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

[@richardcherry6896]

😅

[@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

[@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!

[@weechitamex]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@juangil-xq9ng]

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

[@melvis2017]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@puy389]

Hey do you know Gord from Canada?

[@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.

[@paigehansen689]

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

[@sirpinalot]

Great video

[@toddhenderson2998]

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

[@ronalddavidwhite9385]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@esteslandscaping6947]

Really helped me out a lot.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@andrewwoodward6560]

This is really good stuff! Thanks!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching Andrew!

[@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

[@carlaramirez9282]

How would we know if its the starter ??

[@ummmdave]

thanks for the video. 2015 polaris sportsman 570 efi with starting issues. if i turn the key, i can jump the solenoid and the atv starts up, so i know starter, battery, etc is good. i ordered a new solenoid, installed it, but it was dead on arrival. the terminals were constantly connectected. My question is, can i just install a push button that essentially shorts out the terminals as a permanent fix? this polaris model starts by turning the ignition like a car, no push button. or would that cause more issues? should i just try my luck with another $10 solenoid from china?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Buy another solenoid, I would also test the key switch just to make sure that's not causing issues!

[@jackpatton2296]

Can you explain why the relay of the electric start clicks when I try to use the electric start? Also where is the solenoid located on my kolpin 90cc?

[@ryanplays5096]

Same here please explain

[@kiwigreen12]

I have a 2009 honda recon i switched the solenoid twice..cus we bought a few to have and it still doesnt startwe either new one.....i checked the only 15 amp fuse and it wasnt blown....i checked grounds and all was good.. could it be my actual starter?

[@kiwigreen12]

Also my battery is at a 12.8volts checked with my multimeter

[@EliminatorPerformance]

You could try testing it to find out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4bMomqPnNt4rKc

[@EliminatorPerformance]

If the solenoid isn't engaging though, it could be a faulty safety switch or a bad push button start.

[@sarahnavin2143]

Recently me and my dad fixed up a 250 yamoto the electric starter doesn't work I don't think it did when my dad bought it 10 years ago can anyone tell me if there is a problem that I just don't no about

[@Johnnyleealdridgeofficial]

It could be the starter the solenoid or the battery maybe

[@MurrayEstes]

Thanks :)

[@ItsRiley3]

Does the amps matter on the battery jumper we use?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Shouldn't matter for testing, you need 12v to make it click. For engaging the starter on the atv/bike, you still need 12v source, but you'd probably need something with more amps!

[@ItsRiley3]

Got yah, Im still trying to learn about electricity. Specifically amps, volts, watts etc. From what I understand VOltage is just the pressure of electricity while amps is the volume of "water" flowing through the wires. So theoretically if I had a battery that only had 2 amps but 12 volts, I could still test this solenoid?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Riley I normally use my jumper pack "eliminator" but sometimes I use a 12v battery or a smaller 8000maH battery pack I got from Amazon for like $30 When starting some riding lawn mowers with bigger engines (and more compression) sometimes I can't use my eliminator because it doesn't have enough Amps to crank the engine past the compression stroke. So even through it's 12v, sometimes 13v on full charge, it's the Amps that give you that extra push.

[@jon4958]

can you use the amazon solenoid for a honda atv or should it be bought from honda?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

You can use a solenoid from anywhere, as long as the plug (connector) is the same it will work!

[@darrelfrench2551]

So i have 1998 polaris 500. I changed the starter and the solenoid. Changed the solenoid twice and it starts just fine sometimes and sometimes it just keeps turning over until i unhook the battery. Not sure why this is going on. If anyone has any info that would be great!!

[@ronaldreames2352]

I'll be damn, the first vid I pull up showed me all with this China pos ! Thanks Jeff

[@markcregger4433]

Did you do a follow up to this ?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

This atv had quite a few issues, I ended up doing a carb clean video on it, as well as a starter test video. The gear inside the engine was damaged, so he could only kick start it unfortunately.

[@rulex4757]

Alright,i hope someone responds bc i think i fucked up. So today in the morning i was starting my atv with no choke even tho the engine was cold,then it turned on and i was holding throttle and then it cumpletely shut off and it didn't have lights for neutral gear,so now it doesn't show anything when i switch the ignition to on. help :(

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Bad ground? Get a battery booster and hook up the positive to the battery positive, but take the ground cable and put it on bare metal on the frame. Also check fuses

[@Gokywildcats11]

We're are you lacated

[@garrettc9456]

@7:28

[@quattrocchi71]

Qualcuno puo spiegarmi in italiano come fare ponte per provare il mio solenoide

[@3010murph]

I jumpstarted my motorcycle starts solenoid it turns over but won’t start Well I have to replace solenoid for it it to start

[@djohnson3678]

nooOOO, . . . . . >.> . . . . . if the engine is turning, then it is '' starting '' . what you mean is it will not turn over to idle.

[@jasonpizarro625]

I have a brand new battery brand new salonoy brand new wire harness no click

[@russellcool5276]

Russell 79TuLlpLN

[@OddOLeary]

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

[@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! :)

[@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

[@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!

[@niconine268]

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

[@gtgoq8229]

Mine starts in gear can you please help

[@lodiprideprimitives]

What a great video!!!! Excellent job.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@nicolec7290]

Thanks

[@quieromicubita]

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

[@cocoamirage]

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

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks!

[@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

[@excellenceinanimation960]

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

[@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!

[@christianwalster3882]

The lead on your alligator clip that connects your 12V source to the posts on the solenoid, the clip that’s attached to the connector that was crimped onto the wire, Isn’t actually making a connection with the power source cause it’s the opposite side of the alligator clip that had the power running to it, the part of the clip that’s clipped to the plastic cover of the plug itself, so no power would actually be going directly to the solenoid at all.. Flip your alligator clips 180 degrees and you Should have 12V running to your solenoid at that point, would have made for a sweeter video 😎😢😅😂👍

[@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

[@PorLasAlturas]

Awesome video, thanks a lot from France!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks, cheers from Ontario!

[@da324]

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

[@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!

[@OAKyep]

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

[@EliminatorPerformance]

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

[@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?

[@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

[@Smalltechguy]

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

[@kevinbarber3208]

Th battery was dead because they are tiny and they suck,,I've had em die completely in 2 days of sitting or less

[@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!

[@vincygamer9842]

What’s ur name on Facebook or instagram?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Facebook is Eliminator Performance, insta is ELMN80R

[@teresasizemore791]

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

[@FloridaBikeSupplyOnline]

😭😭 I just want to see how to hook the dang thing up. 😭😭

[@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!

[@shaheedbaldeo273]

Very good information , thank you very much man

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@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!

[@elitdenver269]

U didn't do the follow up on the wiring on this ATV.

[@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

[@jackhenkel3584]

I need to talk to someone I need some help is there anybody to talk to

[@bensgardenlandscapeb4699]

Great video thanks for sharing buddy

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@juditholiveira2335]

Very wel done thanks

[@gettintothapoint9769]

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

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@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.

[@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.

[@fritzj6803]

Great tutorial but you forgot to test for resistance. Continuity only let you know if the circuit is closed

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes continuity just helps you rule out if the solenoid is a problem, so I normally check for continuity and say ok there's a connection, I need to look elsewhere.

[@karlgroom6240]

Great work.

[@donaldmcclory2557]

Excellent how, 😊

[@lutherwilliams1349]

Very useful info. Thank you!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@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.

[@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.

[@jameschen7661]

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

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@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?

[@excellenceinanimation960]

Great video!

[@im-that-guy-pal]

Man im deaf and i heard every word 😮

[@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 :)

[@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!