YAMAHA 225DX NO START

A DIRT WHEELS FAN WRITES: “I was recently gifted my Grandfather’s Yamaha 225DX 3-wheeler. It needed tires, a seat and a front fender. As a bonus, it came with vintage aftermarket foot, hand, and headlight guards. The problem I am having with it is starting, specifically the starter motor will not engage when I press the starter button. I have replaced the battery but all I get is nothing when I press the starter button. The starter motor turns over if jumped directly from the battery. I have been told my problem is the starter solenoid by my riding buddies. What do you think is my problem?” – Quentin Casteel, Ten Sleep, WY

OUR PRO ANSWER: Riding buddies recommendations can be a lot like “they said”! All they can offer is their own spotty experiences. Now, if your starter solenoid actually clicked, the problem would be either a weak battery or the contacts inside the solenoid are faulty. But, since you are getting no click at all when the starter button is pressed then, I lean towards the starter button being faulty. There are two wires going to the starter button that are connected together when the button is pushed. There is a Brown and a Black w/White stripe wire. If you can connect or short these two wires together, the starter solenoid magnet should be energized causing the battery to be connected to the starter motor. If this works, your starter system is OK and the switch needs either repair or replacement from a salvage unit because new OEM parts are not available. If you can get inside the control and clean and polish the contacts, you may be able to restore function. A fine fiber nail file works wonders to clean corroded contacts.

GOT A PROBLEM WITH YOUR ATV OR UTV?
E-mail us at [email protected], and include your name, city and state for us to give you our professional advice.

ATV & UTV ANSWERED QUESTIONS FROM READERS