How To Start An ATV? Best Guide With Issue Solution 2025

Riding an all-terrain vehicle, or ATV, can be an enjoyable and interesting way to check out the open airs. Yet, ATVs are powerful devices, as well as you need to know exactly how to securely and correctly ride one prior to you begin blazing down an offroad route.

Be sure to have the correct security equipment, choose a suitable ATV to ride, and don't attempt any kind of tricks when you're starting out. While you're discovering to ride, choose a wide-open room so you can exercise picking up speed, changing gears, as well as taking turns properly.

Before you go out on your weekend of enjoyable, you should discover how to start an ATV.

What Is An ATV?

Prior to launching an ATV, we need to understand a bit of background information. You'll greater than most likely understand what an ATV is already, however it's always great to review your expertise.

An ATV (or All-Terrain Vehicle) is a 4-wheeled, off-highway vehicle. Also called a Light Utility Vehicle or quad bike, an ATV differs from the majority of lorries in numerous means. ATVs are in a similar way structured to motorcycles, with the biker straddling a central seat and also making use of handlebars to steer.

As the name would recommend, ATVs are fantastic to drive over all terrains. ATV riding is great for exploring the outdoors and can conveniently navigate over hard off-road paths or sloppy and rough roads.

How Do I Start An ATV?

Before you can get to take your ATV out, you need to know exactly how to start it. So let's cover that initially.

To begin, you require to make certain every little thing is prepared to go. You'll need to fill out the gas container and also make certain the battery is charged.

You need to also prepare your ATV by having it in a position to start, with the emergency brake involved. Have any kind of safety and security gear (like your helmet or driving handwear covers) prepped and also available.

Now let's prepare ourselves to go.

1. Turn the key and press the begin switch to start the ATV.

Put the key right into the ignition as well as turn it to the beginning position. Then, press the beginning button, which is normally situated on the ideal side of the handlebars. When the engine starts, allow it to run for about a minute so it can warm up.

If you're riding in winter problems, permit the engine to compete for 5 mins so it can warm up before you ride.

2. Pull the clutch and manage to put the engine into neutral.

On the left handlebar is a lever called the clutch. Drawing the clutch places the engine into the neutral gear, which allows you to change gear as you accumulate speed. To start relocating, engage the clutch with your left hand so you can put the engine right into gear.

While you're in the neutral gear, your ATV can remain to roll onward, but you will not have the ability to include any type of speed.
You require to place the engine into first gear in order to begin moving.

3. Utilize your left foot to elevate the gears shift bar to move into higher gears.

With the clutch engaged, utilize your left foot to move gears by raising the bar situated in the left footrest. After that, release the clutch to position the engine right into gears so you can keep relocating. As you accumulate speed, change into higher gears.

Technique riding around, then gradually enhance your rate, as well as job to move into higher gears to get used to riding.
Directs: If your ATV has a transmission, after that you don't need to bother with moving gears. Just work to slowly increase your rate to get more comfy riding!

4. Downshift into reduced gears as you decrease your ATV.

When you're reducing your speed, you are additionally required to shift back into reduced gears. Hold the clutch with your left hand and also press down on the gears shift bar with your left foot, after that release the clutch. You'll really feel the lever click down as you downshift.

Shift into reduced gears one at a time to permit your engine to adjust to the slower speeds as well as gears.

5. Start braking with your right-hand man as well as gradually include your left hand.

The brakes of an ATV are controlled by bars to the right and also the left of the handlebars. The bar to the ideal controls the back brakes, while the lever to the left controls the front brakes. Constantly begin braking the rear wheels initially by pressing the right take care of, and also add additional stopping power by gradually squeezing the left manage.

If you press both brakes at the same time, you might topple ahead over the handlebars.

Squeezing the left takes care of to brake the front wheels just can trigger the ATV to turn over.

Can I start an ATV without a key or remote?

Yes, there are bypass methods to start an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) without a key or remote control. However, we do not recommend doing so unless in an emergency. Because this could damage the ignition system or safety devices.

How To Start An ATV Without Key?

If you don't have a key or remote, it's best to have a new key made at a dealership. Most dealerships will require your ATV's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to make the key.

If your ATV has a pull-cord starter or kick starter, it can be started easily. However, many newer ATVs no longer have this feature.

Of course, some older or simpler ATVs can be "quick-started" (bypassing the ignition system) by shorting the solenoid valve or directly wiring.

However, do not use this method lightly. Damaging the electronic components could void your ATV's warranty.

What is the easiest way to start an ATV with a manual choke?

Here's how to easily start an ATV with a manual choke, mainly when it's cold: you need to make the fuel mixture richer by using the choke all the way.

