Starter Relay or wiring? - ATVConnection.com ATV Enthusiast Community

sassee · #1 (**permalink**) 09-24-2007, 02:38 PM

I was just bragging on my AC 400. 'had it for years and never done anything but replace brake pads! Now it is giving me a small problem. The atv will not crank by the starter. (cranks fine by the rope but my kids seem to have a time pulling it) Battery is good. I know the starter works because, while cleaning the wires and battery cables, I accidently arced the batt. cables on the starter relay and the starter turned over. Curious, I then PURPOSELY arced the cables and the starter cranked the atv right up! Any suggestions or tests to verify what the problem is???

Thanks!

mcemt50 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-24-2007, 04:14 PM

I would start by checking the starter switch on the handelbars, Also check the wires from the switch to the Relay. If thats all good listen to the relay for a clicking sound when you push the start button. You can check the relay with a test light if you dont have power to both sides of the relay that the problem.

sassee · #3 (**permalink**) 09-24-2007, 04:28 PM

..."power at both sides of the relay"...

Which wires are you refering to? The bigger cables with the lug ends or the wires coming in at the top plug-in? Speaking of the bigger cables w/lug ends, wouldn't only one of those be hot? The other goes to the starter doesn't it?

just asking...........

brooker32 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 06:22 PM

I determined my relay was bad by shorting out the 2 wires on the relay. I used a pair of pliers to short the 2 points. If you do this for just a second and it starts its your relay.

sassee · #5 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 10:00 PM

i did that initially. i arced the 2 cables and it started right up. that means the relay is bad???

brooker32 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-28-2007, 05:55 PM

Thats what I was told by a starter repair person. I replaced mine after that test and it has been fine since.

drblakeking · #7 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 05:15 PM

This stream sounds like the same problem I am having. I have recently replaced the starter relay switch because a tab on the positive terminal was broken. Now starter relay switch is new, there is a click when I puch the electric start button but the engine doesn't turn over. Arching the terminals on the relay switch will make the engine turn over. Sometimes the white relay assy make noise when I try and start would that be a problem? Could the problem be with one of the wires on the quick connect on the relay switch?

buckaroo50 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-14-2007, 08:26 PM

Download this manual and it should help you with trouble shooting and everything else.
http://silentfall.com/files/manual.zip

sassee · #9 (**permalink**) 10-15-2007, 10:03 AM

The manual is GREAT! Thank You!

You wouldn't know how to get a manual for a 97 Polaris Trail Boss would you? I'm up to my elbows in the tranny on one I got for helping a friend move. Of course the reason it was free was due to a hole in tranny case but I have TIG'd that up and ready to re-assemble.

Ernie

918richard · #10 (**permalink**) 11-01-2007, 06:48 PM

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