Arctic Cat 2011 550 EFT Operator'S Manual Download

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DIVIS

ION I -

! WARNING

Indicates a potential hazard that could
result in a severe injury or death.

Hangtag

An Arctic Cat ATV comes with a hangtag containing important safety information.
Anyone who rides the ATV should read and understand this information before rid-
ing.

2258-228A

2258-228B

Summary of Contents for 2011 550 EFT

Page 1: ...O p e ra to r s M a n u a l ATV ATV SHARE OUR PASSION TM 700 PS EFT 700 TRV PS EFT ...

Page 2: ...ngs contained in this Operator s Manual and the labels on your ATV Keep this Operator s Manual with your ATV at all times FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE WARN INGS CONTAINED IN THIS MAN UAL CAN RESULT IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH Particularly important information is dis tinguished in this manual by the follow ing notations The Safety Alert Symbol means ATTENTION BE ALERT YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED WARNING Failur...

Page 3: ...e time of publication all informa tion and illustrations were technically correct Some illustrations are used for clarity purposes only and are not designed to depict actual conditions Because Arctic Cat constantly refines and improves its products no retroactive obligation is incurred This Arctic Cat ATV Operator s Manual should be considered a permanent part of the ATV and must remain with the A...

Page 4: ...Numbers 34 Ignition Switch Key 34 Control Locations And Functions 34 Power Steering 38 LCD Digital 39 Electric Fuel Pump 40 Gas Hose 41 Oil Level Stick 41 Mirrors 41 Rear Seat Lock 41 Front Seat Lock 41 Safety Flag Bracket 42 Rack Loading Front and Rear 42 Trailering and Towing 42 Transporting ATV 42 Gasoline Oil Lubricant 43 Break In Procedure 44 General Maintenance 45 55 Liquid Cooling System 45...

Page 5: ...n the ATV around on any hill until you have mastered the turn ing techniques described in this manual on level ground Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill if possible Always use proper procedures if you stall or roll backward when climbing a hill To avoid stalling maintain a steady speed when climbing a hill If you stall or roll backwards fol low the special procedure for braking described in t...

Page 6: ...ial attention to the warnings contained in the man ual and on all labels Never operate an ATV without proper instruction Take a training course Beginners should complete a training course Never operate an ATV without an approved motorcycle helmet eye pro tection boots gloves long pants and a long sleeved shirt or jacket Never operate an ATV at excessive speeds Go at a speed which is proper for the...

Page 7: ...l hazard that could result in a severe injury or death 5 Hangtag An Arctic Cat ATV comes with a hangtag containing important safety information Anyone who rides the ATV should read and understand this information before rid ing 2258 228A 2258 228B ...

Page 8: ...fety informa tion Anyone who rides the ATV should read and understand this information before riding The labels should be considered as permanent parts of the ATV If a label comes off or becomes hard to read contact your Arctic Cat ATV dealer for a replacement NOTE The location and content of labels on the ATV you have pur chased may differ from those shown on this page 739 545E ...

Page 9: ...rn more easily on steep hills than on level surfaces or small hills HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Never operate the ATV on hills too steep for the ATV or for your abilities Practice on smaller hills before attempting larger hills WARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Going down a hill improperly WHAT CAN HAPPEN Could cause loss of control or cause the ATV to overturn HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Always follow proper proc...

Page 10: ...t of control HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Go slowly and be extra careful when operating on unfamiliar terrain Always be alert to changing terrain conditions when operating the ATV WARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Improperly operating over obstacles WHAT CAN HAPPEN Could cause loss of control or a collision Could cause the ATV to overturn HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Before operating in a new area check for obstacle...

Page 11: ...ead injury or death in the event of an accident Operating or riding as a passenger on this ATV without eye protection can result in an accident and increases your chances of a severe injury in the event of an accident Operating or riding as a passenger on this ATV without pro tective clothing increases your chances of severe injury in the event of an accident HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Always wear an...

Page 12: ...l WARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Operating this ATV at excessive speeds WHAT CAN HAPPEN Increases your chances or losing control of the ATV which can result in an accident HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Always ride at a speed that is proper for the terrain visibility and operating conditions and your experience WARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Operating the ATV with improper tires or with improper or uneven tire press...

Page 13: ...hills with slippery or loose surfaces Shift your weight forward Never open the throttle suddenly or make sudden gear changes The ATV could flip over backwards Never go over the top of any hill at high speed An obstacle a sharp drop or another vehi cle or person could be on the other side of the hill WARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Carrying a passenger under the age of 12 on a TRV WHAT CAN HAPPEN Could ca...

