Yamaha ATV Starter Problem Q&A

Got a Yamaha ATV that doesn't always start when you hit the starter button? If that's the case, either the starter switch has gone bad, or you may have other problems with the starter motor, solenoid or kill switch.

Our resident Yamaha ATV expert John Talley does live Q&A sessions every Friday at 3pm Eastern on our YouTube channel, and in this edition, John answers a question about a YFZ450 that won't always start when the button is pushed.

Yamaha ATV Starter Issues

I have an 08 Yamaha YFZ450 that sometimes starts and sometimes doesn't. It’s completely random when the button works. What could be wrong? 

John Talley: Well, I think you’re kind of circling around it right now. I believe we did a no-start condition on the YFZ450, the 08 or 09 that belongs to my son, that’s in our corral. But it sounds to me like it’s more than likely the start button itself. I do run through the necessary diagnostics … the video should be able to guide you in the right direction. And if I’m wrong and we didn’t do a video for it, check out the one for the Honda 400 EX, because it’s a starting system. You’ve got a key, you’ve got an engine kill switch and you have a start switch. It’s just a matter of going through those three and making sure you don’t have a problem with either A. the starter or B. the starter solenoid, which is usually attached to the side of the starter on most machines or located next to the battery. 

Got a Yamaha ATV that won’t start? In the video below, John walks you through some simple tests you can do to diagnose ATV starting problems. The first test is the simplest, and it's one to make sure the battery is healthy. If the battery is dead, your ATV may have charging problems. Starting problems may be due to other causes, including the main fuse. The Yamaha YFZ450R has a spare fuse next to the main fuse, so you can make a quick replacement even out on the trail. Next, you'll learn how to test the starter relay to make sure it’s working, and also if the starter motor is working. If the starter is getting power but the ATV still won't start, it may be time for a replacement.

Watch the video above to learn how to troubleshoot a no-start condition on a Yamaha ATV.

Want to see more live repair questions answered? See more motorcycle and ATV repair questions answered here.