Lighting

About Lighting

Snowmobile lighting is about seeing the trail in early darkness and flat light, and being seen from behind. People replace a burned-out headlight bulb, swap in LED for lower draw, change a cracked taillight, or add a light strip or worklight for camp and trail chores.

For a bulb, match the base type printed on the old one. H4 is a dual-filament bulb that gives both low and high beam, and the pair of numbers, such as 100/55W, is the wattage of each. Another type listed here is 9005.

LED bulbs usually draw less current than halogen, which helps on a sled with limited charging output, but the beam pattern can change in a housing designed for halogen, so check the listing for plug-and-play fit. Taillights are sold as universal LED units or as assemblies for a specific sled, and LED strips and worklights add light but also add load. Add up the wattage of everything you run and compare it with the charging system in your manual.

Brands in this category include Pathfinder, Parts Unlimited, Custom Dynamics, Ecoxgear and Grote. See also Electrical Components, Body Parts and Accessories.

FAQs on snowmobile lights and bulbs

What does H4 mean on a snowmobile headlight bulb?

H4 is the bulb base and type, and it holds two filaments, one for low beam and one for high beam. A listing such as H4 100/55W gives the wattage of each. The new bulb needs the same base as the old one, so check before you order.

Can I replace a halogen headlight with an LED bulb?

Often you can if the base matches, but an LED bulb can throw a different beam pattern from a housing designed around a halogen filament. Choose a bulb sold as a direct replacement for your base, and test the beam on a wall before you ride.

Will extra lights overload my snowmobile's charging system?

They can. Add up the wattage of the headlight and every accessory, and compare the total with the charging output in your owner's manual. LED lights draw less than halogen, and accessories should be fused and switched according to the instructions.

How do I change a halogen bulb without shortening its life?

Do not touch the glass with bare fingers, because skin oils can create hot spots and cause the bulb to fail early. Hold it by the base or use a clean cloth or gloves, and let the old bulb cool before you remove it.

Can I use colored or flashing lights on a snowmobile?

Rules for light color and flashing lights vary by area, and many places restrict them on vehicles used on public land or roads. Check local rules before wiring a colored or remote-controlled light, and keep the stock lighting in working order.