Page 14: ...urfaces such as ice go slowly and be very cautious in order to reduce the chance of skidding or sliding out of control WARNING POTENTIAL HAZARD Operating the ATV with improper modifications WHAT CAN HAPPEN Improper installation of accessories or modification of the ATV may cause changes in han dling which in some situations could lead to an accident HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Never modify the ATV thr...

Page 15: ...e ATV before operating Failure to properly maintain the ATV WHAT CAN HAPPEN Increases the possibility of an accident or equipment damage HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD Always inspect your ATV each time you use it to make sure the ATV is in safe operating condition Always follow the inspection and maintenance procedures and schedules described in the Service Booklet ...

Page 16: ...in ter and lighter protective clothing in the summer Following is the minimum pro tection you need to wear during every ride Gloves Your hands are targets for flying objects Along with providing skin protection gloves will shield your hands from harsh weather Wear gloves that are weather resistant and have a gripping surface to keep them from sliding off the handle bars Off road style gloves with ...

Page 17: ...t could indicate they need to be replaced Controls and Cables With the engine running and brake applied check all transmission posi tions forward neutral and reverse A Brakes Squeeze the hand brake lever If it feels soft or squishy it could be low on fluid or have a leak refer to the General Maintenance section of this Operator s Manual for instructions Don t use the ATV until the brakes are opera...

Page 18: ...Routine maintenance will generally elim inate the need for emergency repairs Riding on rough terrain could cause loos ening of nuts bolts and fasteners Espe cially on long rides carrying the right tools can prevent an inconvenience from becoming a crisis Water Water is so important that you need to carry it regardless of the duration of your ride Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can creep up sudden...

Page 19: ...d that they have vehicle insurance Cellular Phone It may be necessary to make an urgent phone call Maps Maps may be unnecessary when you re familiar with the area But when you re riding on unfamiliar roadways it s good to know where you are what s coming up and how to get back Emergency Kit with Flashlight and First Aid Kit You ll need several items in your Emer gency Kit including a flashlight Th...

Page 20: ...r example when you drive a car quickly into a sharp turn your body is pulled to the outside of the vehicle by centrifugal force Although a car is relatively stable enough centrifugal force can cause an ATV to overturn Constantly shifting your weight is one major difference between driving a car and riding an ATV Knowing how to shift your weight is necessary to avoid rolling or flipping the ATV For...

Page 21: ...nying the challenge means sliding off the trail It also helps to know which trails you can ride and who else might be on those same trails These are signs currently used in some areas to designate trail types and restrictions People do all kinds of things that you can t predict or control Riding Companions Leave a lot of space between you and other riders especially in dusty and dirty conditions b...

Page 22: ...t on trailer tongue Tongue and Accessory Weight Must be included as part of the front and rear rack weights Tongue and Rear Cargo Weight Total weight on trailer tongue and rear rack capacity Towing Limit Total weight of trailer and all cargo in the trailer Speedrack When installing Speedrack accessories make sure to read and carefully follow the instructions provided in each kit NOTE Use extra cau...

Page 23: ...nts and any other showboating Laws and Regulations Any police officer will tell you that igno rance of the law is no defense Your best defense is to check out your local ATV laws before riding It ll also make sure that you can continue to ride in your favorite areas The quickest way to have a land area closed is by riding over the regulations Group Behavior People always do crazier and riskier thi...

Page 24: ... let people ride your ATV who don t know what they re doing Unless they ve had over a year of experience with ATV riding it s your responsibility to keep them off your ATV It can be dangerous all the more reason for you to be firm Experienced Riders If anyone is going to borrow your ATV you are responsible for their supervision Before they ride have them read the Operator s Manual You train them I...

Page 25: ... 25 4 cm 10 in Tire Size Front 25 x 8R 12 Tire Size Rear 25 x 10R 12 Tire Inflation Pressure 34 5 kPa 5 0 psi MISCELLANY Unladen Mass Approx 323 kg 712 lb FIS 365 kg 805 lb TRV Gas Tank Capacity 21 6 L 5 7 U S gal FIS 20 1 L 5 3 U S gal TRV Coolant Capacity 2 9 L 3 0 U S qt Differential Capacity 275 ml 9 3 fl oz Rear Drive Capacity 250 ml 8 5 fl oz Engine Oil Capacity 2 5 L 2 6 U S qt Gasoline Rec...

Page 26: ...itch 12 Horn Button 13 Ignition Switch 14 Throttle Lever 15 Drive Select Switch 16 Turn Signals Hazard Lights Front 17 Operator s Manual Location 18 Taillights Brakelights Turn Signals Rear 19 Battery 20 Power Distribution Module 21 Electrical Access Panel 22 Foot Brake Pedal Main 23 Throttle Limiter 24 Emergency Parking Brake Right Side 25 Winch Switch NOTE The ATV you have pur chased may differ ...

