This article explains the basics of driving your Polaris Pro XD vehicle, including starting and stopping the engine, parking, driving in reverse and driving on a grade.
Starting the Engine
Allow the engine to warm up for several minutes before operating the vehicle, as operating the vehicle immediately after starting can cause engine damage. Never use an engine starting aid such as an ether — engine damage will result.
1. Always start the engine outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
2. Sit in the driver's seat and fasten the seat belt.
3. Place the transmission in PARK.
4. Apply the brakes. Do not press the throttle pedal while starting the engine.
5. Turn the ignition on:
- Non-AWD Vehicles: Turn the ignition key past the ON/RUN position to START. Engage the starter for a maximum of five seconds. Release the key when the engine starts.
- AWD Vehicles: Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and wait for the glow plug indicator light to turn off.
6. If the engine does not start within five seconds, return the ignition switch to the OFF position and wait five seconds. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the engine starts.
7. Vary the engine RPM slightly with the throttle to aid in warm up until the engine idles smoothly.
Stopping the Engine
For maximum engine life, allow the engine to idle without load for 5 minutes. This will allow the engine components that operate at high temperatures — such as the exhaust system — to cool slightly before the engine is shut down.
1. Release the throttle pedal completely and brake to a complete stop.
2. Place the transmission in PARK.
3. Engage the parking brake, if necessary.
4. Slowly release the brake pedal and make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.
5. Turn the engine off and remove the key to prevent unauthorized use.
Warning: A rolling vehicle can cause serious injury. Always place the transmission in PARK and engage the parking brake when stopping the engine.
Braking
1. Release the throttle pedal completely. Tip: When the throttle pedal is released completely and the engine speed drops near an idle, the vehicle has no engine braking.
2. Press on the brake pedal evenly and firmly. Note that if the throttle pedal and brake pedal are applied simultaneously, engine power may be limited.
3. Practice starting and stopping (using the brakes) until you’re familiar with the controls.
Driving in Reverse
Shifting into reverse automatically activates the reverse alert beeper.
When driving in reverse, follow these precautions:
1. Always check for obstacles or people behind the vehicle. Always inspect left and right fields of vision before backing.
2. Always avoid backing downhill.
3. Back up slowly.
4. Apply the brakes lightly for stopping.
5. Avoid turning at sharp angles.
6. Never open the throttle suddenly.
Parking the Vehicle
To park the vehicle, do the following:
1. Apply the brakes. Stop the vehicle on a level surface.
2. When parking inside a garage or other structure, be sure that the structure is well ventilated and that the vehicle is not close to any source of flame or sparks, including any appliance with pilot lights.
3. Place the transmission in PARK.
4. Turn the engine off.
5. Engage the park brake.
6. Slowly release the brake pedal and make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.
7. Remove the ignition switch key to prevent unauthorized use.
Driving Uphill
Whenever traveling uphill, follow these precautions:
1. Avoid excessively steep hills.
2. Always travel straight uphill.
3. Keep both feet on the floor.
4. Always check the terrain carefully before ascending any hill. Never climb hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces.
5. Proceed at a steady rate of speed and throttle opening. Never open the throttle suddenly.
6. Never go over the crest of a hill at high speed. An obstacle, a sharp drop or another vehicle or person could be on the other side of the hill.
Driving on a Sidehill (Sidehilling)
Driving on a sidehill is not recommended. Improper procedure could cause loss of control or rollover. Avoid crossing the side of any hill unless necessary.
If crossing a sidehill is unavoidable, follow these precautions:
1. Slow down.
2. Exercise extreme caution.
3. Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill.
Driving Downhill
When driving downhill, follow these precautions:
1. Avoid excessively steep hills.
2. Always descend a hill with the direction selector switch on forward. Never descend a hill with the switch on neutral.
3. Drive straight downhill. Avoid descending a hill at an angle, which would cause the vehicle to lean sharply to one side. Travel straight downhill when possible.
4. Slow down.
5. Apply the brakes slightly to aid in slowing.
Driving Over Obstacles
Follow these precautions when operating over obstacles:
1. Always check for obstacles before operating in a new area.
2. Look ahead and learn to read the terrain. Be constantly alert for hazards such as logs, rocks and low hanging branches.
3. Travel slowly and use extra caution when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Not all obstacles are immediately visible.
4. Avoid operating over large obstacles such as large rocks and fallen trees. If unavoidable, use extreme caution and operate slowly.
5. Always have all passengers dismount and move away from the vehicle before operating over an obstacle that could cause a rollover.
Parking on an Incline
Avoid parking on an incline if possible. If it's unavoidable, follow these precautions:
1. Apply the brakes.
2. Place the transmission in PARK.
3. Engage the park brake.
4. Turn the engine off.
5. Slowly release the brake pedal and make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle.
6. Block the rear wheels on the downhill side.
For more information on driving practices, including how to drive on different surfaces and terrain, refer to your Owner’s Manual.
To find a dealer near you, use the Dealer Locator.
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