Content Source: 2020 RS1 Owner’s Manual (9930796 R02) > Maintenance Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Cleaning and Storage

Washing the Vehicle

Keeping your POLARIS vehicle clean will not only improve its appearance but it can also extend the life of various components.
NOTICE
Water in the PVT system could cause the drive belt to become wet and slip in the clutches. Always avoid spraying water directly toward any intake pre-filters.High water pressure may damage radiator fins and impair a radiator’s effectiveness. High pressure may also damage other vehicle components.Certain products, including insect repellents and chemicals, will damage plastic surfaces. Do not allow these types of products to contact the vehicle.
The best and safest way to clean your POLARIS vehicle is with a garden hose and a pail of mild soap and water.
  1. Use a professional-type washing cloth, cleaning the upper body first and the lower parts last.
  2. Rinse with clean water frequently.
  3. Dry surfaces with a chamois to prevent water spots.
If a high pressure water system is used for cleaning (not recommended), exercise extreme caution. The water may damage components and could remove paint and labels. Avoid directing the water stream at the following items:
  • Wheel bearings
  • Radiator
  • Transmission seals
  • Brakes
  • Cab and body panels
  • Labels and decals
  • Electrical components and wiring
  • Air intake components
If warning and safety labels are damaged, contact your POLARIS dealer for free replacement.
Grease all zerk fittings immediately after washing. Allow the engine to run for a while to evaporate any water that may have entered the engine or exhaust system.

Washing Tips

  • Avoid the use of harsh cleaners, which can scratch the finish.
  • Do not use a power washer to clean the vehicle.
  • Do not use medium to heavy duty compounds on the finish.
  • Always use clean cloths and pads for cleaning and polishing. Old or reused cloths and pads may contain dirt particles that will scratch the finish.

Polishing the Vehicle

POLARIS recommends the use of common household aerosol furniture polish for polishing the finish on your POLARIS vehicle. Follow the instructions on the container.

Polishing Tips

  • Avoid the use of automotive products, some of which can scratch the finish of your vehicle.
  • Always use clean cloths and pads for cleaning and polishing. Old or reused cloths and pads may contain dirt particles that will scratch the finish.

Storage Tips

NOTICE
Starting the engine during the storage period will disturb the protective film created by fogging and damage could occur. Never start the engine during the storage period.

Clean the Exterior

Make any necessary repairs and clean the vehicle as recommended. See Washing the Vehicle.

Stabilize the Fuel

  1. Fill the fuel tank.
  2. Add POLARIS Carbon Clean Fuel Treatment or POLARIS Fuel Stabilizer or equivalent fuel treatments or stabilizers. Follow the instructions on the container for the recommended amount. Carbon Clean removes water from fuel systems, stabilizes fuel and removes carbon deposits from pistons, rings, valves and exhaust systems.
  3. Allow the engine to run for 15-20 minutes to allow the stabilizer to disperse through the entire fuel delivery system.

Oil and Filter

Change the oil and filter. See Oil and Filter Change.

Air Filter / Air Box

Replace the air filter. See Air Filter. Clean the air box.

Fluid Levels

Inspect the fluid levels. Add or change fluids as recommended in the Periodic Maintenance Chart section.
  • Demand drive fluid (front gearcase)
  • Rear gearcase fluid (if equipped)
  • Transmission fluid
  • Brake fluid (change every two years and any time the fluid looks dark or contaminated)
  • Coolant (test strength/fill)

Inspect and Lubricate

Inspect all cables and lubricate all areas of the vehicle as recommended in the Periodic Maintenance Chart section.

Fog the Engine

  1. Treat the fuel system with POLARIS Carbon Clean or other equivalent fuel treatment. Follow the instructions on the container. Start the engine. Allow it to idle for several minutes so the Carbon Clean reaches the injectors. Stop the engine.
  2. Remove the spark plugs and add 2-3 tablespoons of engine oil. To access the plug holes, use a section of clear 1/4” hose and a small plastic squeeze bottle filled with the pre-measured amount of oil. Do this carefully! If you miss the plug holes, oil will drain from the spark plug cavities into the hole at the front of the cylinder head, and appear to be an oil leak.
  3. Reinstall the spark plugs. Torque to specification. See the Spark Plug / Gap section for details.
  4. Apply dielectric grease to the inside of each spark plug cap. Do not reinstall the caps onto the plugs at this step.
  5. Turn the engine over several times. Oil will be forced in and around the piston rings and ring lands, coating the cylinder with a protective film of fresh oil.
  6. If POLARIS fuel system additive is not used, fuel tank, fuel lines, and injectors should be completely drained of gasoline.
  7. Reinstall the spark plug caps to the spark plugs.

