46

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

Steering System

WARNING! Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your 
snowmobile, which could cause loss of control resulting in serious injury or 
death. Keep the underhood area free of snow and ice.

Before driving, manually turn the skis to the left and right to be sure ice 
and snow are not interfering with full left and right steering. If difficulty 
is encountered, remove ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing 
the steering linkage. Make sure all greasable components are properly 
lubricated.

Track

WARNING! Operating the snowmobile with a damaged track increases the 
possibility of track failure, which could cause loss of control resulting in serious 
injury or death. Always inspect the track for damage before using the vehicle.

Use of traction products such as studs increases the possibility of track 
damage and/or failure. Driving at high speeds for extended periods of 
time in marginal lubrication could severely damage track rods, break 
track edges, and cause other track damage. Examples of marginal 
lubrication would include frozen bodies of water without snow cover, 
icy trails, and no-snow conditions.

TIP: Track damage or failure caused by operation on ice or poor lubrication 

conditions voids the track warranty.