Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): polaris 2x4 atv, volt light, polaris 2x4

Question
My polaris clicks when I try to start it but the engine doesn't turn over.  I think I may have a bad battery or a blown circuit breaker.  I just can't find the circuit breaker.  It is a 1993 250 model.

Answer
Hi Ed,

If you have clicking, I would test the battery, then the solenoid.  I don't think there is a breaker but there may be a fuse.  Trace and test the wires to the solenoid.

Good Luck,
Michael

General testing proceedure:

To check the starter, jump the positive battery terminal to the starter and it should crank over.  If not, the starter is bad.  If good, then you will need to trace the entire circuit from the starter to the battery.  All testing can be done with a 12 volt light or a voltmeter.   The solenoid, switches the battery power to the starter, when power from the key switch is sent to the small terminal on the solenoid. To test the solenoid, first make sure that you have power at its large terminal which comes from the battery. Then jump power from that terminal or the battery positive post, to its small terminal. You should hear a click and the other large terminal that feeds the starter should be energized. If not, then the solenoid is bad. If good, then continue tracing the power through the key switch to the battery until you find the break in the power path.