So you have driven five hours to ride a great ATV trail through some beautiful mountains, you get the campsite set up and you go to unload the ATV and realize you left the key at home. The ten-hour round trip drive is off the table, so you have two choices: You can spend the weekend camping with the ATV on the trailer, or you can find a way to start the ATV without the key.
Here is what you need to know. As a disclaimer, don’t go stealing someone’s ATV using this advice. Only use it on an ATV you legally own for which you do not have a key.
How do you start an ATV without a key? Here are 7 ways you can try.
Your ATV key is not some magic trigger that makes everything in the engine work. Turning the key in the ignition opens and closes a circuit that allows a spark to ignite the engine. Once that spark ignites the engine, assuming your engine is good, then you are good to go, with or without a key.
The real dilemma in the situation where you don’t have a key to your ATV us whether you want a permanent solution or something just for the weekend. The other issue is how much you are willing to risk damage to the ATV and how much you are willing to spend.
I am going to start with the less ideal methods that should probably only be used when you really need it or just don’t care because it is an old machine or because you are going to get an new ignition anyway.
This one will not work on all ATVs, but if your ATV has an alternative start method that permits you to do a pull or kick start, this is going to be your best option by far.
Hopefully you have your owner’s manual or can locate an owner’s manual online so you can look at the exact directions for your ATV model, but here are the basic steps.
Okay, hot wiring an ATV is going to depend on the type of ATV you own. Basically, the goal behind it is to change the wires so they bypass the ignition switch, leaving the circuit open so that a spark can start the ATV’s engine.
I am going to list the different hot wiring guides I have found so you can hopefully determine which one will work best for your ATV.
This option is probably the best and easiest of the hot wiring methods if is available to you. Just remember to leave some extra wire from the ignition so you can rewire it if you find or replace your key.
It typically is connected via 3 Philips screws.
Then put the cluster housing cover back on with the three screws.This method is not going to work on most ATVs, but you may get lucky. It will only work on certain ATVs that have an electric starter without an alternative start method.
You might as well give it a try and see if you are able to do it before moving on to the more advanced hot wiring discussed above.
First, you need to locate the ATV’s starter relay or solenoid. It is usually located on the outside of the plastic right next to or under the battery and near the wiring harness.
A starter solenoid is a switch that controls a high amp load with a low amp. Starter solenoids come in all different shapes and sizes, but normally they have a round or square body with two larger and two smaller wires. The larger wires are for the high amp load and the smaller wires are for the low amp switch.
Your ATV’s solenoid may only have one smaller wire if the ground is coming from the frame where it is mounted.
It may be sitting in a plastic or rubber cover, but it’s not uncommon for it to be on the outside.
Once you have located the starter solenoid, you should see two big main wires. Hopefully, it will be set up so you can jump those two main wires using a wrench. If you can jump the wires, you should be able to start the ATV.
This method requires you to take apart the ignition so I would only use it if you are planning to get a new ignition to install or if you are comfortable enough with getting the ignition back together if you plan on it.
The point of this method is to basically line up the ignition the same way turning your key would. Follow these 5 steps to give it a try.
This is the first method I saw used to start a vehicle when I was 13 or 14. My friend wanted to take our his parent’s spare vehicle, but didn’t have a key so he took a screwdriver, jammed it into the ignition, turned it and the van started right up. While this method works, it is not ideal.
Once you have jammed a screwdriver into your ignition, there is no point in a key because anything you jam in there will turn the ignition. There is also a good chance of damaging your ATV’s ignition to the point where you need to buy a new one anyway.
I have also seen people use one blade of a pair of scissors the same way. I am not sure if one is any better for your ignition, but I would have to assume there is not much difference.
This is definitely your best option if it is available. If you are in the situation we described above where you are far from home and simply left your key behind, you may be able to buy a new key from a local dealer.
Assuming you can locate a dealer near you that can replace keys by the code, get in contact with someone back home that can access your ATV key.
There should be a code stamped onto the key. If you tell the local dealer that code, they should be able to make you a new one. Another alternative that may work is telling the dealer your ATV VIN and model. If they trust you didn’t steal the ATV, they may make you a new key.
If you don’t have the code stamped on your key, your best option is finding a lock smith that can hopefully cut you a new key.
Note some locksmiths also have key codes so that may be an alternative if you can’t fine a local dealer that can make you a key from the code.
If you can’t get a locksmith to your ATV, you can hopefully remove the ignition from your ATV and get a key made.
If you aren’t in the situation where you are camping and need immediate access to the ATV, getting a new ignition switch is a good alternative, especially if you can’t get a new key made.
