Method and system for starting an internal combustion engine

A snowmobile comprising:

• a frame;
• an engine connected to the frame, the engine comprising;
• a crankshaft;
• a motor-generator operatively connected to the crankshaft, the motor-generator being operable in motor mode to rotate the crankshaft and in generator mode to generate electricity;
• and
• a recoil starter selectively operatively connected to the crankshaft;
• a drive track operatively connected to the frame;
• at least one ski operatively connected to the frame;
• a continuously variable transmission (CVT) operatively connecting the engine to the drive track, the CVT having a drive pulley and a driven pulley, the drive pulley being operatively connected to the crankshaft;
• a power source electrically connected to the motor-generator;
• a control unit electrically connected to the power source;
• a temperature sensor communicating with the control unit;
• and
• a start switch communicating with the control unit,
• in response to the engine being stopped and the start switch being actuated, the control unit being configured to:
• obtain a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor;
• in response to the temperature being above a predetermined temperature, start the engine using the motor-generator;
• and
• in response to the temperature being below the predetermined temperature, prohibit starting of the engine using the motor-generator.