The weather is perfect, your buddies are revving their engines—it’s time to ride! Until it isn’t. There’s nothing worse than your rig not starting and you don’t know why it’s dead. To make sure you aren’t stuck on a dead machine for long, we’ve put together a list of familiar issues that could be keeping your ATV from starting with some simple tips to get your rig back up and running.
If your battery doesn’t have the power, your ATV isn’t going anywhere—it’s not rocket science. And while a battery can serve you well for many rides, once there isn’t enough power or it dies completely, you won’t be moving much without help. To see if your battery is the reason why your ATV won’t start, start by ensuring the terminals are clean and checking it with a voltmeter. If your battery is, in fact, dead or doesn’t have enough charge to power your rig, a jump start or recharger can give you the juice you need. However, if the battery still won’t hold a charge, it’s time to replace it.
If your spark plug isn’t working properly, it can lead to misfiring or your engine not starting at all. Spark plugs can become corroded because of accrued deposits or exposure to heat, making them a common culprit for ATV issues. If you suspect your spark plug is the problem, inspect it to make sure it is clean and free from damage. You can also check if it is working properly with a spark tester.
Replacing a damaged or degraded spark plug is a relatively simple process that can be done with everyday tools. However, be sure to check your owner’s manual for correct gap size and installation instructions. An incorrect gap size or installation can mean you still have a dead ATV, even if your spark plug was the only problem.
A blocked up fuel system can prevent fuel from reaching the engine, which can keep your four wheeler from starting. Check your fuel filter, lines, carburetor, and fuel pump to ensure they are operating properly. An old or dirty filter can easily be replaced, while cleaning the fuel lines, carburetor, and the rest of the fuel system regularly can help make sure you aren’t left sitting on a sputtering or dead machine when you turn the key.
Getting clean oxygen moving into your engine is vital for ignition and healthy engine performance. A soiled or blocked air filter can keep air from reaching your engine and can lead to your ATV not starting or even engine damage. Replacing the air filter is not difficult, just be sure to check your owner’s manual to get the right replacement. By keeping a clean air filter in your four wheeler, not only will your machine be easier to start, it will also improve your engine’s overall power and efficiency.
Your starter motor is key to getting your rig running, so if it stops working you won’t be moving anywhere fast. If your engine isn’t giving any response or if you hear strange noises when you turn the key, odds are good that a bad starter is why your four wheeler won’t start. Unfortunately, the only real long-term solution for a bad starter is to replace it, but luckily finding a new one can be as easy as heading over to SuperATV.
Switches can be a big issue that keeps your rig from starting, especially kill switches or ignition switches. Kill switches are an important safety function on your machine, giving you the ability to shut it off immediately in case of an emergency. If your kill switch is in the off position, your ATV will not start no matter what, but there’s no easier fix than turning it to the on or run position.
Trouble with your ignition switch can be a bit more difficult to diagnose and fix than flipping a switch, but there are some telltale signs that it is the problem. Turn the key into accessory mode to see if the lights and accessories are functioning—if not, you could very well have an ignition switch issue. Flickering lights, power loss, and weak sparks from your spark plug can also indicate that your ignition switch needs to be replaced.
If you’ve had some rough rides, engine damage could be why your ATV won’t start. Even if you aren’t seeing gouges and dents, internal damage is capable of preventing your rig from starting. These issues can range from wire and connection damage to more obvious and significant issues, so be sure to closely inspect your engine for signs of wear and tear. While these repairs will often require a professional, you can save a lot of time and trouble by identifying the damage beforehand.
While there is no magic formula to making sure your ATV starts every time you try to fire it up, regular maintenance, cleaning, and inspections can help you avoid a vast majority of issues. Quality replacement parts, like those you can find at SuperATV, are also important for reliable performance to keep you riding and out of the garage.
If you have questions about why your ATV won’t start or any of our products, reach out or leave us a comment below. We look forward to helping in any way we can!
