i ahve a kodiak 400 03 model and it will run with a dead batt but not if i unhook the batt!! is this normal? does it need the batt to complete the circuit? any help would be awesome thanks

 

Battery required to complet curcuit, and it would be bad to disconnect battery
while engine was running as well.

 

Mine did when the battery terminal broke.

 

My 1989 350 4x4 BigBear ran for two years without a battery in it. The headlights were sure dimmer without a battery though. The ATV needed a solenoid and starter so I never bothered getting a battery in it until I changed those parts first.

Whats the use of having a new battery in a ATV without a working electric start was my thinking.

 

Same as car altenator, bad or week battery, and your altenator
has to work at near max all the time when lights and other accessories on.
Battery runs everything, altenator keeps battery topped up.
the past couple of years bikes and 4wheelers are starting to come with higher capacity charging systems.
I wouldnt recommend using a winch without a good battery.