Page 27: ... keep your feet planted on the footrests Starting the Engine Always start with the ATV on a flat level surface Carbon monoxide poisoning can kill you so keep your ATV outside while it s running Follow these steps to start it up 1 Climb up onto the ATV and sit down 2 Engage the parking brake 3 Shift into neutral 4 Turn on the ignition 5 Pull the starter lever 6 Let the engine warm up Starting A Col...

Page 28: ... that the parking brake is engaged 2 The passenger should grasp the left shoulder of the operator with the right hand and with the left hand grasp the left side handhold then swing the right leg over the seat and step to the ground on the left side of the ATV 3 The operator should swing the right leg over to the left side of the seat 4 The operator should step to the ground on the left side of the...

Page 29: ... warmed up the ATV is ready to go ATV 0012 1 Keep your feet on the footrests and both hands on the handlebar 2 Hold the brake lever and release the parking brake 3 Shift into desired gear 4 Release the brake slowly and apply the throttle Leaning Weight Shift and Balance When you turn the trick is to move for ward and slide over to the side of the seat that s on the inside of the turn Support your ...

Page 30: ... of the turn 3 Gradually increase your speed as you come out of the turn Sharp Turns After mastering wide turns practice the advanced skill of sharp turns ATV 0038 ATV 0039 ATV 0040 1 Ease off the throttle as you approach the turn to slow down 2 Use the principles of leaning weight shifting and balancing shift your body weight to the inside of the turn 3 You might have to lean into the turn more t...

Page 31: ...ifting and balanc ing shift your body weight and passenger s body weight to the inside of the turn 3 Follow this with slight acceleration 4 For multiple turns repeat this move ment as needed 5 To make your turn quicker try rais ing yourself off the seat a few inches as you shift your weight K Turns Use K turns if you accidentally stall while riding uphill you need to take action before the ATV rol...

Page 32: ...of the ATV rolling or flipping So obviously use extreme cau tion and follow this method for riding uphill ATV 0019 ATV 0032 ATV 0033 1 Accelerate before you start climb ing then maintain a steady pace 2 Both the operator and the passenger should lean as far forward as possi ble For steeper hills the operator should come off the seat to stand and lean forward 3 If you lose speed release the throttl...

Page 33: ... consistent 2 Shift all your body weight and pas senger s body weight to the uphill side of the seat also support weight on the uphill footrest 3 Steer like you re driving into the hill 4 If the ATV feels like it s tipping turn the handlebar downhill If that s not possible because of the terrain or other conditions or if it just doesn t work stop and get off Have the pas senger dismount on the uph...

Page 34: ...arking on a Hill This shouldn t be necessary but if it is 1 Keep it in gear 2 Engage the parking brake 3 Find something to block the rear tires Stalling on a Hill If you use the right method for riding uphill this shouldn t happen But if you have a problem do this 1 If the ATV hasn t started rolling backwards yet follow the proce dure for the K turn OR 2 If the ATV is already rolling back ward bot...

Page 35: ...mportant to dry both brake systems before parking the ATV 4 Practice driving in an open snow covered or ice covered area at slow speeds before driving on snow cov ered or ice covered roads 5 Learn how the ATV responds to steering and braking on the type of terrain to be encountered on the ride Stopping The ATV To stop the ATV first release the throttle lever Next apply the brake Stopping The Engin...

Page 36: ...s come with the ATV Keep the spare key in a safe place An identifying number is stamped on each key Use this number when ordering a replacement key Two keys are provided for the steering lock ATV 0055 Control Locations And Functions Ignition Switch The ignition switch has three positions ATV 0056 OFF position All electrical circuits except the accessory plug are off The engine will not start The k...

Page 37: ...ations of aggressive trail conditions four wheel drive would be the desired choice To either engage or disengage the front wheels move the switch to the 4WD position or to the 2WD position The 4WD lock allows the operator to mechanically lock the front differential to apply equal power to both front wheels To engage the lock from 4WD slide the switch up and move fully to the left To disengage the ...

Page 38: ...ke ACE 003 To engage and release the emergency parking brake use the following proce dure 1 While squeezing the right side brake lever squeeze the emergency park ing brake aligning the pin on the brake assembly with the groove in the emergency parking brake NOTE It will click as it engages and the brake lever will not return to its released position 2 Release the emergency parking brake by squeezi...

