Arctic Cat 400 starter issues

Howdy everyone. I'm new to Mudbog. My name is Bill and I'm kind of a beginner quad-rider here in Upstate NY.

I've got a used Arctic Cat 400 that I use every other weekend. I don't push it hard like a lot of you seem to on this site! Anyway, it's now winter and I haven't been up here to our house in over two months. (We just had our first son!) The engine isn't turning over and instead it's making a CLICKING noise. CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK, CLICK...

So I'm frustrated obviously. Could it be something as simple as a spark plug or minor part? Do these machines often take time in colder weather? Any tricks you might suggest?

Thanks so much to anyone who takes the time to respond!

Bill in NY

Welcome to Mudbog Bill!

First let me congratulate you on the birth of your son!

As for the Cat, there could be a variety of things causing this problem... the most common causes would be:

Low voltage (battery needs charging or possible replacement) - if this is the problem then the lights will likely be dim, and powered accessories on the bike won't work properly. (Very important - check the battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections... this is a VERY common and simple problem)

Solenoid (or relay) - basically this device uses a small amount of voltage from the start switch to close a full 12 volt connection. Usually this device is under the seat of the ATV and sometimes lightly tapping on it with a wrench or solid object can free it up where it'll engage properly. (also check the connections on this... it's a small canister looking device with 3 or 4 posts with wires connected to it)

Starter - these things will usually go forever, but every now and then one goes out and creates a real pain in the butt. Hopefully (and most likely) this is not the case. (once again, check positive battery connection on the starter for a loose connection)


Where is the clicking coming from (what part of the machine)? Do the lights come on brightly? Do you have a way to check voltage? Can you jump start the machine and get it to run?

Let us know,

Ride Safe,

Chuck

Welcome To the site. Congrats on the new son. As for the AC 400 I have to say Ccrane has covered everthing for that problem.

Wow. Great and speedy advice. A thousand thanks, Chuck! It seems like there's quite a bit of corrosion on the battery points, so I'll start cleaning and tightening! It makes sense that this happens often with quads as things tend to jiggle around as you go mudding and off-roading.

I'll let you know what happens! Again, THANK YOU!

bill

If you can, wear some rubber gloves to keep the corrosion off of your hands and be careful not to get it on your clothing.

A putty knife is good to get the bulk of the corrosion off, then a wire brush usually works great to clean the rest off.

(if you're in a pinch or in a hurry - or possibly don't have anything to work with, a coke-a-cola or baking soda/water mixture poured onto the terminals will work to eat away the corrosion.)

My personal reccomendation after thoroughly cleaning the terminals and re-tightening is to coat them with di-electric grease to prevent future corrosion.


Good luck,

Ride Safe,

Chuck