Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum. I'm glad I found it, it has a lot of useful information and tips. I have a quick question and I hope someone can point me in the right direction. I ride a 2002 Scrambler 500 4x4. Last week while I was riding with my buddies in Glamis, sometimes when I turned off my Scrambler, it wouldn't turn on again. I would turn the key and set the switch on 'run' and nothing would happen.The engine would not turn over or make any noises. I figured sand might have gotten in somewhere in the switches or ignition key because after 10 minutes of fiddling with the ignition, it would start up again. It happen 2 or 3 times so I didn't think too much of it. But toward the evening while riding with my lights on, all my lights went off while the engine still running. My head lights, my brake lights, my ignition lights everything went out! But I could still ride the quad (in the dark!). The engine didn't miss a beat. On a hunch I turned off the Scrambler and I couldn't turn it on again. Again after 10 minutes, it started up again, with the lights running again. On my way back to camp, the lights kept going out and coming back on. Obviously it's an electrical problem, but where should I start to look? Battery? Alternator? Starter? Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

Get a DMM and check for opens and continuity for given conditions. You'll need a wiring diagram to do this.

 

I'm not sure if the 2002 Scrambler is like the 95 Scrambler, with the wiring nightmare under the hood, but I would start there and look for a wire that might either be coming off the circuit board, or a wire that is comin out of one of the female ends. That was a big problem with me, I've had to replace the ends on about 8 of the wires because it didn't seem to be crimped quite hard enough. One of my biggest ones was with the lights (headlight/breaklight).

 

LOL, it could be simple. I had this happen to my scrambler on a vacation ride in the middle of nowhere. Next to the battery you will see a relay board where the positive wire comes in from the battery. From the board follow the + just a little further and there is a male/female connection there. you might have to remove the rear fenders to see it, could be tucked agains the frame. But the connecter had just jiggled out on me, wouldn't elec. start, no lights. Put it back together, small crimp to make it a little more permanent, and all good. Try that, otherwise yes, run some continuity checks!