Hi folks,

I'm hoping you can help me out. i have a neighbor that has a 2006 AC 500 and it just started to act up and become hard to start. The last time we started it the battery was weak and we needed to jump start it and prime the carb in order to get it to start. At first we just were jumping it, but it seemed to not get any fuel and would not even pop. Then we found the priming lever on the carb and worked it while turning it over and could get it to run rough, then it would quit at low idle. Once we did that for a while it finally started to run better after we held the RPM's for a while until it warmed up. Yesterday it would not start again and we didn't have time to jack with it. Could this be a fuel pump or bad auto choke? The gas is only a few weeks old and is treated from the last ATV run where it ran fine. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Start by taking the air filter off and the gas cap off.
I could be a dirty air filter, or it may possibly be the air vent is obstructed and causing a vacuum.
If neither help then clean the carb.
Put a good charge in the battery or swap it out.
If none take care of it, then we can suggest more.

 

This sounds like a similar problem I have. I bought a 2005 500 brand new from the dealer and it worked great with no problems. However, a recall notice showed up for the gas tank to be replaced. I took it in and they replaced it all. About a few weeks later I noticed that if I didn't ride the bike for a couple of days, it would take about 20 seconds to get it to start. I can't figure it out. So, I took it back to the dealer and they said there was nothing wrong with it. (Of course it had been run recently so they experienced nothing abnormal). They then told me to use the primer if there becomes a problem and I said, "I've never had to do this before, even in -30 degree temperatures."

Anyways, I'm frustrated with the situation as it drains the battery which I've replaced once already. I had this problem on a previous vehicle where the gasket on the fuel pump was not sealed properly thus the gas would drain all the way back into the tank if it sat for 2 days.

I will check the air filter again and some of the obvious stuff but there has to be a reason why it takes so long to start. I've had it to two different dealers. I'm not happy with the responses I'm getting. I'd like to invite their technician to come over to my garage after the bike sits all week and try and start it.....

Any suggestions?

BTW, this problem arose B4 I jumped the bike ;-) and killed myself.

 

Thanks guys! I'll look into these suggestions and hope we find something. In the meantime if there are anymore comments please post. Thanks again!!

 

If you are sure it is from a lack of fuel then that usually occurs from a clogged fuel line, clogged fuel pick up screen in the tank (will it run when on reserve) plugged jets in the carb ( clean the carb) a vaccum leak or intake leak not pumping fuel. My vote is for a plugged jet. Remove the carborator, remove the float bowl and I suspect you will find gunk in their that is plugging the needle jet.

Swampy

 

I'm having a somewhat similary problem with my 06 500 Auto. After I ride for a few hours, then turn off quad, it won't restart using the elect start. I have to use the pull start. I took it to the dealer but he can't duplicate the problem. It has happened several times.

 

One thing that happens is once you have it warmed up and going it runs great & starts great. I wonder if it could be the fuel pump loosing its prime after sitting for several days. If we have time we'll jack with it this weekend and let you know what we find.
Thanks guys!!!!!!!

 

Well I am having a somewhat similar problem. My 2005 500 will not start after sitting for a few days. Today I pulled it out and it would not start. So I checked power to the electric choke and had none. As soon as I supplied power to the choke it started right up.

Does anybody here know where I can locate a service manual to find out where the choke is supposed to get its power from and what signals it to have power?

 

Just to give you an update we did go riding a little over a week ago and we did have to jump start and prime the carb in order for it to start. After it was warmed up it ran like a million bucks and started with no problem after that. We have not had time to fire it up since or jack with it, but I suspect the electric choke is not working properly. I'd think it was the battery (not enough juice to flip the electric choke) but I'd think that would be addressed once you hook up jumper cables. I'll keep you posted as we have time to work on it. If you have any suggestions on how to check the choke let me know. Thanks guys!!!!!!

 

I hate to be a "Me Tooer", but I have the same problem. What the heck is up! My battery was very weak after it had sat for about two weeks, I checked the water in the battery and it was only about 1/2 full.