polaris predator 50 and electrical not working

crackjacker · #1 (**permalink**) 01-16-2012, 07:34 PM

Gotta problem, hoping someone can help.

I just got a 2006 Predator 50 for my daughter, and it was used. Needed a little TLC, which was fun. I completely went through, lubed and tuned the whole quad and it starts 1st kick, everytime, even when it's 35 degrees outside. The problem is, I put a new battery in it, and for about a week everything worked perfectly. The night before, I started it up in the garage, messed with the brake adjustements a little bit, and that was it. The next day, it has no power what-so-ever. Battery is measuring 13v, fuse is intact, and it will still start 1st kick, but the tail light, the horn, and the starter all will not function, when they were working fine the night before. It's been about a week now... but I didn't wash it, it didn't get wet, and the garage it's in actually has a heater, so doubting any moisture buildup. The key will still shut the quad off when it's running. Does anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

onequik1 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-16-2012, 08:52 PM

Couple things come to mind from similar instances....new batteries are junk now days, If you put a charger on it and turn on the key is there any difference? Correct me if I am wrong but with the key in the on position you should be able to at least honk the horn, right?

Another good way to test if the battery is ok is to pull the starter relay out (under the seat) and jump the two big red wires together to see if you can engage the starter. If that works chances are its not the battery.

Another thought I have seen some messed up things with the Key and Tumbler mechanism going bad. Have not really run across any good way to test them. When you start it can you shut it off using the key? If not it may be improperly grounded or bad.

The tail light wiring is heavily tied into the starter relay and almost all the other electronic switches. The bulb should have 2 elements, one for running lights and one for brakes, make sure both are good. Also test running lights and apply the brake for brake lights to make sure its not just running light element thats bad.

What still has me is the horn not working. That should be just the ignition switch in the on position and you should have power to it, none of the sensors or run on/off switch should matter for that.

The last guess would be a bad shared ground.