In this article, we will discuss the Arctic Cat starter solenoid wiring diagram. The starter solenoid is an important component of the starting system of an Arctic Cat ATV. It is responsible for transferring power from the battery to the starter motor. Without a properly functioning starter solenoid, your Arctic Cat ATV won’t start. Therefore, it is important to understand how to wire the starter solenoid correctly.
What is a Starter Solenoid?
The starter solenoid is an electromechanical switch that controls the flow of electricity from the battery to the starter motor. When you turn the key on your Arctic Cat ATV, the starter solenoid is activated, and it sends electricity to the starter motor. The starter motor then turns the engine over, and the ATV starts.
The starter solenoid is typically located near the battery, and it has two large terminals and two small terminals. The two large terminals are for the battery and starter motor connections, while the two small terminals are for the ignition switch and ground connections. Connecting the wires to the starter solenoid correctly is essential for the proper functioning of the starting system.
Wiring the Arctic Cat Starter Solenoid
The Arctic Cat starter solenoid wiring diagram is relatively simple. The starter solenoid has four terminals, labeled “Battery,” “Starter,” “Ignition,” and “Ground.” Here’s how to wire it:
Battery Terminal
The battery terminal is where the positive cable from the battery connects to the starter solenoid. This terminal is typically the largest of the four, and it is always connected directly to the battery positive terminal. This connection provides the power necessary to activate the starter solenoid and the starter motor.
Starter Terminal
The starter terminal is where the cable that leads to the starter motor connects to the starter solenoid. This terminal is typically located next to the battery terminal, and it is connected to the starter motor through a large cable. When the starter solenoid is activated, it sends electricity to the starter motor, which then turns the engine over and starts the ATV.
Ignition Terminal
The ignition terminal is where the ignition switch connects to the starter solenoid. This terminal is typically smaller than the battery and starter terminals, and it is labeled “S” or “I.” When the ignition switch is turned on, it sends a signal to the starter solenoid, which then activates and sends electricity to the starter motor. Without a properly functioning ignition terminal, your Arctic Cat ATV won’t start.
Ground Terminal
The ground terminal is where the ground wire from the ATV’s battery connects to the starter solenoid. This terminal is typically located on the opposite side of the starter solenoid from the battery and starter terminals, and it is labeled “G” or “Ground.” The ground wire provides a safe, low-resistance path for electricity to flow back to the battery, completing the circuit and allowing the starter motor to turn the engine over.
FAQ
1. How do I know if my Arctic Cat starter solenoid is bad?
If your Arctic Cat ATV won’t start, it may be due to a faulty starter solenoid. You can test the starter solenoid by using a multimeter to measure the continuity between the terminals. If there is no continuity between the battery and starter terminals when the ignition switch is turned on, the starter solenoid is likely bad and needs to be replaced.
2. Can I bypass the starter solenoid on my Arctic Cat ATV?
Bypassing the starter solenoid on an Arctic Cat ATV is not recommended. The starter solenoid is an important safety feature that ensures the engine won’t start unless the ignition switch is turned on. Bypassing the starter solenoid can be dangerous and may cause damage to your ATV’s starting system.
3. How do I replace the starter solenoid on my Arctic Cat ATV?
To replace the starter solenoid on your Arctic Cat ATV, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the negative cable from the battery to prevent electrical shock.
- Locate the starter solenoid and disconnect the wires from the terminals.
- Remove the starter solenoid from the ATV using a wrench or socket set.
- Install the new starter solenoid in place of the old one.
- Reconnect the wires to the appropriate terminals on the new starter solenoid.
- Reconnect the negative cable to the battery.
4. How much does it cost to replace the starter solenoid on my Arctic Cat ATV?
The cost of replacing the starter solenoid on an Arctic Cat ATV depends on the model and year of the ATV, as well as the cost of the solenoid itself. On average, the cost of a starter solenoid ranges from $20 to $50. Labor costs can add an additional $50 to $100, depending on the complexity of the replacement.
Conclusion
The Arctic Cat starter solenoid wiring diagram is an important component of the starting system of an Arctic Cat ATV. By understanding how to wire the starter solenoid correctly, you can ensure that your ATV starts reliably every time you turn the key. If you have any further questions about the starter solenoid or the starting system of your Arctic Cat ATV, consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic.