Ask the Editors: Ignition Failure Symptoms
To answer this question we have to start by reminding that what we generally consider an ATV’s ignition is actually comprised of a few different components working in harmony. If the ignition switch itself failed, you would likely have no electrical contact when you turned the key (no lights, no gauges, starter etc.)
The CDI box (capacitor discharge ignition module) is the controller that stores an electrical charge and increases the power of the spark at the spark plug. If this were to fail, it usually results in no spark.
The ignition coil steps up the voltage from the battery (or magneto, which is the electric generator that provides high-voltage pulses if the vehicle isn’t equipped with a battery).
Lastly the voltage regulator, which as the name suggests, maintains the voltage throughout the system within acceptable limits.
In short, ignition failure can be linked to one of these components and diagnostics for each exist to narrow down which component is the likely culprit.
