Ok, I just bought a 03 Kodiak 450. 300 miles , 64 hours, been sitting for almost 10 years in a barn. I've replaced spark plug, battery, starter, starter solinoid, air filter, new carburetor, oil change and filter, cleaned gas tank. I had it running , then washed it, now it won't start. Plenty of spark, gets gas, great compression. Check kill switch. So when I try to start it, all it does is crank, did back fire a couple times, that's it. But when trying to start , I use the thumb throttle and everything on the digital dash shows all zeros, let go of thumb, hours and stuff come back. I have no clue what else to do.

 

Also checked all fuses.

 

pull the plastics off and start going over the wiring harness. bet you have a bare wire. dang mice...

 

I've checked the wiring the best I could , didn't find anything. Just blows my mind that is was running, then the next day, all these problems. Just don't understand how moving the thumb throttle messes with the digital dash. But, after messing with it for last month or so, I'm gonna take it to the shop and see if they can find the problem. I do need to check the woodruff key, maybe it's broke and the timing is off. Not sure if there is a safety on it to keep it from running if the timing is out. Thanks for the reply ! This is my first Yahama and my last...lol...

 

I understand your frustration, but when you do get it fixed I think you are going to enjoy your kodiak. These machines are known for their reliability, I bet it's something stupid small that's causing your problem. Good luck and post what your problem was when it gets figured out .

 

It's a short or low voltage......the dash issue is a giveaway.
As far as worry.....,don't. I have a machine identical to that one except the plastics are red. I'll tell you right now I'm not the easiest on equipment. It's had a life of trails, mud and plowing snow and it has yet to break.
And don't get me started on my '88 Moto 4. That still runs like new without a single overhaul or major issue.
The worst thing to do to these machines is let them sit.

 

Just realised what your problem will be, a bad earth between frame and engine. The throttle cable will be acting as the earth and this cuts off when the cable is moved. Yams can look like the earth wire is fine, but remove it, clean it and the frame where it sits, put it back, and everything starts to work.