PH1

I start both my sleds once a month in the Summer. Both are Ski-doo with electric start. My 2003 Grand Touring wouldn't start via electric start. It just clicks once when I press start. It fires right up with the pull start. Is this a dead battery? If so, can it be charged, or do I have to buy a new one? I don't want to spend the money if I don't have to. Also, what kind of charger can be used? Should I be removing the batteries during Summer storage? Thanks for any help.

ITriumph

I would think the battery is dead if you left it in the sled all summer. I would assume that you can recharge it. I believe they are 12V. Same as a motorcycle.
Everyone around my parts pulls there batteries everyyear. Oh yah. Welcome back. Longtime no see

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PH1

Thanks ITriumph. I've actually never pulled the battery. OOPS!!! Do they really continue to draw when the sled isn't being used? I didn't know that.

SEG, any thoughts?

BRPforlife

Most likely a dead or low battery. I just unplug the batterie in my SDI during the summer and havn't had any problems. You could buy a trickle charger.

PH1

HUH? Spam in forum posts???

PH1

Thanks BRP. I wasn't sure if these could be re-charged or not.

BC_Dan

If you get more than two-three years out of a snowmobile battery, you are lucky. Trickle charger helps the life span a lot. Some of the smart trickle chargers are plug in and forget; perfect for snowmobiles. They will charge the battery, then shut off; as the battery discharges (all lead/acid batteries discharge over time) the charger will kick back on, keeping the battery up to full charge. Partially charged and dead batteries fail sooner than batteries that are kept up.

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rgoers

I have a YUASA SmartShot 900. Yuasa It's similar to the BatteryTender Jr. except mine is higher current.

Anyway, that's what you need, and leave it on all summer. I switch mine between my 2 sleds every few weeks. My unit came with a quick connector, and a couple different ends. I leave the clamps on one battery, and the ring-ends on the other. Then I can switch the charger without taking covers off, or lifting hoods.

Works great, and it is VERY good for your batteries. Expect to spend $40 on a *smart* charger. Anything else used long term can boil your battery and ruin it.

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smallengineguy

SOunds about right. Make sure you have got good terminal contact also at the battery (no corrosion)

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PH1

Thanks for all the great info guys!

cruiser1964

I own a 2006 Yamaha Nytro and was thinking of charging the battery with a regular battery charger. My question is: Can a regular charger put to much "juice" into the system and could I risk overcharging something?

mrcleary

Yes you can overchage a battery what happens is the battery will overheat and worp the plates inside. Slow charge on lowest setting keep your eye on it, should be fine.If the battery starts to stink you have cooked it!

catchick

i have2010arctic cat 800 lxr sleds. I pull the batteries prior to storage and charge them monthly. now they are dead. how long do snowmobile batteries normally last?
thanks

RJ Gleason

Average is 2 years, a battery tender is better than periodic charging and might get you double the life span.

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catchick

do you keep a battery tender on the batteries all the time?

RJ Gleason

Yes.

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Old Cat Rider
'93 Wildcat 700EFI
w/ Comet 108 Pro-4 clutch & 01 ZR skid

'90 Wildcat Project in progress.

Vintage (sorta)
1980 Indy Trail 440 (for sale)
1980 AC Pantera (donor engine to the 90 wildcat)


http://www.dcdrifters.net/


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http://www.masonicdryden472.org/

Rules of this forum are strictly enforced!

smokingcrater

Two things... yes, you should be removing at least the negative terminal on all batteries over the summer, and no, do not start them once a month! That is about the worst thing you can do, it just builds up condensation. Pickle them correctly with fogging oil, and then don't touch them until the snow flies!

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catchick

i pull the batteries and charge them monthly on a battery charger, not a trickle charger. i just thought i should get more tasnt 2 yrs out of them.
thanks