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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James Milford answered
If you have lost the keys to your 4-wheeler and need to start it, there is a method you can use to get it started quickly.
Just make sure that the 4-wheeler belongs to you as hot-wiring a vehicle that does not belong to you could result in a long stint in the local jail. There are also other alternatives to getting your 4-wheeler going again if you're not comfortable fooling with electrical wiring.
Simply cut the wires that are attached to the ignition switch first. Then you'll need to find the key hot wire, that wire is most often colored red, and the wire that connects to the coil. Place a three-way pull-apart butt connector on the wire ends and then touch the ignition wire to the three way connection. After you have started the bike make sure to tape up the ignition wire so it does not touch anything else and short out.
To get your 4-wheeler started in a less dramatic way, call your local locksmith. The fees will vary but expect to pay at least $25 for a locksmith to come out to your location and craft a new key for you. It will only take about thirty minutes or so, and as soon as you get your new key immediately go and make a copy of it so you won't be stuck in this situation again.
Another thing you can do to get your 4-wheeler rolling again is to go back to the dealer where you brought the vehicle. Many dealers will be able to get a new key for you for a small fee, and once again, the first thing you should do as soon as you get a new key is to make a copy or two of it so you don't find yourself in this situation again down the road.
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Anonymous answered
There are usually 4 wires to the ignition switch. 2 of them(usually red) start it, and the other 2(usually black or brown) will kill it. Touch two wires together till the neutral light comes on(make sure it is in neutral first). When you see the light come on twist those together and start it. If you hear or see a spark and smoke, those aren't the right wires.
Probably the 2 red ones will work depending on what kind of 4wheeler you have
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Anonymous answered
I do not now how to Hotwire a 4 wheeler
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Taani Joest answered
How to hot wire a predator 50 with a picture?
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Anonymous answered
Yeah its easy you need to do is cut the wires on th bottom of the switch find the key hot wire and the wire that energizes the coil place a three way pull apart butt connector on the wire ends then find the ignition wire when you want to start the bike touch it to the three way connection. Make sure you can put the ignition wire up so it wont touch anything
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Anonymous answered
There's nothing hard about it. I hot-wired my friend's banshee today because I wanted to ride and he lost the key. We simply cut all 4 wires to the ignition and wired them all together. The fourwheeler didn't want to start at first because it has been sitting for about 2 years but after a lot of kicks, it started up.
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Anonymous answered
It is to hard a car is a lot easier
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The off-road ability and confidence of a well-prepared off-road vehicle, the feeling of freedom and power of a motorcycle, ease of operation and children's delight - that's not much that can be said about an ATV.
Anyone can feel like a respectable gentleman and a reckless child with him! Climb into hidden corners of the forest, make your way through the swamp, conquer the virgin snow and be the subject of admiration and envy on the beach. And the technical and price variety is able to satisfy the most refined, sophisticated and prim!
Our team has a long history of selling and repairing ATVs, installing accessories, tuning ATVs and motorcycles. Sale of tires for all-terrain vehicles. Supply of spare parts for ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles, jet skis and outboard motors. We have parts and supplies for Suzuki ATVs. Additional equipment for Suzuki Kingquad. Attention! Now you can buy Gibbs Quadski in Moscow! Only we have official deliveries, warranty and service!
But if suddenly your iron horse has gone haywire, then do not despair! With us you can always buy original spare parts for your ATV at the lowest prices.
We supply and sell original parts for ATVs.
Our many years of experience in the spare parts market allows us to supply almost any ATV parts. You can order from us:
All spare parts for ATVs that you order from us are original, i. These ATV parts come directly from the manufacturer. Buying spare parts for ATVs from us, you can be sure of their quality.
To order spare parts, follow the link order form. On the page for ordering spare parts for ATVs, you should go to tab
Once you buy an ATV and ride it for a while, you will probably want to update it somehow.
There are many options for this: install fender extensions on the ATV or mudguards, change your ATV to brand new ITP ATV tires and rims, or install a snow plow on the ATV and not worry about snowfalls in the countryside.
