How to Test an ATV Solenoid!

Step by Step!
In today's video, I'm going to be showing you how to test a solenoid.
This is the proper way to test any kind of solenoid, whether they are 3 or 4 prong solenoids.
For these tests, you'll need a Multimeter, a 12v source (I used a bettery booster) and some extra "leads" or multimeter cables come in handy!
Follow the steps in the video, and with a working solenoid, you should hear it click.
Just remember, even though you may hear it click, doesn't mean it's working as it should! So always do the 2nd test I show you, to test for continuity between the 2 terminals.
Stuff I used;
Solenoid: amzn.to/2GpjQ62
Multimeter: amzn.to/2pWh0ee
Battery: amzn.to/2Ilybwy
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[@richardmccarthy3066]

Great info! Thanks for saving me some money!

[@larryclements1284]

Good explanation

[@jasonmixon6818]

I’m a technician for John Deere. This has to be One of the best videos I have seen. You give great detail information on everything! Great Job.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@niconine268]

Agreed

[@EricJensen-b9f]

One of the best instructional videos I've seen by far. The instructor is very knowledgeable and wastes no time explaining step by step how things work and what to expect. Ty

[@niconine268]

Top, clear, concise no BS tut bud. Thankyou. You crushed it

[@OddOLeary]

I learned a lot brother thank you...and I've been a mechanic for years you simplified it for me

[@tonyaahuna9996]

I know very little about working on motors, this video explained everything in a way that I was able to diagnose problems with my ATV. Thanks!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thank you, that's what I'm here for!

[@angelsantiago7080]

@@EliminatorPerformance great video .my atv goes on when I jump it .but when I dont it makes a clicking sound when i try to turn it on any advice you can help me with ?

[@ryanfowler7351]

@@angelsantiago7080 same here, usually I would think it’s my battery but since I got a brand new battery two days ago I refuse to believe my battery is bad

[@brouillacblues]

Great video - working on a friends Quad thats been stored for 4 years and your video cracked it for me! Easy to follow and saved a load of hassle.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@TelcomSupplier]

Great video..You killed it...Very informative and thorough. For example, When you were getting ready to check continuity...You showed which symbol was the symbol for continuity. You obviously know that many people that have multimeters would not have a clue which setting is for continuity and they have it just for a battery tester.. Again, Great Video and thanks.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching Chris!

[@zachpeterson5311]

Simplicity. Perfect man, thanks. This is why I believed KZbin existed

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching Zach!

[@weechitamex]

Eliminator Performance : Thank you for your video sharing Sir . Best blessings .

[@raycrothers7843]

Very informative video mate, you just saved me $119AU on buying a replacement Solenoid. I did all the tests in your video, it wasn't clicking when applying power but after a few gentle taps on the Solenoid it freed up the mechanism and begun to work. I re-installed it on my TRX300 and it started first kick. I understand that maybe the Solenoid maybe on it's way out hence the reason it failed for the first time. Thanks heaps for your great video!

[@quieromicubita]

Wow a whole master's on solenoid. Thanks a bunch. Mine is giving me problems. I'll do everything explained here!

[@akeemmoore4352]

thanks for explaining how the solenoid works. now it makes sence when i see ppl use a screwdriver and they touch both leads for testing purposes

[@titanbell6053]

Akeem Moore LoL was waiting to see this comment, been working on brothers 300 arctic cat and crossed this connection a lot yesterday, testing the start switch and the on/off switch, now at the point of eliminating them both and installing a push button to avoid/fix the issue

[@waynestefinashen239]

Dude very good explanation of the electrical system and operation of it on this video, kind of weird though that the video was "a process of ELIMINATION" using an "ELIMINATOR" battery pack by ELIMINATOR PERFORMANCE. Sometimes these Chinese bikes are not worth repairing.

[@thomaschandler4831]

Hello brother it is ( Sept 6th 2020 ) and I used your video instructions to test and eliminate the starter solenoid.... thank you for such a great video ... my battery and solenoid is good ... after a full test I was able to ohm test it ( 0.2 ) and test the magnet ... open and closed clicking noise present .... I cross jumped the solenoid positive to starter and it turned over .... I have a bad ignition 😁🏆🍻 thank you so much

[@brettwilletts]

Great video! Really good information and not making it over complicated. Great work. Please do more ATV videos of servicing, repairs and problem solving.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@chuckcochran6455]

why would anyone give this a thumbs down??? Great job!!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the kind words Chuck!

