What are the Common Reasons for a Four Wheeler to Just Click and Not Start?
If your ATV won’t start and you notice clicking noises, there are a few common areas to inspect. Start by checking the battery’s charge. Next, test the starter solenoid to ensure it’s functioning properly. Lastly, examine the spark plug for any signs of irregularity. These tips for diagnosing clicking noises in ATVs are helpful in identifying the problem.
Four Wheeler Won’t Start Just Clicks – Troubleshooting
Loose connections to the battery
This problem is easy to identify and fix. You should be able to examine all the connections leading to the battery and also the starter. Sometimes the connections in place become loose especially in situations where you rode through rough trails. You should also check and ensure that the battery terminals are not corroded. If all the connections are tight and clean, then the Four wheelers won’t start just clicks might be solved.The battery should be charged or rather replaced
Battery problems are the most common cause as to why click sounds in quads are heard when one tries to start it. The maintenance of the battery, the climate, and also the battery quality affect the battery’s longevity. In case you bought a very cheap battery, you should not expect the battery to last for more than a year. One visible sign that shows the battery is almost out of charge is the repetition of the multiple clicks. If the click sound is only one, then there might be a problem with your starter solenoid. Some of the potential causes that explain why Four wheelers won’t start just clicks could be:The battery has become old
In order for you to test for this, you should unplug and charge the battery. Then you should measure the battery’s voltage using the multimeter. Allow the battery to remain unused for about two days then recheck the battery’s voltage. Significant voltage loss means that you should replace the battery with new ones.Using a lot of electricity during riding
In case you charged the battery and went out for some hours then you stopped. When trying to start the ATV, a click sound is heard then there is a problem. The battery is not in a position to hold enough charge, then the load test should be conducted. You will need tools such as the load tester or the multimeter for efficient and accurate results. You will need to charge the battery at least 75% and use the multimeter and check the voltage. Reconnect the battery and try to restart the quad while checking the voltage of the battery. A value below 9.6 volts alternatively means that the battery doesn’t have enough and cant hold charge.Current draw
In the case that you made sure that your battery is fully charged during the evening but in the morning it’s dead then Four wheelers won’t start just clicks. This means that something in the ATV is also using current. Parasitic amperage is the term referred to when a component in the vehicle is using electricity and it is not supposed to. This can be due to a bad fuse or relay.Low fluid levels
This problem used to be most common when ATVs used lead-acid batteries. In case you use a quad that still uses this type of battery, then you require a fluid check. However, almost all of the ATVs nowadays have SLA battery (sealed lead-acid) or AGM battery (absorbed glass-mat) which topping off is impossible. In case you need to check the fluid levels, you first have to clean the battery outside so as to ensure dirt and crud don’t fall into your battery. Always ensure the covers are open and also check the fluid levels after which you can fill battery cells to ensure the plates are covered. Charge your battery and check whether it retains charge. If not, buy another of superior quality.Cold conditions
The lead-acid batteries tend to perform poorly in regions with cold weather. Since you do not have the power to change the climate or weather and there is nothing you can do about it, then once the batteries have stopped performing well, you should consider replacing them.The fix
In the case that Four wheelers won’t start just clicks, and you have left it idle for too long of a duration you might encounter a problem. Cars often use the alternator which charges your battery while running. Most of the ATVs use the stator, which is designed for the generation of electric power. Unlike the alternators, the stators cannot recharge your battery. This explains why the battery for a four-wheeler must be charged as opposed to those of cars. For your four-wheeler, you need to charge the battery. This can be done by the use of a car battery or another battery for ATVs. Do not switch on the car in case you are using the car battery to avoid frying the ATV electronics.Keep the battery healthy
Since this is one of the most common causes of ATV failure hence the battery cannot start, the battery health condition is very essential. Follow the tips given down below to ensure you keep your battery healthy:- Avoid storing battery with a partial charge
- Charge the battery to full capacity
- You should not let your battery sit for too long in between the charges. Always get yourself to plug your battery inside the jump box or rather the battery tender.
- Do not allow your battery to drain or sit uncharged.