Battery Maintenance

See the Battery sections for storage and charging procedures.

Fuse Box

Remove the fuse box cover during storage.

Storage Area / Covers

Be sure the storage area is well ventilated. Cover the vehicle with a genuine POLARIS cover. Do not use plastic or coated materials. They do not allow enough ventilation to prevent condensation, and may promote corrosion and oxidation.

Removal from Storage

  1. Charge the battery if necessary.
  2. Make sure the spark plug is tight. Reinstall the fuse box cover if it was removed for storage.
  3. Fill the fuel tank with fuel.
  4. Check all the points listed in the Daily Pre-Ride Inspection section. Tightness of the bolts, nuts and other fasteners should be checked by an authorized POLARIS dealer or other qualified service facility.
  5. Lubricate at the intervals outlined in the Periodic Maintenance Chart section.
WARNING
Engine exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide and can cause loss of consciousness or death. Never run an engine in an enclosed area.

Transporting the Vehicle

WARNING
Cargo and other loose vehicle parts may fly off while transporting this vehicle. Secure or remove all cargo, and inspect the unit for loose parts prior to transport.
If transporting the vehicle in a non-enclosed trailer, then the vehicle must FACE FORWARD, or roof must be removed.
Failure to comply may allow airflow, vibration, or other factors to separate the roof from the vehicle and cause an accident, resulting in serious personal injury or death.
NOTE
For functional descriptions detailing how to operate the DYNAMIX suspension system, consult the Polaris RideCommand manual.
Follow these procedures when transporting the vehicle.
NOTICE
After a ride, allow the engine to idle for 30 seconds before stopping the engine. This will allow the turbo system to cool down.
  1. Place the transmission in PARK.
  2. Stop the engine. Turn the key back on to the accessory or ON position without starting the engine. Slowly release the brake pedal and make sure the transmission is in PARK before exiting the vehicle, verifying that the PARK position is shown on the display.
  3. Prior to securing the vehicle, adjust the vehicle’s compression damping settings to their lowest (softest) setting by turning the clickers all the way out. On vehicles equipped with DYNAMIX active suspension, the key switch must remain in the ON position, the suspension mode switch must be in the COMFORT setting, and the demo mode timeout must not be active while securing the vehicle. Shock damping settings can be verified on the Suspension visualization screen.
  4. Secure the vehicle.
    WARNING
    Vehicles equipped with DYNAMIX active suspension must be powered on, set to COMFORT mode, and properly functioning in order to ensure the shocks are operating at their minimum compression damping setting prior to securing the vehicle for transport. Failure to ensure the shocks are in their minimum compression damping setting prior to securing the vehicle can potentially lead to a reduction of intended strap tension while trailering.
  5. After the vehicle has been secured, verify the gauge indicates PARK, and turn the vehicle power off. On DYNAMIX equipped models, verify also that the suspension compression damping values are still soft after securing the vehicle. If after securing the suspension demo mode has timed out or the suspension has moved to a FIRM setting as indicated on the Suspension control screen, cycle the key switch, place the mode switch in COMFORT mode, and re-tighten the straps per step number 3.
  6. Remove the key to prevent loss during transporting. Secure the fuel cap and seats. Ensure that the seats are attached correctly and are not loose.
    WARNING
    Cargo and other loose vehicle parts may fly off while transporting this vehicle. Secure or remove all cargo, and inspect the unit for loose parts prior to transport.
  7. Always tie the frame of the POLARIS vehicle to the transporting unit securely with suitable straps or rope. Do not attach tie straps to the front control arm bolt pockets.
Image
Two Front Tie-Down Points
(one on each side of vehicle)
Two Rear Tie-Down Points
(one on each side of vehicle)

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