[@DanbyDoo]

Excellent explanation of how to trouble shoot starting problems and how the components work. Thumbs up !

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@juangil-xq9ng]

NO ENTIENDO TODO EL IDIOMA INGLES ...SOLO ENTIENDO UN POCO..PERO..TRATO DE APRENDER DE LO VISUAL.....MUCHAS GRACIAS APRECIO LA AYUDA DE SUS VIDEOS SON MUY BUENOS...MUCHAS GRACIAS

[@juangil-xq9ng]

GRACIAS SON EXELENTES SUS VIDEOS UN SALUDO MUY ESPECIA FELICITO SU ESFUERZO GRACIAS ...ELIMINATOR PERFORMANCE

[@thomaschandler4831]

Good day brother.... it's Aug 27 th 2020 and I just found your video... it was awesome! Best how to test solenoid video I've seen !🏆😁 you just saved me a boat load of money ... I'm now subscribed to your channel .... thank you Brother 😁☕☕

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@juangil-xq9ng]

MUY BUEN VIDEO....BIEN EXPLICADO.....ME SERVIRA DE MUCHO TODA ESTA IMFORMACION.....GRACIAS HOMBRE APRENDO DE USTED....SALUDOS...APRECIO SUS VIDEOS

[@pastorqpiotrbochra8057]

omg dude i from poland nobady told my about this what did u show me! very thx u ! bless!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

You're welcome, please subscribe if you like my videos! It helps me out! Thank you for kind words!

[@pastorqpiotrbochra8057]

all ready done! :)

[@cocoamirage]

Very well explained.Thank You. I have on but never touch it.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks!

[@augustbalilo1336]

Very informative, straight to the point and very clear presentation. Thank you! Your knowledge and cleverness are very much appreciated.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@dfields9511]

Great vid I have a shift lock solenoid problem on my 19 year old car. This helps me understand how solenoids work. For now I use use a flat head screw driver to over ride the shift lock. To get it out of park.

[@Smalltechguy]

I like your videos. You explain very well and to the point and your having continuation videos as well.

[@kennethgrimes5494]

Thank you for all your knowledge easy to understand you for us who are mechanically inclined but are nee to these Chinese atvs , thank you.

[@melvis2017]

U are a great teacher thanks for sharing with us this appreciations 👍👌🇩🇰

[@VrănceanuAlinFabian]

Thank you so much, I'M from Romania and i think i have this problem , when i connect the 2ND cables to a batery 12V it clicks but i think the 2Nd bolts have corrosion like you sayed bcs i let my motorcycle alot of times in rain.

[@PorLasAlturas]

Awesome video, thanks a lot from France!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks, cheers from Ontario!

[@lodiprideprimitives]

What a great video!!!! Excellent job.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@jhonng694]

Iv been serching for this video all over the interner omg i found it i have a solenoid just like that one but for a motorcycle to bad im at work but sure ima test it wen i get home THANKS !!!

[@samuelcline3557]

How to hook up a wire harness on a sport Trac 90

[@pcmastercomputers7718]

Thank you for all the Very Useful Information

[@jameschen7661]

Like the video a lot with detail info and is helpful. Great.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JoseManuel-lj4dk]

I've learned something new and good today thank you so much great video Blessings..

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thank for watching!

[@JoseManuel-lj4dk]

@@EliminatorPerformance do you have a Facebook?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

@@JoseManuel-lj4dk yes same name!

[@da324]

How do you determine which pole connects to the wire coming from the ignition and which one goes to the starter?

[@PatRiot-]

Would recommend putting time stamps into this video. It makes all the difference for the viewers 👍

[@angus1298]

It's 15 minutes of your time deal with it

[@gettintothapoint9769]

Very helpful and easy to understand!! Bravo. Great video.....

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@williamisaac6475]

Waited a couple of months to get the solenoid?? Damn!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yeah from China for like $10 can't beat it, they cost like $30 here lol China Post sucks sometimes!

