I have a 1988 fourtrax 300 2x4 that I recently got running again after it sat in a barn for the past 15 years. To start it I have to kick start it and it is hard to get it to start when the engine is cold, but when it is warmed up it runs great and starts first kick. I hope to be able to use the electric start but I am having an issue. Whenever I hook the quad to a jump pack, the engine continuously turns, whether I'm hitting the button or not, or sometimes it will do nothing, even if I push the button. when it is acting as it does in the second scenario that I described, I can see the neutral light dim a little when I push the button, so I believe that the start button is still good (not sure though). In other words, when hooked up to a jump pack, sometimes it continuously turns over even if I'm not touching anything, and sometimes it will do nothing but turn the lights on (won't even turn over when button pushed) I have recently replaced both the starter and the solenoid but not sure what to do next. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

It can only be the start button or the wiring to it if you have changed the solenoid. The starter brushes may be sticking or worn too, or the lock-out connected to the neutral light, these could cause the "sometimes it will do nothing, even if I push the button" scenario, but only a faulty start button or solenoid can cause the "Whenever I hook the quad to a jump pack, the engine continuously turns" provided the solenoid is wired up right.

 

during the scenario where it sometimes does nothing, I am able to see the neutral light dim when I push the button. does that still mean it could be the starter button?

 

No that is a different fault. As I wrote above, if the solenoid is OK the only things that can cause the starter to turn without you pressing the button is a faulty button, or the wiring.

The not working when you do press the button will probably be starter brushes if the solenoid clicks but the starter doesn't turn, common after a long lay up as brushes can stick in their holders.

 

Several ways to check which part is bad or good If you have test light probe starter wire at starter or probe starter wire at solenoid press starter button if clicks and light up light then starter if clicks no light solenoid or wiring or no signal to solenoid Can check solenoid to see if its good working solenoid remove it put on bench get good battery an meter with buzz box in it get 2 jump leads hook battery to both small wires put meter probes on larger post if solenoid clicks an buzz meter than solenoid good if clicks and no buzzer bad solenoid or no click bad solenoid

 

Also just make sure the solenoid is hooked up correct 1 wire to battery and 1 wire to starter Its very easy on this model to hook up short to solenoid on both side and people hook starter wire straight to battery I seen this a lot over 40 years of being a atv tech

 

Any updates?

 

None yet, still has the issue. I took it apart to clean everything hoping to find a bad ground or something like that. I tried replacing the start button but it didn't help.