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Yamaha 660 Grizzly

Hawkshaw
Since most of us hunters are also Quad guys, I have a question. The above machine has been unused for 6-7 mo., and will not start now. Battery will not take a charge, but appears to be fully charged, (lights work). When trying to start it, I hear a clicking--buzzing sound, like you used to hear in an older car with a low battery. Back then, I would say it was the starter solenoid. The starter did engage once for about 3 seconds, then the clicking. Nothing changes with a charger attached, or being jumped with my Bronco. Just will not turn over!!!!! Ideas---Help please THX HAWKSHAW
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • grumpygy
    Turn on light then try to start what happens.
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  • Hawkshaw
    Hi dnelson457---Tried that---no change---lights come on---then clicking sound. second idea???
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  • hslaterpryce
    I does sound like the starter solenoid. Not sure about the quad starter system but wouldn't there need to be some sort of "solenoid" to start the starter and engage the bendix or whatever it is called on a quad?
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  • 336marlin
    Try cleaning the battery terminals, sometimes there's just enough current leaking through to burn lights but not enough to field the starter adequately.
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  • tsr1965
    Basically it can be one of two things...corroded battery terminals that will deliver the voltage, but not the needed current to drive the starter would be the first. Second, the battery has lost a cell or two, and while delivering the voltage, does not deliver the current to engage the starter. I am a Yamaha man, and those starters need all the current they can get. Try cleaning the terminals, and then replace the battery...or better yet...both.

    Also make sure all of your terminations are clean...a bad ground to the starter will do that too.

    Best
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  • varian
    concur with tsr1965. it doesn't take nearly the current to operate the light as it takes for the starter. if the starter is accessable you can actually use your jumpercables or jump box directly on the large terminal from the starter solinoid to the starter. if the starter is good this should turn the motor over. be prepared to clean the gasoline gunk from the fuel bowl.
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  • rhmc24
    My multiple hip shots :

    If lights go out or dim when you hit the starter, it's lack of current flow or major short in system hogging the current. The idea of jumping from battery to starter can tell a lot. If you get a heavy arc when you make/break contact you probably had enuf battery power - weak arc, low battery. If battery is OK but no joy, the starter itself locked somehow could simulate a direct short, sop up current, etc. If drive train of vehicle permits it, try a push start or put in gear and rock back and forth to make sure of no hangup in starter drive.

    If lights stay on when you hit start, the power from battery to system is OK but starter is not getting or not drawing current. Back to jumper idea, probably little make/break arc, little current draw leading to suspect the starter itself.

    If access to starter contacts is a problem, try disconnecting battery cable (or ground cable), turn everything on and hold "start" on, then make/break conact with battery cable. Weak arc or spart will tell little power is trying to flow or little power available in battery.

    With all these arcs and sparks make sure no free gas and/or fumes.

    All this is within my policy of "I can't solve my own problems but I'll advise you on yours". Best!
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  • asphalt cowboy
    First off, how old was this battery 6 or 7 months ago? If it was last years battery or older, was it kept on a battery maintainer? Not a trickle charger, but a .5-1.5 amp maintainer.

    Let the battery set over night, without trying to start your quad, and then check the voltage with a multi-meter. On a good batt you should have 12.5-13 volts. Anything under 12 volts and your batt has probably sulfated.

    Whether the batt needs replaced or not, pull both cables and clean the lugs at both ends. While yer at it clean the battery and frame where the cables connect. You can use contact cleaner, or you can go cheap like me and use baking soda and white vinegar. This can get messy so do it in the driveway with a water hose handy, you'll need running water to flush'em off with. Before you reinstall the cables, put a lite coat of dielectric grease on the lugs. That will help prevent future corrosion.

    One last thing on batteries. A good battery maintainer will extend the life of your battery and save headaches in the long run. The two I recommend are Battery Tender and Schumacher. Battery Tender costs more, but has a warranty that makes it worth the price. The Schumacher unit can be had at wallyworld for around twenty bucks. My 34 dollar lawn tractor battery has been on a Schumacher for a bit over five years now. My motorcycle has been on a Battery Tender for seven six years and I just recently replaced the factory battery.
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  • coledigger4
    Not sure if yours is like our Hondas but the starter is also the generator. I had that same thing happening and it turned out that the brushes were shot. Hopefully you can get brushes because those little starters are very expensive.
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  • Hawkshaw
    THX for all the ideas guys. I really hate to admit it but I found the problem. As I was starting to remove the batt., I noticed that the terminals were slightly corroded. So I cleaned them, and reattached the cables. Guess what---Problem solved. I had it running last night, and it started right up this morning. Since I clean the terminals on my other vehicles regularly, I can't believe I didn't think of that earlier!!!!! OH WELL---THX again guys HAWKSHAW
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