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.
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Buy a new ignition switch 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.
To bypass, remove the ignition switch from the equation by disassembling the switch or cutting the two wires leading to it. However, be sure to leave enough slack on the wire for future use if you wish to replace the ignition switch later. After disassembling the switch, connect the two wires, and the electric start should work like always.
How does an ATV ignition switch work? Replace the ignition switch.
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.
How do you change the ignition switch? Here are 7 ways you can try. Replace the ignition switch. 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.
How do you replace an ATV solenoid? Cut the wire that connects the solenoid to the battery. Locate the red wire coming out of the battery. Connect the red wire from the battery to the the wires you just cut. Start the ATV. Locate and remove the lamp/instrument cluster housing top part. It typically is connected via 3 Philips screws. Locate and remove the key switch assembly.
How do you remove ignition from an ATV? First, you need to get the ignition loose from your ATV.
From there you should see that your ignition is basically a cylinder that separates into two pieces. Second, you should be able to remove the bottom half of the cylinder that is connected to the cord leading to your ATV engine.
Then locate the starter solenoid and connect the solenoid to the positive battery terminal. Then unplug the ignition switch wiring from the solenoid. Using a screwdriver, short the solenoid’s positive terminal to the post where the ignition switch connects. This will activate the solenoid and the car should startup.
You can always jump start your car even if you have a faulty starter.
However, jumpstarting it is not a permanent solution to the problem. The moment the car begins to function, the starter will receive enough amps to power it to start.
On some models you can bridge the battery side lug and the starter side lug CAREFULLY with an INSULATED screwdriver with the key on. This effectively bypasses the relay and starter switch.
Generally, only ATV’s with certain types of automatic transmissions can be push-started safely. If you try to push-start an automatic ATV with the incorrect transmission type, it will at best not start and, at worst, cause damage to the transmission.
Turn on the first ATV, or the one with the full battery, and let it run for a little while, approximately 3-5 minutes. After that, try and turn on the dead ATV with the cables still connected. Typically, this will do the trick and your ATV will immediately start.
Use A Screwdriver 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.
When the starter drive gear is worn out or not engaging properly, it will often produce a grinding noise.
This is similar to the one that is heard if you start your engine and then accidentally action the ignition switch again. If the grinding symptom is ignored, it may also result in damage to the engine flywheel.
– Replace The Ignition Switch. We’ll start off with the simplest option in case you’ve lost your keys before leaving the house.
…
– Make A New Key. …
– Dissemble The Ignition. …
– Bypass The Ignition. …
– Use Scissors Or A Screwdriver. …
– Jump The Solenoid. …
– Hot Wiring.
– Replace The Ignition Switch. We’ll start off with the simplest option in case you’ve lost your keys before leaving the house. …
– Make A New Key. …
– Dissemble The Ignition. …
– Bypass The Ignition. …
– Use Scissors Or A Screwdriver. …
– Jump The Solenoid. …
– Hot Wiring.
– Locate the starter motor under the vehicle. …
– Locate the two metal contacts on the back of the starter solenoid. …
– Place the metal blade of an insulated screwdriver across both metal contacts. …
– Get a friend to help you by turning on the ignition with the key. …
– Listen to the starter motor.
The most common way to push start a vehicle is to put the manual transmission in second gear, switching the ignition to on/run, depressing the clutch, and pushing the vehicle until it is at a speed of 5 to 10 mph (8 to 16 km/h) or more, then quickly engaging the clutch to make the engine rotate and start while keeping …
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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, 9 can be installed0029 manual kick starter . With him, beginners sometimes have difficulties.
To start the ATV, do the following:
Also, the ignition switch must be in the "on" position on the control panel. 
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
Another possible reason why the ATV won't start is a blown fuse. If the ATV is small, there is usually only one fuse. He is located next to the 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 saddle 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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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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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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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. nine0003
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.