Page 39: ...irection of the desired turn When the turn is completed return the switch to the center OFF position Hazard Lights Switch ATV 004C To activate the hazard lights press and release the hazard light switch To deacti vate the hazard lights press and release the hazard light switch again Winch Switch ACE 017 To release the cable slide the toggle switch to the left to spool in the cable slide the switch...

Page 40: ...V is equipped with an RPM limiter that retards ignition timing when maximum RPM is approached When the RPM limiter is activated it could be misinter preted as a high speed misfire Power Steering This model is produced with an Elec tronic Power Steering EPS system to reduce steering effort and rider fatigue over a broad range of operating condi tions The EPS system engages when the igni tion switch...

Page 41: ...ed NOTE Clock memory power is supplied through the 15 amp acces sory fuse and verified during gauge power up and reset In the event of clock memory power failure blown fuse etc the gauge will power up reset and shut down repeatedly until clock memory power is restored Always check the 15 amp accessory fuse if this gauge condition is noted NOTE The engine hour meter will not activate until engine s...

Page 42: ...0 Differential Lock Indicator Dis plays LOCK when the differential lock has been engaged 11 Drive Select Indicator Displays 4WD when selected by the drive select switch or when the differential lock is engaged The display is blank when in 2WD 12 Speedometer Indicates the approxi mate vehicle speed in miles per hour MPH or kilometers per hour km h NOTE To change MPH km h dis play press and release ...

Page 43: ...sh Rear Seat Lock 1 To remove the rear seat pull the two latch handles to the rear and rotate them to the vertical position CF226 2 Lift the rear of the seat up then pull slightly to the rear and lift the seat off the mountings 3 To lock the seat into position engage the two front mounting lugs into the mounting rack then hold ing down firmly on the front of the seat push the seat forward until th...

Page 44: ... when towing a trailer When towing a trailer always maintain slow speed and allow more stopping distance than when not towing a trailer Transporting ATV When transporting the ATV Arctic Cat rec ommends that the ATV be in its normal operating position on all four wheels and the following procedure be used 1 Engage the emergency parking brake and place the transmission in gear WARNING Make sure the ...

Page 45: ...se of genuine Arctic Cat lubricants The recommended lubricant front differ ential and rear drive when applicable is SAE approved 80W 90 hypoid This lubri cant meets all of the lubrication require ments of the Arctic Cat ATV Filling Gas Tank Since gasoline expands as its temperature increases the gas tank must be filled to its rated capacity only Expansion room must be maintained in the tank partic...

Page 46: ...hen unload allowing components to cool Although it is essential to place some stress on the engine components during break in care should be taken not to overload the engine too often Do not pull a trailer during the break in period When the engine starts allow it to warm up properly Idle the engine several minutes until the engine has reached normal operat ing temperature Do not idle the engine f...

Page 47: ...or ser vice Also the coolant level should be checked periodically NOTE High engine RPM low vehi cle speed or heavy load can raise engine temperature Decreasing engine RPM reducing load and selecting an appropriate transmis sion gear can lower the temperature Checking Filling 1 Remove the two screws from the front of the radiator access panel FI465A 2 Lift the front of the access panel then slide t...

Page 48: ...tion is too soft or too stiff adjust it according to the chart NOTE Before attempting to adjust suspension clean dirt and debris from the sleeve and remove load from the suspension then use the spanner wrench to adjust the sleeve to the desired position General Lubrication Cables None of the cables require lubrication however it is advisable to lubricate the ends of the cables periodically with a ...

Page 49: ...low it to idle for a few minutes 9 Turn the engine off and wait approx imately one minute Recheck the oil level 10 Inspect the area around the drain plug and oil filter for leaks Front Differential And Rear Drive Gear Lubricant Inspecting Changing Inspect and change the gear lubricant according to the Service Booklet When changing the lubricant use approved SAE 80W 90 hypoid oil and use the fol lo...

Page 50: ...ystem must be bled NOTE Take the ATV to an autho rized Arctic Cat ATV dealer for this service Emergency Parking Brake Check to make sure the emergency parking brake engages properly and that the brake when engaged locks the wheels 1 Engage the emergency parking brake 2 Attempt to push the ATV NOTE The emergency parking brake must lock the wheels If it doesn t take the ATV to an authorized Arctic C...

Page 51: ...Install the wheel and tighten to 40 ft lb Protective Rubber Boots The protective boots should be inspected periodically according to the Service Booklet Ball Joint Boots Upper and Lower Right and Left ACE 030A 1 Secure the ATV on a support stand to elevate the front wheels 2 Remove both front wheels 3 Inspect the four ball joint boots for cracks tears or perforations 4 Check the ball joint for fre...

