ATV Jumpstart: A Must-Know Skill for Every ATV Rider

ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes use a self-recharging system to recharge their battery while the engine is running. So, ATVs are required to run the engine to recharge the battery. If you are not operating your ATV continuously, your ATV battery will discharge over time. Even if you let the key on and lights on all night, it will surely drain your battery. In the morning, the battery will be almost dead. No power on the dashboard, no headlights, and no cranking when pressing the starter switch will be the symptoms of a dead battery.

So, How do you start an ATV with a dead battery? There are a few options. The easiest is to jumpstart your ATV with an external power pack or use a battery charger. Jumpstarting is easy, and It’s like your regular car or truck jumpstarting process. I will explain how to jumpstart your ATV in this article. Keep reading manual riders!

How do you jumpstart ATV to another ATV or UTV?

Jumpstart means it gives power to the dead batter for a few minutes until the engine starts. It would be best if you had Donor ATV, ATV battery, or UTV for this. Jumper cables require for the job. We are now going to connect two 12v batteries in a parallel configuration. Battery terminals have plus and minus marks. The commonly positive side is red, and the opposing side is black. It would be best if you parked both ATVs closer to connecting them with the jumper cables.

1. Remove the seat, and if your ATV has a battery cover, remove it to access the battery terminals on both ATVs.
2. Make sure the cables end not touch each other and put them in separate places.
3. First, go to the good or donor ATV.
4. Connect the black (Negative) cable to the donor battery’s negative terminal.
5. Connect the Red (Positive) cable to the donor battery’s Positive terminal.
6. Come to the dead ATV. 
7. Connect the black (Negative) cable to the frame of the ATV. Make sure it’s grounded. It will prevent damage from wire shorts if it happens.
8. Connect the red wire (positive) to the dead battery’s positive terminal.
9. Turn on the donor ATV and keep it idle for 5 minutes at least.
10. With cables connect, Start the dead battery ATV.

In most cases, this will start the dead ATV. After the start, 

1. Disconnect the red (Positive) wire first from Dead ATV
2. Disconnect the black (Negative) wire from the dead battery ATV
3. Disconnect the red (Positive) wire first from the donor ATV
4. Disconnect the black (Negative) wire from the donor ATV
5. Fix the battery cover and seat, and Keep the engine running for 30 minutes at least to charge the dead battery.

If it does not start, connect the battery terminal correctly again. As I mentioned, check the jumper cables are not damaged or loose. Try the step again, and it will indeed power up the engine.

Can jumpstart four-wheelers with a car or truck?

Using your Car, Truck, jeep, or SUV for Jumpstart is possible, but there are better options than this. Jumpstarting with a car or truck needs more attention and must be done carefully. Keep your car or truck always off while the jumpstarting process. Car alternators produce 13v to 15v for charging. So it is not designed for that load, and ATV works for 12v only.

If you start your car, it will overload your ATV battery and cause extreme damage. As I mentioned above, you will need jumper cables for this too. Park both vehicles close, making it easier to reach them.

1. Turn off the car or your vehicle ignition.
2. First, go to the car battery.
3. Connect the black (Negative) wire to the Car battery’s negative terminal.
4. Connect the Red (Positive) wire to the Car battery’s Positive terminal.
5. Come to the dead ATV.
6. Connect the black (Negative) wire to the frame of the ATV.
7. Connect the red (positive) wire to the dead battery’s positive terminal.
8. Wait for 5 minutes. NEVER TURN ON the CAR Ignition!
9. Start the dead battery ATV engine.

Your ATV will start after these steps and follow the above paragraph steps to remove the jumper cables from vehicles.

Can Jumpstart ATV with a battery pack?

You can jumpstart your ATV with a battery pack quickly. So you will need a battery pack that is capable and suitable for this process. It’s like the power bank we use on our mobile devices. This power pack can perform 15-20 jumpstarts in a single full charge. This power pack will have extra features with a flashlight and USB ports for charging mobile devices.

It will help while camping. It’s an excellent investment for your ATV and your traveling life. It’s easy to use. Connect the wire to the dead battery, and the battery pack lasts. If your battery pack have special instruction, please read the instruction before use. Mainly, after connecting wires, you can start the ATV in seconds.

