Matryx Handguard and Handguard Light Installation

The above video demonstrates how to install handguards (0:20) and handguard lights (2:00) on your Polaris Matryx snowmobile. Before installing any accessories, ensure the snowmobile is parked on a flat, level surface and remove the key. Always wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves when servicing your Polaris snowmobile. For more information, view the Tools and Fasteners Guide.

Handguard Installation
The Handguard Mount is part number 2884617 and the Defend Handguard Kit is part number 2884616. For more information on the Defend Handguard Kit, view the installation instructions.

Required Tools and Supplies

• T20 TORX® Socket
• Safety Glasses
• 4mm Allen Socket
• Nitrile Gloves
• Ratchet
• Shop Rags
• Torque Wrench

To install handguard mounts and handguards on your Polaris Matryx snowmobile, follow these steps.

1. Using a T20 TORX® socket, install the right handguard onto the right mounting arm, using the provided fasteners, and tighten until fully seated.

2. Repeat this process for the other handguard.

3. If needed, remove the fasteners from the mounting caps with a 4mm Allen socket, and remove the caps.

4. Place the left handguard assembly in a downward position, and loosely install the left-hand mounting cap with fasteners. 

5. Before continuing, ensure the brake line and chassis harness wires are not pinched.

6. Carefully rotate the handguard assembly upward and into position right up against the handlebar riser.

7. Ensure the parking brake lever is free to rotate into the fully locked position and does not contact the upper mount or handguard assembly.

8. Once in position, torque the mounting fasteners to 18 in-lbs (2 Nm). 

9. Finish by repeating this process for the other handguard.

Handguard Light Installation
The Defend Handguard Signature Light Kit is part number 2890117, formerly part number 2884933. For more information, view the installation instructions.

To install handguard lights on your Polaris Matryx snowmobile, follow these steps.

1. Remove both side panels by turning the three quarter-turn latches. Pivot the panels away from the sled to remove.

2. Disconnect the two hood latches.

3. Lift the hood up slightly to gain access to the connector underneath.

4. Disconnect the connector, and remove the hood from the sled.

5. Remove the seat by turning the quarter-turn latch at the rear of the seat. Pull the seat back, and lift up to remove.

6. With a T40 TORX® socket, remove the two fasteners that secure the console and lower intake plenum to the over-structure.

7. Use a pliers to remove the two push-pin rivets that secure the front of the console to the plenum.

8. Remove the two fasteners securing the lower portion of the console.

9. Remove the push-pin rivet on the right side of the console.

10. Remove the clutch spreader tool on the left side of the console.

11. Remove the fuel cap. Ensure no dirt or debris enters the fuel tank.

12. Remove the plastic fuel filler neck nut with an adjustable pliers. 

13. Lift up the center of the console and disconnect the key switch connector from the key switch with a flat-head screwdriver or pick.

14. Carefully pull out the sides of the console and pivot over to the right side of the sled with the starter rope still attached.

15. Before continuing, reinstall the fuel cap to prevent dirt or debris from falling into the tank.

16. Remove the two nuts that secure the clutch guard to the studs of the clutch guard support with a 10mm socket. 

17. Place the included bracket of the lighted handguard harness onto the studs of the support. 

18. Reinstall the previously removed nuts. Torque to 7 ft-lbs (10 Nm). 

19. Locate and remove the cap of the pre-wired LED handguard accent connector on the main chassis harness.

20. Connect the lighted handguard connector to the pre-wired accent connector on the chassis harness.

21. Once connected, carefully route the handguard harness upward along the main harness and behind the handlebar. 

22. Secure the harness with the included zip ties to the main harness above the harness connection point and underneath the top of the chassis frame.

23. Continue to route the harness up the handlebar harness, and secure it on the back of the handlebar base.

24. With a 4mm Allen wrench, loosen the fastener on the handlebar mount to position the left handguard down.

25. Using a T20 TORX® socket, remove the two fasteners securing the left handguard to the handlebar mount, and remove the handguard.

26. Once the handguard is free, remove the outermost fastener from the handguard to remove the handguard cap.

27. Pass the connector of the lighted cap through the connector hole on the handguard.

28. Move the wire harness into the harness slot, and carefully install the cap onto the handguard.

29. Once in place, re-install the outermost fastener into the handguard, and tighten until fully seated.

30. Pass the connector of the cap through and down the connector hole of the handguard mount.

31. Then move the wire harness into the wire harness slot.

32. Carefully install the cap and handguard onto the mount, ensuring the wire is not pinched.

33. Reinstall the two remaining fasteners, and tighten until fully seated.

34. Carefully rotate the handguard assembly upward and into position.

35. Once in position, torque the mounting fasteners to 18 in-lbs (2 Nm). 

36. Repeat the process for the other handguard.

37. Ensure that the parking brake locking mechanism is free to rotate into the fully locked position and does not contact the upper mount or the handguard assembly.

38. Route the cap harness under the mounting arm and connect to the cap connector of the lighted handguard harness.

39. Install the wire cover with the provided fasteners onto the mounting arm and tighten with a Phillips screwdriver until fully seated.

40. Begin reassembly by removing the fuel cap, ensuring no dirt or debris enter the fuel tank. 

41. Carefully pivot the console back into position. 

42. Before continuing, reconnect the connector to the key switch.

43. Then slide the console into place, ensuring the intake screens are fully seated through their mounting locations.

44. Once the console is in place, install the plastic fuel filler nut, and tighten until fully seated.

45. Reinstall the fuel cap.

46. Reinstall the two lower fasteners on the console. Torque to 71 in-lbs (8 Nm).

47. Install the push-pin rivet on the right side.

48. Reinstall the clutch spreader tool on the left side.

49. Install the two push-pin rivets that secure the front of the console to the plenum.

50. Reinstall the two fasteners that secure the console and plenum to the over-structure. Torque the fasteners to 71 in-lbs (8 Nm).

51. Once the console is secure, reinstall the seat by engaging the front retaining tabs and latching the quarter-turn latch in the rear.

52. Reinstall the hood panel, ensuring the front tabs are properly engaged. 

53. Reconnect the connector underneath, and verify it is secure.

54. Continue by securing the two hood panel latches.

55.  Reinstall both side panels by inserting the upper tab and pivoting in to engage the lower tab. 

56. Latch the three quarter-turn latches to secure each panel.

57. Finish by starting the vehicle to ensure the lighted handguard caps are working properly.

For more information, see your authorized Polaris Dealer. To find a dealer near you, use the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.

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