I bought a 2007 Honda Rancher 420 2x4 mostly for just trail riding and taking my kids sledding. I've mostly been satisfied with it, it's pretty peppy and does well in 2-6" of snow. The only complaint I've had is that the battery died on me. I know I didnt leave the ignition on or anything because I ALWAYS take the key in the house with me. I have less than 100 mi on it and it is garage kept. I go out and start it almost every day especially when it gets really cold outside. I keep it parked right next to the garage door and it did get down to -20 for a few days in a row this winter. Would the cold have cause my battery to die?

 

it is not likely but anything is possible. some batterys last for years and some go bad very quickly. they seem to last longer on a machine that is run more often than one that sits alot. i would recomend you get a bettery tender if it sits alot.

 

i agree a battery tender is probably the way to go. my battery went dead after about one year. i bought a new battery and now use a 30$ battery tender and have had no problems since.

 

One note....never "start it up" without letting it reach operating temperature. If the engine doesn't get completely hot, it can't drive off the condensation in the engine, and you will end up with water in your oil...and your oil will eventually become a sticky white emulsion.

Seems pretty obvious that the cold is killing your battery. Park it in a heated garage, or remove the battery and take it indoors during really cold weather.

And....I hope you are running a proper cold weather oil, like 0W30 (see your owner's manual)! I like Maxima 530MX or Ultra for extreme cold weather.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I love these forums. Looks like just go get a new battery. Also, thanks for the oil advice Reconranger.

 

Tighten the battery bolts with a wrench and not a screwdriver also.
Seen this so many times where a screwdriver is used to tighten them because the battery bolt has a screwdriver slot in it. The cable gets a little loose and will not allow the battery to charge constantly.

----- Gimpster -----