Troubleshoot & Repair

Unfortunately, ATVs occasionally break down like all other vehicles. On this page, you'll find articles that will help you troubleshoot and repair some of the most common issues you may encounter as an ATV owner.

Starting Problems

These are the main reason why an ATV will not start:

  • The ATV is not getting a spark or is only getting a weak spark.
  • The ATV is not getting fuel.
  • The ATV is not getting enough air.
  • The battery is bad or not charged.
  • The kill switch is bad or corroded.

Check out our guides below to learn how to troubleshoot what’s causing your ATV not to start and how to fix it.

Engine Problems

Engine problems can be frustrating, time-consuming, and expensive to troubleshoot and repair.

We cannot address all possible problems in such an advanced piece of engineering.

However, below are a few guides to help you troubleshoot some of the most common ATV engine problems.

Brake Problems

While the basic working principles of how ATV brakes operate are relatively straightforward, troubleshooting brakes that are not working as they should is not always easy.

A tiny pocket of air trapped somewhere in the closed brake circuit can destroy most of the braking power.

Here are a few tips to get those last stubborn air bubbles out of the system.

Battery Problems

ATV batteries typically live a rough life with massive power drains from winching, a lot of starting and stopping, and being left for extended periods in storage.

Troubleshooting a battery that is acting up or unexplainable battery drains can be frustrating.

We made these guides to help you get to the root cause by eliminating the possible causes one-by-one.

 

Fuel Delivery Issues

Your ATV engine needs clean, high-quality fuel of a grade specified by the manufacturer to perform as it should.

Common ATV fuel issues include bad gas, water in the gas, and the engine not getting gas.

 

 

Cooling System

The ATV cooling system is essential for regulating engine temperature and preventing overheating.

Our guides cover how to troubleshoot and repair of various components of the cooling system, including radiators, water pumps, and coolant fluids.

By making sure the cooling system functions effectively you will enhance both the longevity and reliability of your vehicle.

 

Ignition

The ATV ignition system is a critical component responsible for starting your engine and ensuring a smooth ride.

It includes parts like the ignition switch, coil, and spark plug, working together to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine.

Understanding and maintaining your ATV’s ignition system is essential for reliable performance and preventing common starting issues.

 

Transmission & Drivetrain

Most ATVs, except Hondas, use a variation of a CVT – Continuously Variable Transmission.

CVTs are tried and tested systems that balance performance, convenience, and durability well.

However, occasionally, you might find that the transmission acts up.

Here are our resources for the most common ATV drivetrain and transmission issues.

Electrical Issues

Most modern ATVs are stuffed with advanced electronics like electronic fuel injection, electric control modules, electric power steering and advanced instrument panels.

When the electronics act up, getting to the root cause is not always straightforward, and some guidance may come in handy.

Wheels & Tires

As ATV tires are prone to leaks, knowing how to patch your own tire may be handy.

Properly repairing a tire leak requires removing the tire from the rim to patch it from the inside. The most challenging part is getting the tire to de-bead, but you can do this at home in several ways.

For field repairs, my go-to method is the classical tire string inserts.

 

Winch Problems

A winch is a fantastic tool and a powerful helping hand as long as it works when needed.

Most winch issues can be resolved at home with some time and elbow grease.

Other Issues

Below are our troubleshooting and repair resources that don’t fit the other categories.