1. Get Ready: Make sure your ATV is in neutral or park, and the parking brake is on. The fuel valve should be on, and the engine stop switch should be in the Run spot.
2. Use the Choke: Find the manual choke lever, usually on the handlebars or near the carburetor. Pull it all the way to the On/Closed position. This limits airflow, which makes a richer fuel-air mix that's needed to start when it's cold.
3. Start the Engine (Don't use the Throttle): Grab a brake lever to get the safety interlock going, then hit the starter button. Don't give it any throttle at this point, or you might flood the engine.
4. Warm-up, then turn off the Choke: Once the engine starts, let it run for a short time with the choke on. As it warms up, slowly push the choke lever halfway, then all the way off. If the engine slows down too much or runs poorly, it might require the choke on a bit longer.

How Do You Start An ATV Sitting For A Long Time?

Sometimes, your ATV may have some issues launching. There are a few factors this may be occurring, and also a lot of these have rather very easy repairs. So let's have a closer seek to determine what's providing you pain.

1. No gas or too much gas

A common, as well as simple reason your ATV will not start, is if there isn't adequate fuel in the storage tank. This is most likely the simplest concern to inspect as well as deal with, as you just have to check out the fuel storage tank.

Contrastingly, your ATV could also have too much gas. If there is excessive fuel in the tank, this can flood the engine as well as prevent it from the beginning. This is a bit much more tricky to kind than an empty gas container.

2. Faulty ignition system

Another relatively typical reason for an ATV not starting is the ignition system. If the ignition system itself or the spark plug cable linking it is malfunctioning, the ignition will not start. This can be hard to examine if you are unfamiliar with examining a spark plug, so ensure that you have assistance helpful if it's required.

3. Concerns with battery or fuse

We've already covered a vacant gas storage tank, however your ATV also will not begin if the battery is vacant. Similar to a lack of fuel, this is another easy solution and is no various from the typical maintenance your ATV will require. Conversely, the fuse on the battery might also be harmed.

4. Clogged air filter

If there isn't sufficient air circulation via the engine, the engine will certainly have a hard time or perhaps quit working altogether. This is an additional easy solution that ought to become part of basic ATV maintenance.

5. Can be a problem that needs mechanic

If you can not identify the root cause of your ATV not starting, you may require to take it to a professional to get it repaired. Do not be let down if this holds true-- it's what mechanics are trained for.

How To Take Care Of Concerns With Starting ATV?

So now that you know what might be stopping your ATV from the beginning, you need to recognize exactly how to fix it.

1. Battery or fuel problems

For lack of gas or battery, you merely need to obtain whatever back up to full. Replacing the gas is as simple as any type of refuel would be. For the battery, pop opens the side panel and also link the battery to a charger. It needs only take about 6 hours for your ATV to be totally charged once more.

If the fuse has blown, you need to obtain a substitute fuse. Make sure that it's the appropriate voltage for your ATV's battery. Additionally, consider getting a more powerful battery if this takes place continuously.

2. Spark plug issues

For any concerns with the ignition system, you need to remove it and also check it out. You can find the spark plug in the engine under the ignition system cap. Remove it, seeing to it to maintain it close to something that will certainly ground it.

Place it back in the ignition system cap, seeing to it it's completely reattached. See to it that the suggestion is cleansed of any kind of fuel in which the pointer is grounded. From there, turn the key to change your ATV on, and attempt to begin the engine.

You need to see a small trigger flashing between the ignition system and whatever it's grounded to. If there isn't any type of trigger, then there is a concern with the spark plug or the ignition system cable, which needs to be replaced or repaired.

3. Flooded engine

Since you understand just how to repair an issue with inadequate gas, you must understand what to do if there's way too much fuel. If there is excessive gas and also the engine is swamped, you require to remove this out. Initially, shut off the fuel and the engine.

Then eliminate the spark plug and also placed it apart, making certain that the ignition remains off. Now you require to completely open the throttle numerous times. Smoke or vapor will be expelled every single time you do this-- maintain repeating till no more smoke or vapor comes out.

After that, all you require to do is replace the spark plug and also continue to open the throttle up until the engine starts. It must pass away relatively rapidly as a result of the gas as well as ignition being switched off. Just change these back on, as well as you're great to go.

4. Clogged air filter

You can inspect to see if your air filter is clogged by removing it from the air filter box in your ATV. You should be cleaning the air filter in your ATV throughout every engine oil adjustment or after lots of usage, yet it can be very easy to fail to remember often.

You can remove any type of larger, more solid pieces of dirt and debris with your hands, yet if the air filter is impacting the engine, you'll need to offer it a proper tidy. Wash the filter in a container of water as well as cleansing service, rinse it off, and leave it to completely dry.

Very carefully use oil to the filter, taking care not to harm it, and also leave it to dry for a few even more hrs. Lastly, just pop it back right into the filter box on your ATV and also see if the engine draws back up again.

If none of these issues are quiting your ATV from starting as well as you still do not recognize how to fix it, or even if you just require some assistance getting points arranged, take your ATV to a technician to get it arranged. While this can require time and also cash, it's better than having to cross out your ATV or placing on your own in danger.