[@acadiangrower9113]

Thanks for the video. Can’t wait the finally fix the bike. Great work and well explained. Need to buy a volt meter and a battery source and wish me luck. Will be watching more. Can’t wait to learn.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@randmaa]

This video could be better if you'd explain every detail what is what, but i like you're videos and your videos have been helped me out :)

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@randmaa]

I really like youre videos :)

[@shaheedbaldeo273]

Very good information , thank you very much man

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@MurrayEstes]

I wish I was as smart as this kid when I was his age..... Aloha Konaboyz 63 years on this planet :) Hawaii

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Mahalo, many blessings from Canada, I still have much to learn! Thanks for watching Spartan!

[@Foxsnstyle]

Thanks for the info on the video I really appreciate it by the way I love that old skool Craftsman table saw you have in the back I have one exactly like that it was my Dad's.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@James-vb3ci]

Very well explained, thank you

[@flyboycpa]

I have one of the 110cc Chinese go-karts. It previously ran just fine but we let the battery go dead (really dead!) and allowed the kart to sit for a couple of years (under an ATV cover) outside. I just installed a new 12v battery and when I turn on the key (first notch, for electrical) I don't get any indication of power. Obviously, moving the key beyond that to the sping-loaded start position, still nothing happens. Honestly, I can't remember from the past when turning the key to the first position (electrical on) whether the solenoid would normally click, or not. Not sure if it's supposed to. Either way, it doesn't. When I jump the solenoid between the two posts, it turns the starter over directly off the battery (still no electrical shown on the dash). Does that sound like the solenoid? Your videos are great! I have subsicribed!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

I would recommend taking a jumper cable, and hooking the Ground on the Battery to the Frame of the Cart. You could just have a bad ground!

[@lutherwilliams1349]

Very useful info. Thank you!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@karlgroom6240]

Great work.

[@nashgautney8117]

Great video!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@donaldmcclory2557]

Excellent how to vid, great info

[@nicolec7290]

Thanks

[@donaldmcclory2557]

Excellent how, 😊

[@aarontrompeterrealestatebr6159]

Mine starts on the pull starter but just turns over with the key. Runs fine, but wont start with key. What are your thoughts on that?

[@Chadman03elantra]

My Bayou 250 solenoid is different than these. It has six terminals and a 20amp fuse that also plugs into the solenoid. Two terminals are the big ones and then there are four small male blade terminals that a coupler from the quad plugs into. Wasn't sure how to test it. I'm sure it's bad because no click or anything when I hook it up. I have another and it clicks when the start button is pressed but starter mostly will not crank. Tapping the starter while holding the starter button gets it cranking, so I am going to replace starter.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

It could be a bad ground on your starter! Check this video out before you purchase another starter: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4bMomqPnNt4rKc Best of luck Chad!

[@brewsterly2927]

Great video thumb up! Did you do a follow up on why still dead? As my quad is the same. Was thinking a foul neutral or reverse connection.

[@sirpinalot]

Great video

[@shaheedbaldeo273]

Same thing with my son's ATV. Have to start it direct

[@johngracejr9436]

Hey how did u start it direct?

[@johngracejr9436]

Just curious if can bypass the solenoid kinda.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

I think he means jumping the terminals on the starter solenoid lol

[@jessehopmans901]

my solonoid works one of 3 times i trie when i press the start button my cable gets hot it works and clicks but its not letting the start motor over

[@jaymontgomery8397]

My solenoid is getting super hot and i have 3. Once i connect it. They start getting hot. Any ideas whats causing it

[@dannyfrance6561]

Hi there, it's a brilliant video but I'm still stuck. If 12v + goes to one side of the solenoid and the other side of the solenoid goes to the starter, where does the battery negative cable go to. Please help it's my son's birthday and I need to sort this for him. Thank you

[@EliminatorPerformance]

The solenoid is just a switch, the 1 small wire provides 12v, and the other wire is ground. This engages the electronic magnet. Then the 12v big wire going to the 1 large post, is connected to the other post which has a big wire going to the starter. Grounded through the frame. Watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npDZqmp6erecpMk

[@juditholiveira2335]

Very wel done thanks

[@Martyimgay]

My 150cc got kart 2 wires to the starter solenoid are hot. I’ve already replaced the solenoid 3 times so I don’t think that’s it. The 2 wires stay hot the whole time it’s running. It will start and run but I have to hit start it because when I turn the key it only clicks. So after a hot start I’m golden I just unplug the starter solenoid and I’m good and wires aren’t hot anymore.

