Getting an ATV is an exciting time. You have a new toy to play with and one that can take you through some of the hardest challenges nature has to offer.
But whether you’ve just gotten a new ATV, or even if your old and beloved ATV is beginning to give you trouble, you should know how to start it up properly.
Luckily for you, this article will teach you how to start an ATV in just a few simple steps. Not only that, but we’ll also take a look at why your ATV might not be starting and what you need to do to get it back up and running.
If you follow the instructions below, then in no time, you’ll be able to start an ATV in your sleep. Ready? Let’s get right into it!
Contents
What is an ATV?
Before starting up an ATV, we need to know a little bit of background information. You’ll more than likely know what an ATV is already, but it’s always good to brush up on your knowledge.
An ATV (or All-Terrain Vehicle) is a 4-wheeled, off-highway vehicle. Also known as a Light Utility Vehicle or quad bike, an ATV differs from most vehicles in many ways. ATVs are similarly structured to motorbikes, with the rider straddling a central seat and using handlebars to steer.
As the name would suggest, ATVs are great to drive over all terrains. ATV riding is great for exploring the great outdoors and can easily navigate over difficult off-road paths or muddy and rocky roads.
How Do I Start an ATV?
But before you can get to taking your ATV out, you need to know how to start it. So let’s cover that first.
To begin, you need to make sure everything is ready to go. You’ll need to fill up the gas tank and make sure the battery is charged. You should also prepare your ATV by having it in a position to get going, with the parking brake engaged. Have any safety gear (like your helmet or driving gloves) prepped and available.
Now let’s get ready to go. Before the ATV will start, you need to prepare all the settings. Make sure that the fuel is on and aligned with the carburetor. Put the kill switch (or ‘run switch’) into the ‘on’ position. Then, simply turn the key to switch the ATV on and press the ignition switch to start the engine.
If it’s the first time starting your ATV up, it may take a little bit of time for the fuel to reach the engine and start. Some models also require the handbrake to be pressed for the engine to start.
With the ATV engine started, it’s time for you to get going! Put the handbrake on, and take the parking brake off. Get into the right gear and release the handbrake to begin driving. Now you’re on your way!
Why Won’t My ATV Start?
Occasionally, your ATV may have some issues starting up. There are a few reasons this may be happening, and many of these have fairly easy fixes. So let’s have a closer look to figure out what’s giving you grief.
No Fuel
A common and straightforward reason your ATV won’t start is if there isn’t enough fuel in the tank. This is probably the easiest issue to check and fix, as you just have to look at the fuel tank.
Too Much Fuel
Contrastingly, your ATV could also have too much fuel. If there is too much fuel in the tank, this can flood the engine and prevent it from starting. This is a bit more tricky to sort than an empty fuel tank, but there’s no need to call your mechanic yet! This can be sorted at home with no problem.
Faulty Spark Plug
Another fairly common cause for an ATV not starting is the spark plug. If the spark plug itself or the spark plug wire connecting it is faulty, the ignition won’t start. This can be hard to test if you are unfamiliar with checking a spark plug, so make sure that you have help handy if it’s needed.
Issues With Battery or Fuse
We’ve already covered an empty fuel tank, but your ATV also won’t start if the battery is empty. Similar to a lack of fuel, this is another easy fix and is no different from the typical maintenance your ATV will need. Alternatively, the fuse on the battery may also be damaged.
Clogged Air Filter
If there isn’t adequate air flow through the engine, the engine will struggle or even stop working altogether. This is another easy fix that should be part of general ATV maintenance.
Can Be Issue That Needs Mechanic
If you cannot determine the cause of your ATV not starting, you may need to take it to a professional to get it repaired. Don’t be disappointed if this is the case – it’s what mechanics are trained for.
How to Fix Issues With Starting ATV
So now that you know what might be stopping your ATV from starting, you need to know how to fix it.
Battery or Fuel Issues
For lack of fuel or battery, you simply need to get everything back up to full. Replacing the fuel is as easy as any refuel would be. For the battery, pop open the side panel and connect the battery to a charger. It should only take around 6 hours for your ATV to be fully charged again.
If the fuse has blown, you need to get a replacement fuse. Make sure that it’s the right voltage for your ATV’s battery. Also, consider getting a stronger battery if this happens repeatedly.
Spark Plug Issues
For any issues with the spark plug, you need to remove it and check it out. You can find the spark plug in the engine under the spark plug cap. Remove it, making sure to keep it close to something that will ground it.
Place it back in the spark plug cap, making sure it’s fully reattached. Make sure that the tip is cleaned of any fuel and that the tip is grounded. From there, turn the key to switch your ATV on, and try starting the engine.
You should see a small spark flashing between the spark plug and whatever it’s grounded to. If there isn’t any spark, then there is an issue with the spark plug or the spark plug wire, which needs to be replaced or fixed.
Flooded Engine
Now that you know how to fix an issue with too little fuel, you should know what to do if there’s too much fuel. If there is too much fuel and the engine is flooded, you need to clear this out. First, turn off the fuel and the engine.
Then remove the spark plug and put it aside, making sure that the ignition remains off. Now you need to fully open the throttle several times. Smoke or vapor will be expelled every time you do this – keep repeating until no more smoke or vapor comes out.
After that, all you need to do is replace the spark plug and continue to open the throttle until the engine starts. It should die fairly quickly due to the fuel and ignition being switched off. Just switch these back on, and you’re good to go.
Clogged Air Filter
You can check to see if your air filter is clogged by removing it from the air filter box in your ATV. You should be cleaning the air filter in your ATV during every engine oil change or after plenty of use, but it can be easy to forget sometimes.
You can clear out any larger, more solid pieces of dirt and debris with your hands, but if the air filter is affecting the engine, you’ll need to give it a proper clean. Wash the filter in a bucket of water and cleaning solution, rinse it off, and leave it to dry.
Carefully apply oil to the filter, taking care not to damage it, and leave it to dry for a few more hours. Finally, just pop it back into the filter box on your ATV and see if the engine starts back up again.
If none of these issues are stopping your ATV from starting and you still don’t know how to fix it, or even if you just need some help getting things sorted, take your ATV to a mechanic to get it sorted. While this can take time and money, it’s better than having to write off your ATV or putting yourself in danger.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it! Now you know how to start your ATV up and fix any issues that might be stopping it from starting. While some issues are harder to fix than others, you’re unlikely to have much trouble getting everything up and running again.
Good luck driving your quad – with the proper maintenance, you’re sure to get many years of great times with it. Enjoy!
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