Starters
About Starters
When a snowmobile clicks but will not crank, cranks slowly, or spins the starter without turning the engine, the cause is usually in the starting circuit rather than the engine. This category covers that circuit: starter motors, solenoids, relays, starter drives and repair kits.
Work out which part has failed before you buy. A starter solenoid or relay clicks when you press the button but does not spin the starter, and the same symptom comes from a weak battery or loose cables, so check the battery and connections first.
A starter that spins freely without turning the engine points to the starter drive, the part that engages with the engine and releases again once it fires. A starter that is slow, silent or dead is the motor itself. Solenoids and motors are listed by make and model years, such as Arctic Cat, Yamaha or Polaris Indy listings, and terminal layout and rating differ from sled to sled.
Brands in this category include Parts Unlimited, SP1, Fire Power and Rick's Motorsport Electric. See also Electrical Components and Engines & Components. Pick your sled in the Ride Finder at the top of the page.
FAQs on snowmobile starters and solenoids
How do I tell a bad starter from a bad solenoid?
A solenoid usually clicks when you press the button, but the starter does not spin. A starter motor that is slow or silent points to the motor itself. If the motor spins but the engine does not turn, the starter drive is the likely cause. Check the battery first.
Should I check the battery before replacing a starter?
Yes. A weak battery, corroded terminals or a loose ground cable can mimic a failed starter. Charge the battery, clean and tighten the connections, and test the voltage while cranking before you buy parts.
What does a starter drive do?
The starter drive engages the starter's gear with the engine's flywheel gear when you press the button and lets it release again once the engine runs. When it fails, the starter spins without turning the engine. It is sold separately from the motor for some sleds.
Will a solenoid from another snowmobile model work?
Do not assume so. Solenoids differ in terminal layout, mounting and rating, and the listings here are by make and years. Using the wrong one can fail to crank or damage wiring, so choose the part listed for your model.
Can I start a snowmobile another way if the electric starter fails?
Only if it has a recoil pull-start, which many sleds have as a backup, and only if you can use it safely. Check your manual. Have the starting circuit repaired before relying on the sled, particularly in remote places.