How to troubleshoot an ATV that won’t start?

Having trouble starting your ATV? Usually, it's about fuel, air, and spark. Start checking it with the easy stuff, like the battery and safety switch. Common problems are a weak battery, a dirty air filter, bad fuel, blocked fuel lines, or a bad spark plug.

Here's how to figure out why your ATV won't start, focusing on common causes:

• Battery & Cables: First, check if your battery has power. If the terminals are dirty, scrub them with baking soda and water, then tighten them well.
• Kill Switch/Safety Gear: Be sure the kill switch is in the right spot. Some ATVs need to be in neutral or have the brake on to start.
• Fuel: Check your fuel. Old or bad gas stops the engine from working correctly. If the gas is old, empty the tank and add new fuel.
• Air Filter: A dirty air filter can keep the engine from getting enough air to start.
• Spark Plug: Take out the spark plug and look at it. If it's dirty or worn out, clean it or get a new one. If there's no spark, check the ignition coil.
• Compression: If the engine has low compression (from worn rings or valves), it won't start, even if it cranks. If nothing else fixes the problem, test the compression.
• Starter/Solenoid: If you hear clicking but the engine doesn’t crank, the solenoid or starter might be broken.

If you check all this and your ATV still won’t start, a mechanic might be needed because some issues need special tools.

Can you push start an automatic ATV?

No, you cannot push-start an automatic ATV like you would a manual transmission vehicle. Most automatic ATVs use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or similar system that disengages the drivetrain at low speeds or idle.

Here's why:

Many ATVs labeled "automatic" use a CVT/torque converter transmission (not a manual clutch). When the engine is off or idling, the clutch (or the belt in a CVT) isn't engaged. This means, the wheels and the engine aren't connected mechanically.

This type of transmission relies on fluid pressure to engage. Without that pressure, the gears cannot be locked, so the wheels can't turn the engine over. Push-starting, no matter how fast, only rotates the wheels and external parts of the transmission, not the engine to generate sparks and start.

In most modern automatic transmissions, the oil pump that generates the necessary hydraulic pressure is powered by the engine, not the wheels. So, if the engine isn't running, the gears won't engage.

Some ATVs equipped with special hydraulic systems might be able to push-start—but this is dangerous, difficult to operate, and not standard equipment.

In short: Don't expect to push-start an automatic ATV. If your starter or battery is faulty, it's best to jump-start it or find and fix the underlying problem.

Can you jump start an atv with a car?

Yes, you can jump-start an ATV using your car, provided both vehicles use 12-volt electrical systems. However, please pay extreme attention when doing this.

A crucial safety precaution is: Keep the car's engine off during the jump-start process. This is to prevent excessive current from the car's alternator from flooding the ATV's smaller electrical system and causing damage.

how to jump start an atv with a car

Here are the steps for jump-starting an ATV using your car:

1. Park the vehicles safely: Park the car and ATV close enough to allow the jumper cables to connect. Note: Ensure both vehicles are not touching and are in park or neutral, and engage the handbrake.
2. Turn off both vehicles: The car's engine must be turned off to prevent voltage spikes.
3. Connect the positive cable (usually red):
   • Connect one red (positive) clip to the positive (+) terminal of the ATV battery.
   • Connect the other red clip to the positive (+) terminal of the car battery.
4. Connect the negative cable (usually black):
   • Connect one black (negative) clip to the negative (-) terminal of the vehicle battery.
   • Connect the last black clip to an unpainted metal part of the ATV (such as the frame). Note: Do not connect the negative (-) to the negative terminal of the ATV battery. Keep it away from the battery and fuel system to ensure a safe ground connection and prevent sparks from occurring near the battery's hydrogen.
5. Start the ATV: Try to start the ATV. Powered by the vehicle's strong battery, it should start quickly. Do not attempt to start for more than 15 seconds at a time.
6. Disconnect the Cables: Once the ATV is running smoothly, disconnect the cables in the reverse order of connection:
   • 01. Disconnect the black cable from the ATV frame.
   • 02. Disconnect the black cable from the vehicle's negative terminal.
   • 03. Disconnect the red cable from the vehicle's positive terminal.
   • 04. Disconnect the red cable from the ATV's positive terminal.
7. Keep it Running: Let the ATV run for at least 20-30 minutes to fully charge.

Conclusion

Which's it! Now you recognize how to begin your ATV up as well as repair any kind of concerns that might be stopping it from starting. While some problems are tougher to take care of than others, you're not likely to have much difficulty obtaining every little thing up and running once more.

Good luck driving your ATV-- with the correct maintenance, you make sure to get much more great times with it.

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Rodney L

Rodney L is a technical writer and product consultant with over a decade of experience in the motor industry. Rodney is a fan of performance machines that run fast and loud and an expert in all things custom. His numerous articles and write-ups are available at our knowledge base. Whether it’s something wrong with your motorcycle or you are building a custom bike, you can trust Rodney’s experience.