ATVs give you the freedom to ride across rough terrain, both for pleasure and to get around your property. If you’ve been having problems with yours, it could be a sign that the ATV starter is beginning to fail. Below are some of the most common symptoms that the starter is going bad.

How Can You Tell When an ATV Starter Is Bad?

1. Failing to Start

When you turn the key, you may hear silence or a clicking noise if the starter is failing. This happens when there’s an issue with the circuit board or starter relay, causing interference in the power transfer that’s supposed to occur. Continuing to try to start the ATV will just drain the battery.

2. Inconsistent Starting

Have you tried to start the ATV, had no luck, then tried again and it cranked right up? This also signals a problem with the starter. If it becomes damaged or corroded -- due to high heat or buildup of dirt or debris -- it may experience intermittent problems starting. Other causes include an issue with the starter relay or loose wiring.

3. Grinding Noise

Damaged contacts or terminals on the starter relay may become fused together under high heat, causing the starter to stay on longer than it’s supposed to. This problem is identifiable by hearing a grinding noise from your ATV. If you ignore this symptom, you could cause permanent damage to the flywheel or flexplate, adding a costly repair to your problems.

4. Heavy Smoke

If your ATV starts emitting smoke, turn it off right away. Smoke means that too much power is going through the electrical circuit and to the starter, and letting the ATV continue to start or try to start will cause parts to melt, burn, or ignite. A short or wiring problem in the starter can lead to excessive power and heat, causing smoke.

Is your ATV starter giving you problems? Eubanks Auto Electric, Inc. in De Kalb, TX, has over 65 years of experience in starter and alternator repairs and replacements for tractors, trucks, ATVs, and heavy equipment. They have the largest selection of starters and alternators in the four-state area, and they serve all of Northeast Texas, including Texarkana, Mount Pleasant, New Boston, Hooks, and Clarksville. Learn more about their services online, and call (903) 667-2081 to schedule a starter or alternator repair today.