I bought a 400ex about a month ago. I've never ridden before so I'm new to this. I took it out for the 2nd time today. When I got home I went to start it to put it away and it wouldn't start. When its in neutral the neutral light won't come on. If I fiddle w/ the positive cable on the battery the light will go on. Then when I try to start it, there is just a clicking noise which is coming from the battery area. Also, when I try to start it the neutral light shuts off. Any ideas?

 

tighten the battery cable...

 

tried that already, it didn't work

 

if its not that and the battery isnt dead, its probably the solenoid then, it should be under the rear fender on the left side. make sure your key is on, take a screw driver or something metal and cross it out (stick it between the 2 nuts on the solenoid) if it turns over then there is your problem.

 

how much does a new solenoid run?

 

im not sure... did you try crossing yours out to make sure that was the problem?

 

Try lubricating your battery terminals and then lubricate your coil terminal, and retighten, same thing happened to me on my old 400ex, then it fired right up.

 

what type of lubrication do you suggest?

 

Clean the batt posts and the wires with some 200 grit sand paper. Untill they are nice and shiny..
Then use some Diaelectric grease, aka spark plug boot greese... Use alot, Coat all of the fresh metal..

 

I would have had the carb already rebuilt, valves adjusted, new gas in tank, new oil change, new oil filter, new spark plug, cleaned the crankcase filter, oil tank strainer and checked various other things. If you didn't already I suggest getting the Clymer repair manual on this 4 wheeler. If it cost you a 100 bucks for it, its still worth it.