[@Random.Adventures.]

perfect vid thanks will try this trouble shoot

[@miklooo8080]

Thanks for the video but have a question? my relay clicks when it is in the motorcycle and i press the start button but not when i did as you showed in the video why?

[@bensgardenlandscapeb4699]

Great video thanks for sharing buddy

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@ItsCheechFool]

Can jumping the solenoid make it die ? My quad was riding yesterday pull starting and all but today it won’t even pull start. Before I was jumping the solenoid to make sure starter works then my kill switch button was not registering anything so I kept jumping to see if it would work and now it won’t start at all. Think it’s my kill switch or solenoid ? Or could I have did something else

[@michaelanderson2873]

Very helpful thank you

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@NarendraSingh-qw7xe]

Hii.. good keep it up... I am harness design engineer of this vehicle...

[@ghostperformance7868]

I need help. Solenoid engages sometimes but now i have no spark?

[@NarendraSingh-qw7xe]

Have you checked the rating of new solenoid

[@chrisssmallengines3456]

Good video, check the battery hook up leads again, to the battery ,to me it looked like you had two leads which are both positive leads, check to see if you can find another ground wire.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

There's 2 Positive and 1 ground, turned out to be a bad ground! Going to post a 3rd vid in a couple weeks on how to diagnose a bad ground! This little machine was good for about 3 or 4 vids lol

[@liljr1168]

My solenoid clicks but it’s doesn’t do anything and my starter is good does that mean I still need a new starter

[@teresasizemore791]

Oh wish you were here , my sxs want start and I'm pretty sure it's the solenoid

[@joshhowell5784]

Very awesome walk through. Thank you ! Did you ever get it working?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks! The starter gear on the inside of the engine was spinning freely and wouldn't allow the electric starter to turn over the engine, basically my customer just ended up kick starting this machine!

[@esteslandscaping6947]

Really helped me out a lot.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@pondjoseph1484]

Good Info Bro make a lot of sense

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks!

[@paigehansen689]

I’m stuck with which wires is to be connected to the solenoid

[@ittsholmes7241]

Hey I hv one but when I mash the the gas on the handle bar .it try2 moves so wat do I do.let me know.

[@scorpion5700]

So on my machine there is a nut washer wire and another nut to hold the wire down. The nut on the bottom I guess crews into the solenoid and it’s corroded. This should be the problem but it still clicks. ? The battery drains and my booster reads that the alternator works.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Sounds like you have a parasitic load. With everything hooked up, disconnect your negative wire from your battery, place 1 lead from your multimeter on the disconnected battery cable, and the other end on your negative terminal on the battery. You should see a reading (when checking on low amperage setting) if there is a parasitic load. Usually it's auxiliary headlights or a winch that drains the battery.

[@scorpion5700]

Eliminator Performance thanks, I’ll try it.

[@rodneyavery3537]

My problem is different. My key is off and when the battery is hooked up the starter cranks and won't stop till I unkook the battery. It's a motorcycle and I replaced this last year with a cheap one from China it's sat all winter so I assume it's bad. Although I have no continuity through the posts. Cant imagine it being the starter button because it does it with the key off and button not pushed. I'll do more testing.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Stuck solenoid probably

[@rodneyavery3537]

@@EliminatorPerformance that's what I think but no continuity between posts.

[@OAKyep]

Would that keep it from cranking if the solenoid is out..?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes, solenoid is what sends 12v from battery to starter.

[@jacobthompson8078]

I got a 2 prong starter solenoid. How do u ground the wire to the solenoid itself? Since theirs no spot for it?

