A 2004 RTV900 will not start in cold weather unless heated up for about 5 minutes with a propane heater. The starter does not spin. After a little heat it starts fine.
Won't start in cold weather
- Thread starter Kevin Hanley
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85Hokie
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BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
Two things ........... bad connection, once heated it makes contact - or something at the starter is in a bind when cold.
I would pull starter - sand face that meets block and see if that makes a difference and check all the wiring to the starter - check the grounds thoroughly.
Have you checked the status of the battery? If so ..... how you check?
I would pull starter - sand face that meets block and see if that makes a difference and check all the wiring to the starter - check the grounds thoroughly.
Have you checked the status of the battery? If so ..... how you check?
Last edited:
sounds like time to replace 100% of the battery-->starter cabling, at the very least remove, inspect,clean, reattach. 16 years is a long time Could be as simple as the ground bolt being an 1/16h of a turn loose to not let enough electrons flow to the starter.
This is assuming you can here the starter solenoid 'click'. If it doesn't, check the control wiring. Could even be the ground on the solenoid.
Would need to see the wiring diagram but if 'heating it up ' makes it start,sounds like a connection is 'lost' when cold, reconnect when 'hot'.
This is assuming you can here the starter solenoid 'click'. If it doesn't, check the control wiring. Could even be the ground on the solenoid.
Would need to see the wiring diagram but if 'heating it up ' makes it start,sounds like a connection is 'lost' when cold, reconnect when 'hot'.
Sounds like time to do some investigating and troubleshooting before throwing parts at it.
Cleaning and reattaching can be a very good part of that investigating and troubleshooting.
Early 900's (which you have) were known for getting moisture into the bellhousing. Pull the starter off. Is the gear rusty? If so, you'll probably want to replace it, wouldn't be a bad idea to find out where the moisture gets in and seal it up. Put some silicone on the starter mounting face too before installation.
I think Lugbolt has the correct diagnosis.
I have seen several temporary winter starter fixes using Silicone pad heaters.
Amazon.com has one for $24.
4" x 5" and self adhesive.
Clean outside lower surface of starter with brake clean first.
Pad heater
Stick it on, plug it in and the starter is kept at 190F
In reality it will not reach that temp in cold weather with the heat being lost but it will keep any moisture as a liquid and may even dry the starter out.
Dave
I have seen several temporary winter starter fixes using Silicone pad heaters.
Amazon.com has one for $24.
4" x 5" and self adhesive.
Clean outside lower surface of starter with brake clean first.
Pad heater
Stick it on, plug it in and the starter is kept at 190F
In reality it will not reach that temp in cold weather with the heat being lost but it will keep any moisture as a liquid and may even dry the starter out.
Dave