Spend enough time around snowmobiles and you’ll eventually wonder if your machine will start and run without a working battery. You may be looking to run without a battery to shed some weight, save a bit of money, or just to get out of the woods in a pinch. Either way, it’s important to know whether it’ll work.
The short answer is Yes, most snowmobiles that have a pull starter will start without a battery. However, some functions require battery power to operate properly, and running them long term without a battery could cause damage to electrical components.
Although they should be able to start and run without a battery, some newer snowmobiles have dead battery protection that will not allow you to start the machine with a dead or no battery. For example, in a Ski-Doo Renegade 800, there are two fuses at the clutch side panel. The snowmobile will not start with the fuses. You have to pull them out to start the snowmobile. Plug the fuses back when you connect the battery. For snowmobiles like this, you can often purchase a special wiring harness that allows you to properly start and run without a battery.
The battery is an essential part of the electrical system of any snowmobile. Removing the snowmobile’s battery or driving with a dead battery could affect (and damage) the electrical components.
Here are some ways running with a dead battery or no battery may affect your snowmobile:
- The electric or push-start will not work on your snowmobile. It’s something we often take for granted in newer machines, but starting with a pull cord can be a lot of work and hard on the body, especially when the snowmobile is cold and difficult to turn over. By running without a battery, you replace that simple press of a button to start the machine with physically exerting and sometimes frustrating pulling. It’s nice to let the starter motor do the work!
- A battery in a snowmobile keeps the electrical system stable and without it the voltage will be unstable. When the engine is running, the stator provides 12-15 Volts. The battery acts as a voltage regulator and a power filter. It means that it will filter the sudden voltage spikes caused by the stator at or above 3,000 RPMs.
- You could blow out your snowmobile’s headlight. The battery will not be there to filter out the voltage and current spikes produced by the stator. If you rev your snowmobile (without the battery), then there is a small chance of killing the headlight.
- Voltages in the 12v socket will fluctuate. Some snowmobiles have a 12v DC out socket for charging your phone, GPS device, or any other portable gadget. Without a battery, the voltage in the 12v out socket (from the stator) can spike. It can damage your USB charger adapter or any device connected to it.
- The hand warmers in your snowmobile will not work well without a battery. Hand warmers need constant current to work properly. Without the internal battery, the stator will provide an unstable current that varies with the RPM of the engine.
Is a battery really needed for a snowmobile?
I have met many people who believe that the battery is just extra weight. There are big companies like Ski-Doo and Polaris, who spend millions of dollars on researching and developing snowmobiles. They have put a battery in for a reason.
As I have mentioned before, that battery is an essential part of a snowmobile’s (or any vehicle) electrical system. It not only filters out current and voltage spikes generated by the stator but also acts as backup power for when your snowmobile is not running.
The snowmobiles with EFI (electric fuel injection) system use an electric fuel pump and electric fuel injectors. These require a battery to work. Without the snowmobile’s battery, the fuel (gas) will not reach the combustion chamber. ETEC technology is a type of EFI that is designed for 2- stroke engines. This optimizes power and fuel efficiency in many snowmobiles, and requires a battery to start the snowmobile.
Many people have installed aftermarket USB charging adapters (that are made) for snowmobiles to charge the phone, GPS device, or any other gadget that charges through a regular USB port. These adapters also require a stable voltage from the battery.
In summary, having a battery can go far beyond the simple need to turn the starter motor. With advanced technology and complex electrical systems, having a good battery is critical to the long term performance of most modern machines.
Is there any special battery for snowmobiles?
All snowmobiles run on 12 volt systems, so any battery that is compatible with an ATV or a motorcycle will work. However, snowmobiles operate in extreme conditions, and some batteries are more suited for use in these machines. Two good options are 1) a sealed lead acid (SLA) battery and 2) a lithium iron battery.
SLA Batteries for Snowmobiles
Sealed lead acid batteries are maintenance free, meaning you don’t need to worry about topping off water or acid leaking and causing damage or battery failure. This type of battery is often required in modern snowmobiles because the batteries are placed in weird areas and positions (often under the seat or cramped in some corner of the engine compartment) to maximize efficiency of space. They can be placed on their side and tipped over without worrying about leaks.
SLA batteries have an average life span of 3 to 5 years if maintained properly, compared to a conventional battery life span of 2 to 3 years. Proper maintenance includes periodic charging throughout the year. If only used in winter without offseason maintenance, this battery may only last 1 or 2 years.
Lithium Iron Batteries for Snowmobiles
The lithium-iron battery is a new type of battery made for cold climates. It lasts longer than lead acid batteries, provides more stable voltage, and is maintenance free!
Here’s an article I wrote reviewing the lithium iron battery for snowmobiles.
So, can you start and drive your snowmobile without a battery?
Yes, if it has a pull start it can probably be done, but I wouldn’t make a habit of it. Maintaining a good battery will help prevent further electrical problems over time.
What do you do if your snowmobile doesn’t have a pull start, and the battery dies?
I carry a power pack jump starter for just the occasion. It’s a great investment to avoid being stranded and get back to town. Then you can pop in a new battery and keep on riding!
Sources:
Battery related issues on a snowmobile.
Cleaning rust and acidic buildup on battery terminals.