6 Reasons Why Your ATV Isn’t Starting

6 Reasons Why Your ATV Isn’t Starting

Here are some of the top reasons why an ATV may refuse to start:

1.       The kill switch is unengaged

The run or kill switch shuts off the engine if your ATV is out of control. These come in different forms depending on the model you choose. Check whether you have a button, tether, or pull switch. If your ATV is not starting, check if it is off. This is one of the most common and simplest reasons why most off-road vehicles such as ATVs don’t start, especially for newbies.

2.       The battery is compromised

If the battery is out of charge, the ATV won’t start. Check the voltage using a multimeter set. It’s simple. Just place the leads of the multimeter on the battery terminals. If the reading is 12v or above, the chances are that you have a different issue. If you get less than that, charge the battery.

If the battery cannot hold a charge above 12v even after it is fully charged, you may need a new one. If it can hold a charge, check for sparks.

3.       The engine is not getting enough spark

If the engine turns over but doesn’t stark, it may be getting a weak or insufficient spark. An insufficient spark will be unable to ignite the fuel and get the engine running. There is a quick and easy way to determine if that is the case. All you need to do is remove the engine’s spark plug and put it back in the plug wire.

Place it on the cylinder or anything that will ground it, and then start the engine again. If you’ve done it right, you should see some sparks jump out to whatever the grounded portion is touching.

Also, consider replacing the spark plug. These are not expensive, and you will solve your issue. Make sure you get the correct model and it is adequately gapped. You have a different issue if you still don’t see any sparks.

4.       The engine isn’t getting fuel

If your ATV has enough fuel and it still doesn’t start, perhaps the shut-off valve is loose or hasn’t been closed off properly. Locate the spark plug behind the protective casing if you have a carbureted ATV and the ignition coil if you have a fuel-injected ATV. Make sure you use a tool to remove the plug.

If it is dry, the fuel is not reaching the cylinder. The fuel pump or the carb and gas tank lines may be compromised. You will need to find the source of the problem and then clean it out. In case the fuel intake system is to blame, ask the manufacturer’s user guide on how you should troubleshoot the issue. You may need to repair the fuel pump, filter, or injector.

Older ATVs and some cost-efficient models are designed around a carburetor fuel system. If you have one of these, follow these steps to fix the problem:

• Make sure the shut-off valve is turned on.
• Check if the carburetor is getting sufficient fuel or not. First, open the valve and disconnect the fuel line from the inlet. Turn the engine over to see if the fuel line is getting gas. If it is only getting a little, chances are the valve is clogged or faulty, the fuel filter is clogged, the fuel pump is faulty, or the gas cap is blocked.
• If the fuel is flowing in a steady stream, on the other hand, the fuel pump is not the issue, and the tank is getting enough of it. In this case, you may have a dirty carburetor on your hands.

5.       The ATV isn’t getting enough air

Air enters and escapes from a small vent in your gas tank or cap. As fuel is pumped out of the ATV air is pulled in. If that vent is blocked, the pump may not be able to draw gas from the tank.

6.       Insufficient compression

The compression is designed to pull fuel into the cylinder to ensure the ATV runs smoothly on all terrain. If it is insufficient or low, your four-wheeler may not start. You can determine this by conducting a compression test. Typically, broken valves, worn-out piston rings, and a damaged spark plug may result in low compression.

ATV Troubleshooting Tips for New Owners

If you are bummed because the engine in your new ATV stops working every few minutes, chances are you made a rookie mistake. It can result from one of the following issues:

●      You did not adjust the choke

Make sure the choke is adjusted well before you start the ATV. If it isn’t, your engine stopped because the carburetor did not get enough airflow. If the four-wheeler is moving slowly, even at full throttle, that may be the reason.

●      The gas cap is on too tight

Like the choke, the ATV will not start or move slowly if there is no airflow because of a tight gas cap. Loosen the cap, and the problem should be solved.

●      The kill switch cover is loose

A loose kill switch may be preventing your ATV from starting. If the cap doesn’t push against the switch, it will not start. Check to see if this is the issue by unplugging the switch wires. If the engine keeps running, tighten the kill switch cover, so it pushes against the switch.

●      Coil issues

If your ATV has seen better days or is pre-loved and refuses to start, damaged coils may be the culprit. Coil issues are common in used ATVs. Extreme temperatures can lead to coil failure. A damaged one will not be able to deliver sufficient charge to the engine to make it run.

The easiest way to rectify this is to get a new coil. You can replace it yourself as well. First, run the engine until it stops, then remove the plug. Place the plug cable on it, hold it down and start the engine. You should see a spark if the problem is solved.

Importance of Battery Maintenance

Just because your ATV is stored away for the winter doesn’t mean it will remain damage-free. The battery should be removed, or it will not run when you take it out again. Most modern ATVs have sealed batteries that are designed to be maintenance-free. This means that you don’t have to add fluids to them to ensure they keep running. However, they still need to be charged.

Here are some things you should do to protect this battery when you are storing your ATV away for several months (such as during the winter):

• Remove the battery from the vehicle.
• Clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and warm water. This will remove corrosion and ensure the charger doesn’t stop working. Use any old toothbrush to do a good job.
• Add waterproof grease to the terminals after you reconnect the leads. This will keep corrosion at bay.

Important note: If your battery requires a top-off, use only distilled or mineral-free water to clean it. Always wear safety gear when doing this, as battery acid burns skin irreparably. It can cause third-degree burns that can leave scars.

Neglect will make any ATV and its engine fall apart. Follow the instructions in this guide to ensure your four-wheeler runs smoothly each time you take it out for a spin. Regular maintenance will prevent costly breakdowns. Rather than doing it yourself, and risking injury, take your ATVs to a skilled mechanic for maintenance and repairs.

If you are in the market for a new or pre-loved ATV, check out our inventory at Westshore Marine & Leisure. As professional ATV traders, we have an extensive selection of the latest models that can meet your needs, along with used options available for reduced prices. We also offer easy and simple financing options that can give you the best loan rates.