A new ignition switch is surprisingly inexpensive and should be easy to install. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always take it to a dealer to have it done for you.
Check out our recommended gear to see the tools we always like to carry with us.
Don’t let losing or forgetting your ATV key stop you from enjoying your quad. In this article, I’ll show you a few ways to start your ATV or UTV without the key. You can do any of these methods with basic hand tools found in most garages.
Your ignition switch is simply a break in a circuit telling your electrical box when it’s ok to start or not. When there’s no key in the ignition, no power can be sent to the rest of the needed components to start the engine. There are some pretty simple ways to get around this though.
Of course the easiest way is if your machine has a pull start or kick starter on it. A lot of the newer quads being made don’t have this functionality anymore unfortunately.
If you do have this option, simply unhook the ignition switch from the cdi or electrical box. That way the engine will start without needing a key inserted, then start the engine.
This method may work without a pull start or kick start if you can push your machine to a good pace and pop it into gear. Your other options are:
This is my preferred method to starting an ATV without the key. Most ignition switches will only have two wires going into it. On wire is sending power in, and the other wire sends power to the electrical box if the key is inserted. Telling the machine that it’s ok to start.
Simply remove the ignition switch from the equation. You can disassemble the switch or just cut the two wires leading to it. Be sure to leave enough slack in the wire just in case you want replace the ignition switch later on.
Now connect the two wires and your electric start should work like always. Remember to connect the wires on the side leading to the engine not the side leading to the ignition.
You have to remember to disconnect the two wires when you’re done riding or you’ll drain the battery dead. I would recommend you put a simple switch here in place of the ignition, a simple on/off switch will work perfect.
Some of the newer quads have more than two wires coming out of the ignition switch, not to worry. A lot of times there will also be a ground wire or something like that. The two wires you should focus on are red and black. Cut those two wires and tape them together. Make sure you tape together the ends of the wire leading to the engine not to the ignition.
You may also see a black with white stripe and green wire. These two wires are shorted together when the key is in the off position. You will need to open that short by cutting the black with white stripe wire and tapping off the end.
Once the black with white stripe is cut and taped, and the red and black wires and spliced together and taped. You should have power to your quad as if the key was turned on. You can use your normal electric start and everything the way it is.
Remember to disconnect the black and red wires when you’re done to avoid killing the battery. You could also tape the black with white stripe wire back together to prevent anyone from easily starting the quad.
This doesn’t work on all ATVs, only machines with an electric start option only. Your solenoid should be near your battery and wiring harness. On some quads you have to remove a side panel to access it.
Your solenoid will have two main wires coming out of it and possibly some other smaller ones, we only care about the two big wires. You need to lay a wrench or something metal across the two connectors of the main wires. Then, you should be able to start the quad.
I don’t use this method myself because you have to be real careful the wrench or piece of metal is not touching anything else that could short it out.
If you accidentally touch the frame or something when doing this, you could cause damage to your electrical parts of the engine.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and that’s what this method is. This trick is mostly used by thieves, so if you’re driving around the trails with a screw driver sticking out of the ignition and get stopped by trail enforcement, be ready to get asked some questions.
Basically you just hammer a screwdriver into the ignition and turn it on as if it were the key. The screwdriver will brake the pins in the lock allowing you to turn the ignition on.
I don’t recommend this method because you could damage the ignition and not get the quad to start anyway. And even if you are successful, you’re now riding around with a screwdriver sticking out.
This is obviously the best method in the list. Of course if you forgot your key and you’re already way out on the trail, then there’s no way you can order a part and do the replacement.
This is more for someone who lost their key, or broke their ignition trying the screwdriver method.
Here’s a decent Replacement Ignition Switch found on Amazon to help get your search started. If you can find a replacement from the manufacturer for your specific machine, that would be the best route, but probably a lot more expensive.
One thing I want to mention is that it’s always best practice to tape up any wires you cut and exposed. You may have gotten the hotwire job done correctly, but if any of those wires hit the frame and short out you could have bigger problems.
Leave enough slack in the wires to work on them again later on. Try to avoid cutting the wires to the ignition real close to the ignition itself, or somewhere that makes it hard to get to the wires. You may want to work on it later on, like putting in a new ignition switch or on/off switch.
Don’t tell everyone how easy you hot wired your quad and how you did it. Maybe you’ll be safe to do this, but I lean a little more to the cautious side when it comes to my machines.
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New models of ATVs are equipped with an electric starter. Therefore, problems with starting almost never arise. But in older models, manual kick starter can be installed. With him, beginners sometimes have difficulties.
To start the ATV, do the following:
Start the CFMOTO 500 with a manual starter?
