I was riding on Saturday at -15 deg C. After 12 miles it stated to backfire (soft ones) and the headlights flickered. The instument lights flickered too. The machine sounded like it was goint ot stall-out and after about 30 seconds it did.

Now I can't start it at all. I turn the key and don't get ANYTHING. The battery tested fine but I don't get any lights, sound or anything! I can't pull start it either.

It was suggested that it might be the ground wire connection. Sound possible or likely? Where would I find that connection? What else could i check?

 

Not to insult you, but you did check that you haven't moved the kill switch to off, right?

I am thinking voltage regulator, but check all the connections from the battery to the voltage regulator and cdi, and check ground connections to the frame and engine case. It could be a connector has worked loose as well.

 

Not insulted at all, but I did check all the typical stuff and still nothing. I also think it might be ground connection but I spoke withthe dealer and he mentioned thatthe 400s had a problem withthe fly-wheels and the magnets.

Not sure if that is possible or plausible.

 

If you havent, I would keep in a stored in a WARM garage over night and see it that does anything before you go replacing parts. Maybe something is just frozen.

 

Have you tested the votage regulator?

If the diodes are open you won't get voltage to anything. If I am interpreting things correctly, it will not let the voltage from the magneto pass to the cdi either. That would not allow it to pull start either.

 

I have heard and read where certain "older" AC machines have issues with the magnets coming off the magneto as well as the heat frying the voltage regulator. A 2004 does not fall into what I would call "older" so I would lean toward a ground or shorting out issue but I would not totally rule out the magneto or voltage regulator.

I am also thinking ground becasue you said the battery is good but you have no lights? The lights and ignition are only connected at the key other than that you can have the stop/run switch off and still have lights. I would begin my search from the battery to the key and look especially close tot he wires around the instrument POD and where the key is. You mayhave also blownthe 30 amp fuse on the starter selenoid. Follow the positive cable from the battery to find it.

Swampy

 

Read this thread.

ArcticChat.com >> It's All About the Pride®

 

I have the same problem with my 04 Arctic Cat 400, except it was about 85F at the time it stopped running. I have checked all the grounds, and replaced the battery, and battery cables, and I ran through the entire wiring harness looking for ground outs. I'm ready to take a sledge hammer to it, so any help would be appreciated.