1999-2000 Polaris xplorer 400 starting trouble

[mjf708]

purchaced 99 or 00 polaris xplorer 400 used a couple of years ago. recently, electric start stopped working, but pull start is fine. we all use it for property chores and my son rides a bit for fun. problem is, i can't pull start it. i do have the repair manual, but i thought i'd connect with other riders on this issue too. how do i tell if it's a starter or some other problem.

also, beginning to skip/buck as i accelerate, especially up hill. engine running smoothly, maybe a belt issue? how often does the drive belt need replacing. my son and i did it once a year and a half ago or so. thanks.

[DirtDemon]

You can check the starter by applying voltage directly to the starter. First I would check the solenoid, by testing for power at the input pole when the key is on, then test for voltage at the output pole when you try to start it. I don't know much about the drive system on those machines, but I think the belt is a good place to start checking for problems, the manual should help you figure out what to look for.

[mjf708]

thanks for the input. similar advice as the repair manual, so now i just need to do it! jennie

[DirtDemon]

Good luck, don't hesitate to ask for any more advise, we are glad to help.

[handyhiker]

Once you take the belt cover off, check the clutches for wear. Do a good visual check for worn/broken parts.

[Sc0tt]

On my son's Predator 90 we had to replace a gear that got stripped. It was turned by the starter? Does it make any noise when you try and start it?

[mjf708]

when we try to start it via the starter, as apposed to the pull start, it seems to be making a click/thunk sort of noise coming from around the battery. any ideas on that? and thanks for the advice on the clutch. i'll be sure to check up on that. it was actually less than a year that i replaced the belt, and that seems like a fairly short life span for that belt. thanks. -rick (the son of jennie)

[Ajmboy]

when we try to start it via the starter, as apposed to the pull start, it seems to be making a click/thunk sort of noise coming from around the battery. any ideas on that? and thanks for the advice on the clutch. i'll be sure to check up on that. it was actually less than a year that i replaced the belt, and that seems like a fairly short life span for that belt. thanks. -rick (the son of jennie)

The clicking noise when trying to activate the starter can be a bad battery or even loose conections at the battery or starter. Check your connections from the battery down to the starter and make sure that they are all tight.

[Ajmboy]

mjf708, any update on this? How did you make out?

[mjf708]

hi. it's been a while. ordered a new starter from ebay. when it comes, we'll install it. hopefully that was all it was. thanks for everyones' input. jennie

[boydgr]

Hello

I have a 98 polaris exploer 400 i have a new battery installed bike wont start just clicks at the solenoid

dose that mean the solenoid is bad?