The starter solenoid turns an electric signal from the ignition key into a high voltage signal that activates the starter motor. If there is a problem with your starter solenoid, your ATV won’t start. While you can’t rule out replacing the starter solenoid, sometimes it’s not necessary and all it may need is a bit of troubleshooting.
Symptoms of a Bad Starter Solenoid
Before you make any conclusions, it is important you rule out other problems such as battery issues. Fortunately, there are several tell-signs that something is wrong with the starter solenoid. These include:
The vehicle doesn’t start
This is the most common sign pointing to issues with the starter solenoid. If you engage the ignition process and your vehicle doesn’t turn on, it may be because of a faulty starter solenoid.
Starter stays on after engine started
When you start the engine and stop pressing the starter button on modern vehicles, the circuit is supposed to close, discontinuing power to the starter motor. If your starter stays on after the engine has ignited, most likely the main contacts in the starter solenoid have welded together in the closed position.
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Clicking sound coming from the starter
This is a common symptom when the battery is low on amps, but it could also be the starter solenoid isn’t sending a full signal.
Intermitted starting problem
A starter relay sends power to the starter each time it is engaged. If it is not working properly, maybe due to damage arising from dirt, excessive heat, debris or other issues, the starter might operate sporadically. If the starter doesn’t activate instantly when you try to start your ATV but then works when you turn the key switch once again, this is most likely a problem with the solenoid.
How Do You Test an ATV Solenoid?
There are two basic tests you can do to evaluate the condition of your solenoid. You will need the following tools:
ATV Starter Solenoid Test 1
This test is designed to establish if the contactor is pushing up and completing the solenoid connection. To do that:
- Using the back probes, connect directly from the battery to one of the solenoid wires that connect to the starter button. Start with the negative side of the battery.
- Connect a second back probe to the solenoid and connect it to the positive side of the battery.
- Once you have done this, you should hear an audible “click” as the connector is pushed up to complete the circuit.
- If you do not hear it, the solenoid has gone bad. You’ll then need to move to the next test.
ATV Starter Solenoid Test 2
- Simply disconnect the back probe from your battery’s positive terminal, while keeping in place the connections from the first test.
- Connect the multimeter to the solenoid’s main connectors and set it to a resistance test.
- You should see “OL” once connected, indicating an open circuit.
- Then, connect the back probe connection from the first step to the positive side of your battery. This will energize the solenoid and push into position the connector, completing the circuit.
The tests involve first checking to make sure the connector is engaging and completing the starter circuit and then making sure the starter circuit is connected when the connector is engaged.
How Do You Start a Quad with a Bad Solenoid?
If you have a bad solenoid, you can start your quad by jumping the starter solenoid wires with a wrench. First, you will need to find the starter solenoid, usually located on the outside of the plastic next to or under the battery and close to the wiring harness. You should see two big main wires once you’ve located the starter solenoid. If it is set up, you can then jump the wires and be able to start the quad.
Is a Starter Relay and Solenoid the Same Thing?
A starter relay consists of a coil wire wound around a ferrous core and an armature on one of the coil. A starter solenoid, on the other hand, is a coil enclosing a movable plunger. Unlike in the starter relay where the coil core is immovable, a starter solenoid core is an iron or steel plunger free to move in and out of the coil. However, the terms solenoid and relay can often be used interchangeably.
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Can You Jump a Starter Solenoid?
You can jump a starter solenoid if you have a good and strong battery to start the engine. You should only proceed if your battery has enough current to turn the motor, otherwise, you won’t be able to start the vehicle by jumping the starter solenoid.