Electrical Components
About Electrical Components
Cold mornings are the hardest test of a snowmobile's electrical system. A tired battery, a worn spark plug or a failing coil tends to show up as slow cranking or a sled that will not fire, and the fix is usually one of the small parts in this category.
Batteries are identified by the size code in the title, such as CB30L-B or CTZ14S-BS, and the new one has to fit the tray and have the terminals on the right side. Cold cranking amps are the rating that matters for winter starting, so do not go below what your manual lists. Some batteries come with a separate acid pack that must be filled and charged first, while sealed, maintenance-free and factory-activated types are ready to fit.
Lithium batteries are much lighter but need a charger that suits lithium. Spark plugs are chosen by type, heat range and gap from the manual, and ignition coils, starter solenoids, ignition switches and fuses are matched by model. Many sleds start with a recoil rope and have no battery at all, so check yours first.
Brands in this category include Antigravity, DRC, NGK Spark Plugs, Parts Unlimited and Dynojet. Related parts are in Engines & Components, Lighting and Gauges & Cables. For storing a battery over summer, see the snowmobile offseason checklist.
FAQs on snowmobile batteries and ignition parts
What battery size does my snowmobile need?
Check the size code on your old battery and the specification in your owner's manual. The new battery must fit the tray, have its terminals on the correct side, and offer at least the cold cranking amps listed for your sled. Use the Ride Finder to see batteries listed for your model.
Does a new snowmobile battery need charging before use?
That depends on the type. A battery supplied with a separate acid pack must be filled and charged following the maker's instructions before it goes in. Sealed, factory-activated batteries are ready to use, though many makers still suggest a top-up charge. Follow the instructions packed with the battery.
Can I charge a snowmobile battery with a regular car charger?
A high-output automotive charger can overheat a small powersports battery. Use a charger or maintainer sized for small batteries, and for lithium batteries use one made for lithium. Disconnect the battery or follow your manual if you charge it while it is still on the sled.
How do I tell a bad ignition coil from a bad spark plug?
Check the plug first, because it is cheaper and easier. Remove it and look for fouling, wear or a damaged tip, and try a known good plug. If a new plug still misfires, test the coil by the resistance values in your service manual or have a shop check it.
Why does my snowmobile battery go flat in summer?
Batteries lose charge slowly while stored, and a flat battery left sitting can be permanently damaged. Charge it fully, disconnect or remove it, and keep it somewhere cool and dry, topping it up now and then or using a maintainer made for your battery type.