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Paradoxically, but sometimes the owners of ATVs simply forget to pour gasoline into the tank. Therefore, before proceeding with the diagnosis, it is worth checking the fuel level.
It is not uncommon for the cause of the problem to be insufficient battery charge . It can be charged at home. If the ATV is small, you can purchase an additional battery. The cost of batteries for budget models is relatively low.
How to start an ATV?! If the battery is dead!? Life hacks! Subscriber reply | Irbis Atv 250s | SJ8Pro
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If the battery is good, but the starter does not work, it may be worth looking for the cause in the starting system.
It is necessary to try to close the contacts, which are located on the starter relay. To do this, you need to use a screwdriver. The relay is usually located under the seat. Two thick wires are connected to it.
If you need to find a way to start the ATV without a key, you can also follow these steps. This technique will be effective only if the system is not controlled by the central computer . Otherwise, blocking will work.
If, after the manipulations, the engine starts up, then the problem is in the launch system . Otherwise, you will need to look for the cause of the malfunction further or visit a service center.
Each ATV has a stop button on the steering wheel. Usually it is red. This button is responsible for turning off the ignition, it turns off the engine . If you do not bring it to its previous position, the engine, of course, will not start. Therefore, it is worth checking in what position the "Stop" button is located.
Another security system provided in ATVs is a special check. This is a cable that is attached to the ATV at one end and to the driver at the other. If the latter falls off the ATV while driving, check flies out and the ignition turns off. You won't be able to start the vehicle without this receipt either. If this part is lost, you will need to look for the appropriate contacts and close them directly.
Another possible reason why the ATV won't start is a blown fuse. If the ATV is small, there is usually only one fuse. It is located next to battery . The suitability of this part for operation can be assessed visually. The cost of the fuse is cheap, so it is better to have several of these parts in stock.
If there is no spare fuse, and the failure happened away from home, you can insert wire instead. This is a temporary solution that will allow you to get home.
It is impossible to constantly replace the fuse with wire. You can burn much more expensive elements of the system.
This part is located under the seat or next to the motor (depending on the model). It's a small box with wires coming out of it. They are connected to the ignition coil. It is difficult to assess the health of this part, so it is better to contact a service center with a similar problem.
If the spark plug wire is broken or the ignition coil is broken, it will not be difficult to check the performance of these systems. The candle is unscrewed and inserted into the candle cap. Next, you need to attach it with the metal side to the engine and press the starter button. If there is no spark between the electrodes, this is a sign of a breakdown. Try cleaning the spark plug electrodes and adjusting the gap between them.
If there is a spark, then the problem lies either in the candle cap or in the candle.
You need to buy a new part and change it.
It will be possible to eliminate many malfunctions and start the ATV even in the forest. For models with a manual transmission, you can try to start the engine from the pusher. It should be said right away that this cannot be done with an automatic transmission. In other cases, it is recommended to look for the cause of the breakdown according to the points listed above.
How to start an ATV with a PUSHER
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Maxim Rogov / author of the article
Back in 2011, I got on a motorcycle for the first time and since then I have been addicted to motorsport. I love trying new bikes. I dream of a BMW F800GT and a motorcycle tour of Peru.
Damage to the ignition lock, breakage or loss of the key in the wild can be a real problem for the motorist.
In this case, the ability to start the ATV engine looks very vague. Although there are several life hacks that allow you to start an ATV without a key. In this way, you can start almost all four-wheelers that are here in the catalog. So, let's look at the features of such a procedure.
This method is used by many attackers who steal motor vehicles.
If you need to start the ATV without a key, you should:
After that you will have access to the contact part. It is with its help that you can start the ATV without a key. To do this, you need to insert a screwdriver into the hole with the pulley and turn it. Now you just have to put the seat in place and continue to enjoy the rides.
Important : As already mentioned, this is the most common way to start an ATV without a key among car thieves. Therefore, if you want to avoid possible problems, it is recommended to install an alarm and tracking system on your ATV.
Another easy way to start the quad motor without keys is to close the contacts. To do this, remove the seat and get to the starter relay. Your task will be to close the plus and minus that go to the component. This can be done with a screwdriver, open-end wrench, or other similar metal tool.
This procedure will help you if the starter relay has failed or the engine start button has broken.
Note : This method is valid if the ATV does not have an on-board computer. If it is, the system will simply block.
The last way to start the ATV without a key is almost identical to the first. However, we will not work with the contact part, but with the block. It is she who is connected to the ignition switch and through it you can start the engine.
To start the ATV, you need:
Although this method looks simple, you may need to remove part of the ATV's bodywork (front) to perform it. It all depends on the model of the ATV and the location of the required connector.
