Starting Your Snowmobile
Accidents often occur when a driver starts a snowmobile but is not prepared to take control of it immediately. To start safely:
- Point the machine in a safe direction.
- Position yourself to control the machine when it starts.
- Set the parking brake.
- Make sure the throttle is not frozen. It should snap back to the idle position when released.
- Set the key and the engine stop switch (also sometimes known as a safety switch) to the “on” position.
- If your engine is cold, choke or prime it.
- If you have an electric starter, turn the key and release the choke as soon as the engine starts.
- If your machine has a reverse gear, be sure the snowmobile is in a forward gear before you start off.
- Allow the engine to warm up, and gradually move the choke to the “off” position. If you have a primer, you may have to pump it a few times to keep the engine running until it is warm.