[@markcregger4433]

Im working on my grandsons it was running and died. the cellinoid clicks but doesnt start, any ideas? Enjoying your vids by the way 😎

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks Mark, if the solenoid clicks it means the start button and wires are good to the solenoid. The battery maybe low, but most likely a bad starter ground. Check out this video here: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4bMomqPnNt4rKc

[@johngracejr9436]

It can def still be the solenoid also. Just because they click don't mean all is working inside well. Just fixed mine today actually, hence why I'm here. But mine clicked when hit start button, but was from 94 when the 4wheeler was new and it was corroded severely. Tried cleaning it up, still clicked once everytime. Got new for $12, and swapped it out and bam 4wheeler fired rite up again. I tried tapping my starter with key on and button held and didnt notice any changes etc. But gl, sure u sorted it out by now

[@toddhenderson2998]

Did you have any lights or horn when this solenoid went bad with the key on??

[@kierenhammond8093]

If the solenoid has broken will that stop the quad from getting a spark I have a quadzilla with a no spark problem changed the coil back and spark and still no luck

[@Johnnyleealdridgeofficial]

The only thing that would make it not spark is either a coil or a magneto

[@andrewwoodward6560]

This is really good stuff! Thanks!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching Andrew!

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

My polaris won't start, lights dash ect. won't come on. Replaced battery, sylenoid and plug, Any ideas what else it could be? maybe a relay from the starter swith (key goes)???

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Bad ground cable. If you have a battery charger, connect the positive to positive cable and the negative from your charger directly to the frame (bare metal spot) if your lights come on, it's a bad ground cable!

[@pa.fishpreacher6166]

@@EliminatorPerformance Tried what yo said, no lights on, Any other thoughts?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

@@pa.fishpreacher6166 hard to say, maybe a main fuse? Nothing else I can think of at the moment.

[@bd7337]

Great info fella. But for other listeners/learners try slowing down and taking a breath while talking or explaining this info. Sounds like your in a rush. Again, very educating material. Thanks!

[@ronalddavidwhite9385]

When I hook up the battery the wires get very hot and even smoke. Why?

[@puy389]

Hey do you know Gord from Canada?

[@ghostperformance7868]

My solenoid engages sometimes could it be a corroded wire? I also have no spark Testee the coil its good Could it be the cdi or stator Neer help its urgent thanks in advance

[@Proscar-ne4qh]

Hey I’m currently trying to fix my Yamaha 250 bear tracker, it has an electric start but it doesn’t work, so instead I just use the pull cord to get it going, but now that doesn’t work anymore. The biggest problem I see is the negative contact that connects with the solenoid isn’t in its correct spot, it looks as though it was yanked out of its spot, and half the wires in it are cut. If you want I can send you photos of the thing, I bought it off some guy for about 500, thought it would be an easy fix until I saw that the battery was held in place my bungee cords on top of a 2x4 that was tied to the back of the damn thing, I have no idea how to fix this, please help

[@anthonyyoung7344]

I have a chinese 110 atv I put a new wiring harness kit with everything new and it is dead it want do anything what can I do to fix it.

[@galaxywolf2112]

Wow I figured that out at the track and it happened to me well I'm in luck I had a screwdriver with me to get it back on and I have a extra on my mom's broken atv that had the Stock part but I have a entire different coil pack that is not stock.

[@excellenceinanimation960]

Quick tip make sure the machine doesn't have an extra kill switch you are forgetting.

[@julianr6220]

i have BAROSSA QUAD BIKE 250 cc cheetah 2004 got brake lights when key is switch on but when i switch key to put lights on and when lights are on i have no brake lighs? Any idea's what could cause this?

[@123Gaming-o3w]

What if the solenoid will contineusly clicking like when you start it. Just like "krrrrrrrrrr" not like the one you test it, what will i do sir?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

The connection is sticking due to corrosion most likely, I'd recommend getting a new solenoid!

[@brandonvanschie2202]

Would the headlights still work if the solinoid is broken?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes, if the headlights don't work, it's probably a bad ground.

[@TheBodysculper]

Great video. I have a 2000 Polaris 425 and sometimes I hear that clicking. I usually just need to toggle back and forth with the kill switch and it starts. This may just be a coincidence . I don't think my hand break needs to be engaged to start the engine. If I hear that clicking can I rule out the kill switch?

[@paulbrookshire6486]

Hi j

[@Gokraut]

great knowledge man for sure but slow down like by like 1/2

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@MurrayEstes]

Thanks :)

[@s2perman]

Excellent