can someone help me on how to fix my sled???

[tracker]

So im having some problems with my 89 polaris indy trail 488. When i pull it over i get no spark. I changed the plugs, CDI box, cleaned the magnedo contacts, checked all wires and connections, yet still no spark. Anyone have an idea of whats going on?

Thanks, Tracker

[2thepointsetters]

pull the 2 wires off the back off the key/ignition switch and see if you have spark. That will test your key/igniton also check to make the kill switch wires aren't rubbed through somewhere. Also a nice trick if you lost your key on the older polaris sleds.

[tracker]

I pulled the ignition wires off and still nothing. I took the kill switch apart cleaned it and didn't see any thing out of the ordinary for a electrical switch. There is a lone black wire coming off the magnedo, i pulled that one off and still no spark.

[thorski]

Is there a kill switch that a safety tether cord would hook too? If so, did you check it as well?

[ratmn218]

not sure if it has it, but some had some type of safty switch on throttle?not sure how to test that?

[tracker]

It does not have a teather and i read that the safety switches could be the problem. I do have some free play in the throttle but when i went to tighten the throttle cable where it enters both carbs it still didn't tighten. That safety switch is called a throttle assurance swith. There are two of them and one has to be depressed at all time for it to run. I held one in and no spark, didn't hold it in and still no spark. Anyone know how i can by-pass the kill switch, throttle assurance switches?

[Wanderer]

You might want to try the Equipment-Expert Info and/or Snowmobile Users forums too.

[BD110]

Google polaris throttle assurance switches and there is a ton of info on how to set and check these switches.

[tracker]

Thanks for the other forums, didn't see them. Hopefully i can get this thing running since the snow is really starting to pile up.

Tracker

[Surface Tension]

This is a good topic and I'd imagine the cause of loss of spark in a lot of cases. Its something you just don't think about or at least start with when trouble shooting spark.

I don't know how to by pass the safety switch. A sled of that age will have some wear at the at the hinge of the throttle. That could be enough to were the safety switches are opening and closing. For now try holding the throttle down just a hair then try starting. You should be able to take some slack out of the cable by the adjustment at the carb, this may be all you need to do or it may not. Eventually you'll need to replace the throttle or what I did is made shims to take up the sloop in the hinge.

[lakerunner]

Here is the real simple fix that it looks like everyone forgot to mention for the zero spark. Replace the spark plug connectors. On that sled, you should be able to turn and pull (sametime) them off. You can pick them up at a fleet farm or snomo shop and are cheap (maybe $10 each). They do wear out/burn out and if they are, you won't have any spark. Before I would start tearing into the kill switches, check those first. Hope it helps.