So 2 days ago my atv quit starting up through the starter function and i get the ole usual click click from the solenoid but now heres the thing right usually in the past when this has happen i would just jump the terminals with an old crappy screwdriver but this time around it doesnt do anything, okay so here is my question is it still the solenoid/ relay that is bad or could it be something else, what i mean is there something that could be wrong with the solenoid and it wouldnt let the power transfer over to the starter because heres another thing with the key on of coarse i put the +12 wire over to the starter side and still nothing. i really dont feel like putting a bunch of money into my atv right now. okay here is the thing that i have checked i have a good/ great battery something like 12.85 volts. tomorrow i plan on taking off the starter and test benching it. but it just seems off/weird to me that even when jumping the posts nothing happens. so any help would/will be great.
THANKS IN ADVANCE
RUBEN

 

By using a screw driver jumping the solenoid posts you're actually bypassing the solenoid and going straight from the battery to the starter. You can check that you're positively getting power to the starter wire itself with a meter or test light,plus move the starter cable around and see if had a little corrosion on it to keep it from kicking in. If the starter is toast which sounds like it,you can get them cheap. If mine I'd replace the bendix also as cheap as they are and be done with it.DB Electrical - Scrambler While you're at it the solenoids are cheap also.Or just get all three at one time. Starter Drive Relay Solenoid Polaris Scrambler 500 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 02 | eBay

 

okay thanks thats what i figured, but i wasnt a 100 % sure about it but like i said tomorrow im going to test bench the starter to make sure.
THANKS OPT
RUBEN

 

I agree with OPT. If you put 12 volts to starter and got nothing then sounds like the starter is shot , you can get a rebuild kit or buy a whole new starter

 

yeah no im going to test bench it later on this morning, just woke up a few minutes ago im having my morning coffee and cigarette. I also am pretty sure it is the starter, however i do have a quick question is it normal for these DB Electrical starters to give out every year or so because i have had my atv since late 2011 and this will be my fourth or fifth starter. i will be sure to let you guys know exactly whats going on.
THANKS
RUBEN

 

Just get their heavy duty one that has a two year warranty.DB Electrical - Polaris Atv Starter 250 300 350 400 Super Torque Gold 18331 Or pay more for a oem Mitsuba starter.New Genuine Polaris Starter Motor Xplorer Scrambler Sportsman 400 3085393 | eBay If this is the "real deal" not a come on add,then not a bad price as most places want about 350 bucks..

 

yes i know OPT i actually bought one of those the super torque one today before going outside and actually checking my atv. and guess what it was it was that the actual cable from the solenoid had come loose on the actual starter i am talking about no nut or anything so i found a nut that would actually fit on the post put everything back together and it fired right up. man i am upset with myself so now i have just spent 40$ that i didnt want/have on a starter for no reason. oh well you live and learn right!!!
next time i will defiantly know to check everything before spending money on anything. i guess i could always return it if worse comes to worse.
THANK YOU
RUBEN

 

Expensive nut.. Oh well at least you have an extra starter. If you get another project atv such as a 250,300,or a 350 that needs a starter,you will already have one..

 

A lot of places won't give you a refund on anything electric but you might get lucky and get your money back on the new starter. It's worth a call or email.

 

yeah no i know that this is primarily true but DB is pretty good about returns and refunds, thanks though
RUBEN