Diagnosing and Replacing a Bad Starter on the 2004 Honda Recon 250 ES (or any ATV/motorcycle)

[@rmickel1322]

Great troubleshooting and superb explanation on how to R&R starter. Can hardly wait to get started on my Honda. Thanks so much.

[@ChaosGarage]

Thanks! Let me know how it goes!

[@RustyGlovebox]

Nice going on the repair. Time to hit the trails. Have a great Christmas

[@ChaosGarage]

Thanks, you too!

[@toddhastings5548]

Try tapping on the starter to get the impeller to engage. I clean all my connections and it still clicked but when I tapped on the bottom of the starter it started right up !

[@buzzsah]

Good info vid on repair

[@ChaosGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@trevormeiler]

This is so helpful. Couldn’t get one of my recons started this weekend. The starter would turn it over but the engine wouldn’t get going. This machine also has a very finicky choke. After several attempts, all I was hearing was the relay clicking. I charged the battery for a few hours and tried again. Again, only got about 3 attempts and then it was just clicking. Any ideas on if this could be a battery/relay/starter issue or if it could be an issue with the fuel/air filter/choke/carb? Maybe a plug?

[@ChaosGarage]

If you charged the battery and only got 3 attempts at cranking, that's what I would look at first. If it's turning over after you charge then your relay and starter are likely ok. Charge or replace the battery and see if it will hit with a little bit of starting fluid.

[@britontakhvar]

Hey!I have a 2004 recon es similar to urs but the head lights will work it has a new solenoid good battery but no dash lights or starter do u know my problem?

[@ChaosGarage]

Neutral light on the dash or starter won't work unless it's in neutral. If it is, then I would first look at the key switch to make sure it's working properly.

[@croftpydycroftpydy533]

I blieve i have the same model honda. Bought new battery and installed. Went to put the cables on battery terminals engine started cranking with key off so can't hook up battery cables. It also has a pull start which is the way it was wen I bought it and with no battery. Any help will be appreciated. Good video and good camera thanks

[@ChaosGarage]

Sounds like you may have a short or maybe a bad starter relay that's stuck. You could test the relay...check out this older video that might help with that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqDagn2fp7l2bZY

[@davidbrittenham4631]

Jumping across the starter relay with a screwdriver (or any other metallic tool) is dangerous. When you short across the 2 starter relay studs you are bypassing all safety switches, and connecting the starter directly to the battery. It will make no difference if the transmission is in neutral or if the run switch is on or off. When you short across the studs, the starter WILL spin if it's good. If the vehicle is in gear it will move. If the engine starts, you have a runaway machine. No a good thing to do unless you know what you are doing.

[@BraydonIsGodlyAtRust]

A lot easier then ordering the relay and then having to order a starter

[@garyrobinson219]

Remove the airbox and it's about a 20 minute job. You got it though good work.

[@ChaosGarage]

That definitely would have made access a little easier. Still a quick job either way. Thanks!

[@williamm.494]

Removing the right rear wheel would also help if you have a stand.