Gauges & Cables
About Gauges & Cables
Throttle cables and gauges are the two things on a snowmobile that the rider relies on directly. The cable links the thumb lever to the carburetor or throttle body, and the gauges, from hour meters to exhaust temperature readouts, tell you what the engine is doing before it fails.
The throttle cable has to match your make and model, and listings are split by Polaris, Yamaha, Bombardier and Arctic Cat. Some are stock length and others are made for sleds with raised bars, so compare lengths. A cable adjuster is the small fitting that takes up free play.
On the gauge side, an EGT gauge reads exhaust gas temperature from a probe in the pipe and is used when tuning, because a lean engine runs hot. A fast-response version reacts sooner to changes, an air/fuel ratio meter reads the mixture, and temperature meters, hour meters, tachometers and GPS units cover the rest. Each gauge has its own installation steps, so read them before you buy.
Brands in this category include Parts Unlimited, Fire Power, Trail Tech, Koso North America and Straightline Performance. See also Handlebars & Mirrors, Exhaust and Electrical Components.
FAQs on snowmobile gauges and throttle cables
What are the signs of a failing throttle cable?
Replace it if the cable is frayed, kinked or sticky, if the throttle is slow to spring back to idle, or if it has more free play than the adjuster can take up. A throttle that sticks open is a safety problem, so do not ride until it is fixed.
What does an EGT gauge tell me?
An EGT gauge shows exhaust gas temperature, read by a probe fitted in the exhaust. Tuners use it because a mixture that is too lean makes the exhaust run hotter. Safe target temperatures depend on the engine and the gauge maker's guidance, so follow the instructions for your sled.
Can I use a throttle cable from a different snowmobile?
No. Cable length, end fittings and routing differ between makes and models, and the wrong cable can bind or hold the throttle open. Choose a cable listed for your make, model and year, using the Ride Finder to narrow the list.
What does a cable adjuster do?
A cable adjuster lets you set the small amount of slack, or free play, in the throttle cable. The correct amount is in your manual. Too little can keep the throttle slightly open, and too much delays response.
Do I need to install an EGT probe in a particular place?
Yes. The probe needs to be positioned as the gauge maker's instructions say, usually in the exhaust pipe near the cylinder, and it often needs a threaded fitting. Follow the instructions so the reading is useful and the fitting does not leak.
