Have you ever been out in the snow just to find out that your battery dies on you halfway through your trip? There are several things that can contribute to what is causing your dead snowmobile battery but there is still a way to get home should your battery die on you. You can check out running your snowmobile without the battery in an article I wrote on the topic.
There are a multitude of things that can cause a dead snowmobile battery ranging from too many auxiliary add ons, a bad battery, or the charging system has gone bad. Any of these can cause your snowmobile battery to keep dying
Below we will go over a few things that may lead to a snowmobile battery draining and ultimately dying prematurely, what signs to look for so you can be mentally prepared ahead of time and how to measure battery drain, what you can do to prepare ahead of time, and we will also get into how to deal with this if it happens all of a sudden when you’re unprepared to face it.
If you need a new battery then Amazon offers a great selection but I prefer the Yuasa brand.
What Is Causing Your Dead Snowmobile Battery?
Now if you took a look at the article about running your snowmobile without a battery, you can get your sled home and figure out why your battery keeps draining. You now also have an understanding of how to run a snowmobile without the battery, the dangers that come with doing so and the full limitations of a snowmobile running without the battery so you know the risks.
Now we can go over just a few of the leading causes of battery drain and signs to look out for so that you can prevent the dire emergency situation before it arises.
You May Have Too Many Auxiliary Electronic Add-ons
Just like any other device throughout the world, the number one major cause that drains a battery is several systems running all at the same time. Every single tool individually needs electricity to run on. This is true for GPS. This is true for aftermarket external radio systems that are installed, and even the radio that comes stock with the vehicle.
Your charging system should take care of keeping these powered but if you turn off the sled and any of these are still powered, it will drain your battery. Make sure you don’t leave anything plugged in like an electric visor or leave your lights on.
If it uses electricity, that electricity is being taken away from the vital parts that the overall system largely relies upon in order to run. If your power consumption is bigger than what your charging system (stator or alternator) can put out, then it draws on the battery.
It is not uncommon at all for a new snowmobile buyer to replace several features of a snowmobile, with a device they think is cooler, or simply adding on aftermarket devices that simply drain too much excess battery life.
It Is A Bad Battery That Has Lived Out Its Lifespan
All batteries will have an expected lifespan on the label of the package at the time of purchase. Batteries all have a certain number of years of quality use. This is why it is your responsibility to make the most of the batteries that you do have. By practicing good energy-saving habits, avoiding energy waste and keeping an eye out on what batteries are best for your device.
Really, having a battery that lives up to the expected lifespan will mostly come down to how well you treat the battery. If you take good care of your snowmobile, your snowmobile will take good care of you right back. Make the most of what you have right now and this practice will pay off dividends in your life long term.
The Charging System Has Failed
If your alternator or stator (depending on model) has failed, then it will fail to produce the electricity needed to run your snowmobile for any significant period of time. If you are not producing electricity through the charging system then the snowmobile is relying on the battery to produce the power it needs.
Just like with any battery powered device, it will stop working when all of its charge has run out. Using the battery as the only source of energy will not get you very far and you will be home before you know it, trying to figure out what is causing your dead snowmobile battery.
Signs To Look Out For In A Suspected Draining Battery
As has been stated in the previous portion. For the most part, if you simply pay attention to the expected lifespan of your battery, then you will have an idea of when you should start considering getting a new battery. But just in case that is not enough for you. Here are some signs to look out for so that you can know you need a new one soon.
Engine Turnover Is Slow
This is hands down the most common of the symptoms of a draining or dying battery. A snowmobile engine draws amps from the battery in order to start the snowmobile. It is for this reason that a slow engine turnover is the first sign of a dying engine battery. If you come across a slow engine turnover, consider taking your snowmobile into the mechanic to have it checked.
If taking the snowmobile into the mechanic shop is not an option right away. You can go to the store yourself to buy cheap diagnostic tools, in order to run an engine check yourself. The quickest method to use would be to use a voltage tester. Open up the hood of the snowmobile, turn on the engine, then place the voltage tester on your battery terminal to determine if it has a good charge.
The voltage tester will get a voltage reading. Do this step on both terminals of the battery. If either of the readings comes back low, then you know you have a draining or dying battery and should quickly get the battery replaced.
Key Turnover Gives Clicking Sound As Feedback
When you turn over the key, if the engine has a rapid clicking sound as instant feedback to the turn. This is another sign that the electricity being drawn from the battery is inadequate or low for starting up the snowmobile engine. A sad fact for your engine is that this is one of the more deadly signs for your battery. If you hear the rapid clicking and the engine doesn’t start the likelihood of the key turning over on the next try is low.
You will more than likely need to get a jump box in order to start up your engine, then immediately drive it into a workshop. Otherwise, you will have to get it towed. You should always have an electric jump box on hand, but in the event, you do not. They are relatively inexpensive and available and most auto shops.
Prevention Is The Best Way To Keep A Snowmobile Battery From Dying
You always want to make sure that you keep your sleds maintenance up to date and your battery is no exception. Making sure to always check for signs of your battery dying and checking your voltage levels before you go out are a sure way to keep you from having a rough trip home.
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My Favorite Gear
Helmet – Fox Racing V3 Helmet (Check Why It Is My Favorite at DirtWheelRider)
Gloves – Carhartt WP Gloves
Boots – Fly Racing Marker Boots
Jacket – Fly Racing Aurora Snowmobile Jacket
