Install the app
How to install the app on iOS

Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.

Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

  • Don't miss out on all the fun! Register on our forums to post and have added features! Membership levels include a FREE membership tier.

858 Spontaneous Combustion

S

snoxracer40w

Member
So had a great riding day Saturday....until about 3 hours after we had come off the mtn. My new 858 combusted into flames in the trailer......initial assumption is something electrical. My son and I made sure the key was in the off position when we tied it down in the trailer, as last ride I did not and the battery had drained a little. Wondering if anyone has heard of issues with the ele start system on other units?
 
My last ride out a couple weeks ago, the wife and I heard buzzing coming from my 858 w elec start. We were taking a break and the motor was off. It sounded like it was coming from the starter to me, which I thought was odd and could be what caused your fire. Going out again this weekend and will see if it is still doing it. That was the first time I had ever heard it and it didn't do it again the rest of the day.
 
So had a great riding day Saturday....until about 3 hours after we had come off the mtn. My new 858 combusted into flames in the trailer......initial assumption is something electrical. My son and I made sure the key was in the off position when we tied it down in the trailer, as last ride I did not and the battery had drained a little. Wondering if anyone has heard of issues with the ele start system on other units?
My 858 big screen randomly drains battery and getting worse. Dealer is waiting on replacement. Looks like you had small screen? Does it say somewhere that key has to turned off when parked?
 
My 858 big screen randomly drains battery and getting worse. Dealer is waiting on replacement. Looks like you had small screen? Does it say somewhere that key has to turned off when parked?
Is it draining the battery even when the key is off? I left my key on for two weeks between trips and my battery was completely drained. Was told you need to turn the key off.
 
Memo to self: stay with manual start snowmobiles.

On a serious note- do you try to get Arctic Cat to cover it (sled only) under warranty or just have your insurance company cover the loss? Insurance covers it, then goes after manufacturer in subrogation?
 
Wow. That is super crappy. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of something similar. Feel. Ad for all catalyst owners. Value is dropping like crazy and cat going out of business and now this.
 
Is it draining the battery even when the key is off? I left my key on for two weeks between trips and my battery was completely drained. Was told you need to turn the key off.

Is it draining the battery even when the key is off? I left my key on for two weeks between trips and my battery was completely drained. Was told you need to turn the key off.
Yes tried that. G8 will turn on when parked kill battery. Waiting on replacement screen hoping will fix issue
 
Holy sheep nuggets that sucks makes me more worried cus their are 3 buddies in the trailer with the 858 only one is fully covered besides the 858 , I noticed a buzz one day (858) in the trailer turned out to be the tank venting cuz it was warm and totally full , my hardcore whistles all the time it's air escaping from a vent in the seat foam took me a friggin month to figure it out finally used a sonic listening device made for finding vacuum leaks and such and located it funny shat hope this electricle thing is just a one off fluke sorry bout ur 858 might be a rare breed come next year ??? Could fire locate Point of origin on the sled front, back, etc??
 
Any chance of something in trailer arcing to tank fumes or certain the sled started it?

Shorted wiring and even pilot lights can jump a long ways with fumes.
 
Any chance of something in trailer arcing to tank fumes or certain the sled started it?

Shorted wiring and even pilot lights can jump a long ways with fumes.
I don't see anyway the sled can try to self start. Takes a connection to pull that off. What is the story behind said sled? Mods?
 
The only thing in the trailer that had a power source was the Cat, it was unhooked so even if the light switch was on, there was no other power source. After hearing from another about his spontaneously trying to start when he put the kill switch in the go position, and the supposed POS spark plug boots, makes you wonder if there are other cheap supply gremlins yet to be figured out on this year's model. Obviously my season is done, the 3 other sleds in the box are all damaged and not insured, they all run but seats, hoods(2), set of handle bars and probably a wire harness.... I wont by another sled right now .... I loved riding that thing though.
 
Memo to self: stay with manual start snowmobiles.

On a serious note- do you try to get Arctic Cat to cover it (sled only) under warranty or just have your insurance company cover the loss? Insurance covers it, then goes after manufacturer in subrogation?
Yeah not sure at this point how ins is going to handle it, both the trailer and sled were insured w same company, chatted w my dealer and he said ins had not reached out to him, he was going to reach out to his Cat rep.
 
Definite crappy situation, but what am I missing here? You're vehicle caused the others to become damaged at no fault of the other parties involved. It does not matter if they had insurance or not. Your insurance is responsible to cover the event. That is the part of the policy labeled Property Damage Liability. How much coverage do you have for that line item of the policy?
 
Last edited:
Definite crappy situation, but what am I missing here? You're vehicle caused the others to become damaged at no fault of the other parties involved. It does not matter if they had insurance or not. Your insurance is responsible to cover the event. That is the part of the policy labeled Property Damage Liability. How much coverage do you have for that line item of the policy?
Definite crappy situation, but what am I missing here? You're vehicle caused the others to become damaged at no fault of the other parties involved. It does not matter if they had insurance or not. Your insurance is responsible to cover the event. That is the part of the policy labeled Property Damage Liability. How much coverage do you have for that line item of the policy?
I bet you're wrong on that. A friend had trailer come off because of pin and another buddy's sled was in there. Owner of trailer was insured but other didn't have insurance on his. It was not covered.
 
Yeah, I always insure my sleds. While losing a sled to a fire really sucks, I'm more concerned about having liability coverage. If something happens like an accident or a runaway sled, medical bills can add up in a hurry.
 
Premium Features



Back
Top