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Troubleshooting Why An ATV Won’t Start

Jun. 17 2021 Lifestyle By Big Country Powersports

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An ATV can refuse to start for many reasons. If you can identify the culprit and solve the problem, you can save yourself an expensive trip to the service department. We’ve gathered up the common reasons why a quad won’t start and solutions you can tackle yourself.

For more four-wheeler troubleshooting tips or to shop ATVs for sale, visit Big Country Powersports. Our dealership is based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We serve those in Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee, as well.

ATV Won’t Start And Engine Won’t Turn Over

There are many potential causes for a four-wheeler failing to start and the engine failing to turn over. Run through the following list and see if any of the steps solve the problem.

1. Check that the kill switch is in the “ON” or “RUN” Position.

2. Check that the quad is in Park or Neutral.

3. Check that the battery is charged. When the voltage is too low, the battery lacks the charge needed to start. Use a multimeter to check the voltage, then charge the battery as needed.

4. Check the main fuse. The four-wheeler’s owner manual will help you find the main fuse. Try replacing it and see if that does the trick.

Quad Won’t Start But The Engine Turns Over

Start by checking that the four-wheeler is getting fuel. 

1. Find the spark plug.

2. Remove the spark plug wire (for carbureted quads) or the ignition coil (for fuel-injected quads) from the spark plug. 

3. Using a spark plug removal tool, remove the spark plug from the cylinder head. If the spark plug is wet, the ATV is getting fuel. If not, figure out what is keeping the quad from getting fuel.

Four-Wheeler Is Not Getting Fuel

Sometimes an issue pops up that keeps fuel from getting to the quad’s cylinder. In many cases, a fuel supply line is clogged up at some point between the gas tank and carburetor. The clog can be caused by dirt, debris, or old gas. See if you can find the clog, then remove it. Note that a clog in one area indicates a dirty system and there are likely more clogs lurking around. The best approach is to do a complete clean.

Want more four-wheeler troubleshooting tips? Want to shop ATVs for sale? Whatever you need, find it at Big Country Powersports. Our experts are happy to help! Contact us or stop by our dealership in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We also serve those in Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee.