ATV just 'clicks' when I turn the key - is it this loose wire?

[dirtbkr188]

If it's cut, it isn't getting any power from the starter button, and can't make the solenoid click.

[J4Fun]

Thanks dirtbkr188, my post # 6 may make more sense after a few corrections. I think you new what I was thinking!…

[dirtbkr188]

Have any idea where the black & white wires hooked to the solenoid terminals go to? Looks like someone used a household extension cord to do some half-assed wiring job for something. It might be in your best interest to see what's at the other end, it may explain and be a part of your problem.

You need to look at the harness plug where the starter button plugs into the main harness and see if the yellow/red tracer wire is one of the wires in the plug, and then locate that wire where it exits the harness to go to the solenoid.

[XLsior]

hooked to the starter ejector seat...

[Thumper]

Shouldn't that loose red wire go to the battery? The two main poles on the solenoid are connected in the solenoid when you press the starter. This connects the battery directly to the starter. The battery ground is connected to the engine case to complete the circuit (this connection would be a good one to check-possible bad ground).

You can test the starter, and the solenoid independently.

1. Test the starter (bypass the starter button). The solenoid completes the circuit from (connects) the battery to the starter when you press the starter button.

That is, it connects the thick wire from the battery to the thick wire that goes to the starter. These are connected to the solenoid main posts. So you can simply connect the two by using a heavy copper wire and touch (connect) these two terminals on the solenoid (or use a screwdriver!). Make sure transmission is in neutral first.

If there is enough juice in the battery, the starter will run...turn over the engine when you bypass the solenoid. No need to have the key turned on (or the engine might start!).

2. Test the solenoid. The starter button may provide 12V to the solenoid or it grounds the solenoid. You can test for either of these. Press the starter button with a charged battery in place. Use an ohmeter to see if pressing the starter button gives 12V to the solenoid. Then test if the solenoid is grounded when you press the starter button.

You mentioned that your solenoid clicks when you press the button, so presumably that starter circuit is intact.

Either way, connect an ohmeter to the two poles that have the heavy wires (one to the battery, the other to the starter). Press the starter button. When you do, the solenoid should click and the posts with the two heavy wires will be connnected if the solenoid works. Ohmeter goes to zero ohms if the solenoid works (connects the two posts...)

If the starter and the solenoid both work, you have a wiring problem, probably a weak ground since it does click when you press the starter button.

[gio2008rider]

Bump

[Bruces]

What was the results of the testing spoon fed to you in post 20 above by Thumper ?

[Thumper]

Bump

[gio2008rider]

Bump

[dirtbkr188]

Originally Posted by gio2008rider

Bump

What's with the Bump?


Apparently, everyone who has replied with advice and information hasn't told you what you want to hear, is that correct?