ATV accessories: ATV protection
If you use your ATV aggressively, we recommend installing the Rear and Front ATV Guard to protect it. The front protection includes a bumper (also called kingurin or kinguryatnik) and a "pot" that is necessary to protect the engine compartment from damage. You can give preference to original accessories or, for example, trust in such a well-known company as MOOSE.
After repair, the stator may have a different color code for the phase wires than on the original. All wires are installed in the correct order. Please do not change the location of the wires in the connector! Specifications
Suzuki stator specs with OE#32101-31G01-000:
Outer diameter: 125mm
Inner diameter: 54mm
Thickness: 18mm
Wire length from stator to bushing: 185mm Wire length
from rubber bushing to stator connector connection: 435 mm & 475 mm
Other specifications:
Number of wires: 5
Number of connectors: 2
Number of terminals: 5
Generator line-to-line resistance: 0.
4 ohm +/-20%
ATV Starter KingQuad: 31100-31G00, 3110031G00
Installation and Test Guidelines
1. Install the generator stator in its original location. Lubricate all threaded connections on the generator stator mounting with
2. Replace any burnt or corroded governor/rectifier relay connectors as needed.
We strongly recommend that you do not connect the generator stator directly (without a connector) to the regulator relay: the connector acts as a buffer, protection
3. Check and repair any signs of wiring problems
4. We recommend using high temperature dielectric grease on all electrical circuit connectors on your motorcycle/ATV/snowmobile
5. Test the stator for a winding short circuit. To do this, use a multimeter in the normal continuity position
5. Test the stator for phase-to-phase voltage. To do this, use the multimeter in the AC position:
- Without connecting the alternator stator terminal to the governor relay terminal, start the motorcycle/ATV/snowmobile.
Set the switch on the multimeter to the ACV or V (alternating voltage) sector and measure the phase-to-phase voltage from the generator stator, alternately measuring the voltage output by the generator between 1 and 2, 2 and 3, 1 and 3 phases. At 1000 rpm, the “working” voltage is between 12 V and 22 V. At 3000 rpm – 5000 rpm, the “working” voltage is between 35 V and 80 V. Note that both otherwise, the interphase (1 and 2, 2 and 3, 1 and 3) voltage must be the same
6. If everything is as described above, the generator stator is in good condition and can be connected to a common electrical circuit
7. You make further and final measurements of the degree of charge at the battery terminals by setting the multimeter switch to the DCV or V (constant voltage) sector, by comparing the values with the manual for your motorcycle/ATV/snowmobile. These values should be considered "working" if they are in the range from 12.9 V to 15.0 V
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Attention
Battery condition is extremely important! No stator is able to compensate for a dead or dead battery.
A dead battery can cause damage to the generator stator. Make sure your battery is charged, fully functional and capable of handling the load. Or just replace it. Always start all tests with a 100% working battery!
Conditions for the repair of motorcycle generators in Generator-Pro24
We do not go to the client's address, we do not have a courier service and delivery service. The client brings his own generator. If you are from another city or region of Russia, when placing an order on our website, you will be asked to choose the methods of transferring your faulty generator (SDEK, Russian Post and other transport companies). To contact us, use any of the communication methods available to you from those indicated on our website
The deadline for the execution of the order is set by us on the spot, at the time of the transfer of the faulty generator (we determine the degree and nature of the damage, which to a large extent determines the time for the upcoming repair).
Or by phone, if we understand that we are dealing with a regular case. Usually the repair period does not exceed four days
We strongly ask you to remove the stator winding of the generator without cutting off the wire loop connecting the generator phases and ask you to leave the generator stator connector intact. Only in this way can we consider the option of replacing your faulty generator with a refurbished generator from our warehouse, and you will significantly save time spent without your motorcycle / ATV / snowmobile
Attention! We do not sell remanufactured generators that we have in stock. We exchange them for faulty generators of our customers on the same day of contact (the conditions and cost of the exchange are indicated on on our website )
it is intact, and the battery is fully functional. If any of the above does not correspond to the norm, then both you and we will not achieve the desired result. Therefore, before contacting us for help, have your motorcycle / ATV / snowmobile diagnosed by a motorcycle workshop if you cannot do it yourself
We do not remove and install, we do not diagnose and we do not issue a verdict on the condition of your equipment.