When the engine starts, Disconnect the battery pack and wait minutes to charge the battery. The disadvantage of this battery pack is that you need to carry extra weight. Other than this is the best option and an easy way to kick off the dead battery issue.

How many volts need to start ATV?

Every ATV comes with a 12V battery, like a motorcycle. It powers the electronics and starter motor to start the ATV engine. When your ATV engine is off, a fully charged ATV battery should be 12.6v – 12.8v. Standard ATVs are Required above 11.5v to start the engine. If the battery voltage goes down to 11.5v, it will not crank the engine.

How can an ATV battery lose power?

In everyday cases, ATV Battery will drain power due to putting the key ON position and keeping the ATV lights on after you park it. Also, if you use additional electronic equipment, they can drain the power if you turn them off correctly. Over time, your battery will lose how much it can hold power.

As long your battery keeps without charging, like 3 or 4 months, it will start to die. Keeping connected to the “Smart battery charger” is the best option. It will recharge the battery over time when it’s needed automatically.

Common mistakes for ATVs not start

• Ensure the ATV key is in the correct position as on first. 
• Check the engine kill switch. 
• Some ATVs require neutral gear to start the engine.

Suppose you hear the engine crank slowly and not start up. In that case, the battery does not have the power to give to the startup process. Also, if you hear the clicking sound on the starter motor, it can be a reason for a dead battery. Get a few seconds to tighten the connection between the battery and the starter motor; if there is any lost connection, it will fix the issue. I wrote an advanced troubleshooting guide article about ATVs won’t start. You can read it from here and troubleshoot your ATV issue quickly. So, When you figure out that your battery is dead, you can go for the Jumpstart of the ATV.

Is your ATV battery reach its lifespan?

Your ATV battery has a lifespan. You should know if your battery drains its charge or is reaching its end. Because if your battery can’t hold power anymore, it can’t use for a jumpstart. Make sure your battery can have the ability and has yet to reach its end of life. If your ATV sits for a few months without starting, you can do a jump start and bring it back to life.

You can do a battery test from an authorized dealer and get a report about your battery. The information will say your battery details and how many times it can be functional. In some scenarios, your ATV alternator can malfunction and not work correctly. Suppose the regulator will not give power to the battery for the recharging process.

In that case, it can be a reason for the dead battery. I recommend doing a battery test before buying a new replacement battery. If your battery is good, you can tell it’s the regulator’s fault. So don’t waste money on new batteries. You need to repair your regulator or replace it. 

How does Compression Start (bump start) your manual gear ATV?

Remember that “compression start” can be used only for manual-gear ATVs. If your ATV is automatic, it will not have a clutch. So if you try compression start on an automatic gear ATV, it can be the reason for damage to the transmission gears. In this option, you need to push the ATV and get speed to turn over the engine.

Your ATV needs to move at least ten mph to compression start. Most ATVs are not heavy, and you can quickly push them on the ground. If you the downhill, the push is effortless. Because it will help to gain some speed; also, it will be best to have more grip surfaces to avoid tire skids. Tire skidding is the most common problem you can face. You can go on 2 or 3 gears to avoid it instead of going for Frist gear.

1. First, enter the key and put it in first gear. Choose gear according to your place. If you can’t push your ATV in the first gear or your tires skid, put it into the second or 3rd gear.
2. After it, use the clutch and push the ATV to get a ten mph speed.
3. When ATV reaches speed, let go of the clutch and give some gas from the accelerator.
4. After the engine starts, you should pull the clutch and use breaks to manage the speed and avoid an accident.
5. After you start the engine, leave it on idle for 10 minutes to recharge the battery again by the engine.

If you do it correctly, the engine will start up. If you fail on the first try, don’t worry. Try again.

The bottom line

in the end, I’m recommending doing a battery test first place. It will give you some ideas about your ATV battery condition. If your battery works fine, there is another issue with the ATV charging system. In some cases, it can be on the regulator. If you need more clarification, I recommend getting expert advice for problem-solving. While riding long trips, I always bring jumper cables and a battery pack with my ATV. It will cover up these situations. I hope you get a complete guide about how to jumpstart your ATV. I explained a few ways to start up your ATV in easy steps. Keeping your ATV and its battery healthy saves money. Happy riding, manual riders.