Page 52: ...ired on all batteries not used for more than two weeks or as required by battery drain 1 When charging a battery in the vehi cle be sure the ignition switch is in the OFF position 2 Clean the battery terminals with a solution of baking soda and water NOTE The sealing strip should NOT be removed and NO fluid should be added 3 Be sure the charger and battery are in a well ventilated area Be sure the...

Page 53: ...e charger select the Normal Charge Icon E The Nor mal Charge Indicator C should illuminate on the upper left portion of the charger 6 The battery will charge to 95 of its capacity at which time the Mainte nance Charge Indicator D will illu minate NOTE For optimal charge and performance leave the charger connected to the battery for a mini mum 1 hour after the Maintenance Charge Indicator D illumin...

Page 54: ...de the rubber boot over the adjuster Air Filter The air filter inside the air filter housing must be kept clean to provide good engine power and gas mileage If the ATV is used under normal conditions service the filter at the intervals specified in the Service Book let If operated in dusty wet or muddy con ditions inspect and service the filter more frequently Use the following procedure to remove...

Page 55: ...bris and for proper sealing GZ018A Draining V Belt Cover CF110A NOTE If the ATV has been driven through water the V belt cover must be drained of any water 1 Place the ATV on a level surface 2 Remove the drain bolt from the cover and allow the water to drain out 3 Shift the range lever to the neutral position then start the engine 4 Increase and decrease engine RPM several times to blow out any wa...

Page 56: ... it is strongly recom mended to carry a plug type repair kit and a tire pump along Wheels 1 Park the ATV on level ground and engage the parking brake lock 2 Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel to be removed 3 Elevate the ATV by placing a jack under the axle 4 Remove the lug nuts 5 Remove the wheel 6 Install the wheel and install the lug nuts 7 Tighten the nuts in a crisscross pat tern to 4 4 kg m 32 ...

Page 57: ... in and rotate counterclockwise 3 To install the bulb push in and turn clockwise 4 Insert the socket into the housing and rotate it clockwise To replace the front turn signal light front position light bulb use the following pro cedure 1 Rotate the socket counterclockwise and remove it from the housing 2 To remove the bulb from the socket pull it straight out of the socket 3 To install the bulb pu...

Page 58: ... clean cloth 5 Apply light oil to the upper steering post bushing and plungers of the shock absorbers 6 Tighten all nuts bolts cap screws and screws Make sure rivets hold ing components together are tight Replace all loose rivets Care must be taken that all calibrated nuts cap screws and bolts are tightened to specifications 7 Fill the cooling system to the bottom of the stand pipe in the radiator...

Page 59: ...tery cables making sure to connect the positive cable first 7 Check the entire brake systems fluid level pads etc all controls headlights taillight brakelight license plate light front and rear turn signals and headlight aim adjust or replace if necessary 8 Check the tire pressure Inflate to recommended pressure as necessary 9 Tighten all nuts bolts cap screws and screws making sure all cali brate...

Page 60: ...ential Rear Drive 43 Lubrication General 46 Maintenance General 45 Mirrors 41 Mounting the ATV Operator 25 Mounting the TRV Passenger 25 Oil and Filter 46 Oil Level Stick 41 Oil Recommended Engine Transmission 43 Operating Maneuvers Basic 25 Operation Maintenance Division II 23 Parking 26 Parts 1 Parts and Controls Locations 24 Prevention 14 Quick Turns 29 Rack Loading Front and Rear 42 Responsibi...

Page 61: ... Johann Pg Austria This form may also be used to transfer the unused portion of the original warranty to a second party Fill out this form completely and send it to Arctic Cat enclosing a copy of the vehicle registration certificate Address Change Ownership Change Warranty Transfer CHANGE OF ADDRESS OWNERSHIP WARRANTY TRANSFER TO Name _________________________________________ Address _____________...

Page 62: ...Fold Back CHANGE OF ADDRESS OWNERSHIP Arctic Cat GmbH Industriestrasse 43 5600 St Johann Pg Austria Place Stamp Here ...

Page 63: ...if you ever need a new key 2 VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER 3 ENGINE SERIAL NUMBER Record the Vehicle Identification Number and Engine Serial Number in the spaces provided to assist you in ordering parts from your authorized Arctic Cat ATV dealer or for reference in case the ATV is stolen Effective Date March 2011 WARNING Indicates a potential hazard that could result in severe injury or death ...

Page 64: ... 2011 Arctic Cat Inc Trademarks of Arctic Cat Inc Thief River Falls MN 56701 Printed in the U S A 218 681 9851 U S p n 2258 845 ...

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