How to Check If Your Snowmobile Headlight Plug Is AC or DC (Video + Rectifier Guide)
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How to Check if Your Snowmobile Headlight Plug Is AC or DC (Before Installing LED Headlights)
If you're upgrading to snowmobile LED headlights, the most important step is knowing whether your sled’s headlight plug runs on AC or DC current. Most youth sleds (like the ZR 120) and many older snowmobiles run AC power, which requires a rectifier before installing LEDs.
This guide shows you exactly how to test your snowmobile’s headlight plug using a multimeter—based on the real LEDPowersport™ video below.
Why AC vs DC Matters for LED Headlights
LED headlights require stable DC current. If your sled outputs AC power at the headlight plug, installing LEDs without a rectifier can cause:
- Headlight flickering
- Premature LED failure
- Melted bulbs or connectors
- Electrical harness damage
That’s why LEDPowersport™ recommends testing your sled before installing your new High Power Series LED headlights.
What You Need
- A digital multimeter
- Access to your snowmobile’s headlight plug
- Your sled running
Step-By-Step: How to Test AC or DC at Your Snowmobile Headlight Plug
1. Access the headlight connector
Open the hood and locate your headlight plug. The test in the video is shown on a 2024 Arctic Cat ZR 120 (H4 plug).
2. Connect your multimeter
- Black probe → negative/ground wire
- Red probe → positive wire
3. Set your multimeter to AC voltage
Select the AC “V~” setting (squiggly line). Use a high range like 200V for safety.
4. Start the snowmobile and take your reading
If the voltage reads strong here (often 10–14V for youth sleds), your headlight plug is running AC power.
5. Switch your multimeter to DC voltage
If the DC reading is extremely low or barely moves, your sled is AC powered.
Result from the video: The 2024 Arctic Cat ZR 120 showed ~12V AC but almost no DC reading → This sled is AC power.
When You Need a Rectifier
You need a rectifier if:
- Your AC reading is 10–14V
- Your DC reading barely moves
- Your sled is a youth 120 (most are AC)
- Your headlights flicker with other bulbs
LEDPowersport™ recommends a plug-and-play rectifier on AC systems before installing LEDs. Our full AC/DC guide is here:
Read the AC vs DC Power Guide →
Shop LED Headlights for Your Snowmobile
Most Popular:
➡️ High Power Series 130W Snowmobile LED Kits
➡️ Snowmobile LED Headlights Landing Page
➡️ Rectifier-Ready H4 LEDs
Common Signs Your Sled Is Running AC Power
- Bulbs flicker at idle
- Stock halogen bulbs burn out often
- Voltage changes when revving
- LEDs strobe or pulse
If you experience any of these, test your plug immediately.
Conclusion
Testing AC vs DC takes less than 5 minutes and protects your sled’s electrical system. If you’re running AC, simply add a rectifier before installing LEDs and your lights will be bright, clean white, and reliable all season.
For more install help, subscribe to LEDPowersport™ on YouTube and check out our full library of guides.