Charging And/or Starting Problem

[MightyBrad]

Last year, I thought my battery was dying, so I put a new Interstate battery in. My ATV started good for a little while, then it would not start with the electric start. I can hear the starter relay under the seat buzzing when I push the start button. If I jump it with a portable battery pack, it starts right up. Also if I pull start it, it starts up. I tried looking over all of the connections, and they all seem to be tight. I even got a shop manual and checked if everything had continuity, and it all seemed OK (to the extent of my knowledge which is not very great with ATV). I am not sure that I checked everything exactly with the multi tester. I also checked the battery with the engine running, and it read about 13 volts. I then tried to unhook the battery with the machine running, and it stayed running with the positive lead disconnected. Even if I take my battery out and charge it, the ATV dosen't seem to want to start. I do not know if the battery is bad right out of the box (it is not very old), or if it is a charging or starting system problem. If anyone knows anything I could do to try to narrow down this problem, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks,
Mighty b.

[Snafoow]

Check battery voltage at the battery post not the cables when pushing the start button. 9 or less volts at the battery would indicate a bad or not charged battery.
:rider:

[MudMav75]

What type of charger do you have? Maybe try a float charger that you can leave attached to the battery when not in use. This way, you do not have to worry about overcharging and frying it.

[MightyBrad]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MudMav75 @ Dec 3 2005, 02:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

What type of charger do you have? Maybe try a float charger that you can leave attached to the battery when not in use. This way, you do not have to worry about overcharging and frying it.[/b]

I have a trickle charger that brings the battery up to a full charge, and then keeps it at a storage charge but trickle charging it.

[rpyfz450]

If your battery is healthy, maybe the starter brushes are worn?

[MightyBrad]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rpyfz450 @ Dec 4 2005, 02:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

If your battery is healthy, maybe the starter brushes are worn?[/b]

I am starting to think it may be the battery, but it is almost brand new. I have been having this problem since I had my old battery in, and also with the new battery. But that is not to say that I may have gotten a bad battery out of the box (these things happen sometimes). As far as the starter goes, I think that it may be OK because, if I use a jumper box, the thing will start right up. Like I said this thing is like an enigma wrapped inside a paradox, shrouded by a mystery.
But thanks for the advice everyone, I'll keep trying the suggestions if you'll keep posting. THANKS ALOT!!!

[rpyfz450]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MightyBrad @ Dec 6 2005, 09:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I am starting to think it may be the battery, but it is almost brand new. I have been having this problem since I had my old battery in, and also with the new battery.[/b]

Next time you go riding, swap your battery with someone else for the day and see if the problem stays with the battery or the ATV. If the problem stays with the ATV while there's a known-good battery in there, that will answer at least one question for you.

Have you checked the ATV's charging voltage according to the service manual? I'm guessing your charging circuit isn't suspect because the symptoms appear right away with a freshly charged battery, correct?

Most of the time you can use the clamp on the end of a jumper cable to connect both terminals on your starter relay while the igntion is "on". If this cranks the motor readily, your starter relay is faulty. If the problem persists during this test, use a jumper cable to connect the positive battery pole to the terminal directly on the starter motor. If this cranks the motor instead, then there's a faulty cable or connection between the battery-relay-starter motor. Always be careful around high amperage circuitry and try to make jumper connections quickly to minimize arcing. Oh yeah, expect some arcing!

Also have you added any aftermarket electrical accessories such as a winch? Maybe you should disconnect power to these accessories for a bit to rule out their involvement in the problem.

[MightyBrad]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rpyfz450 @ Dec 7 2005, 10:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MightyBrad @ Dec 6 2005, 09:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am starting to think it may be the battery, but it is almost brand new. I have been having this problem since I had my old battery in, and also with the new battery.[/b]

Next time you go riding, swap your battery with someone else for the day and see if the problem stays with the battery or the ATV. If the problem stays with the ATV while there's a known-good battery in there, that will answer at least one question for you.

Have you checked the ATV's charging voltage according to the service manual? I'm guessing your charging circuit isn't suspect because the symptoms appear right away with a freshly charged battery, correct?

Most of the time you can use the clamp on the end of a jumper cable to connect both terminals on your starter relay while the igntion is "on". If this cranks the motor readily, your starter relay is faulty. If the problem persists during this test, use a jumper cable to connect the positive battery pole to the terminal directly on the starter motor. If this cranks the motor instead, then there's a faulty cable or connection between the battery-relay-starter motor. Always be careful around high amperage circuitry and try to make jumper connections quickly to minimize arcing. Oh yeah, expect some arcing!

Also have you added any aftermarket electrical accessories such as a winch? Maybe you should disconnect power to these accessories for a bit to rule out their involvement in the problem.
[/b][/quote]


To answer the question about aftermarket products, winch, etc. My ATV is completely stock, I just changed the nut behind the wheel. But this is very good advice, I will try to use the jumper cable trick first thing tomorrow. But trying a known good battery may have to wait for a few days. I will write back and let you know how this works out as soon as I have some results. Thanls alot!!