How to Start ATV Without Key? – Let’s Start ATV Without The Key!

how to start atv without key

Losing or forgetting your keys is a significant disaster we all face regarding vehicles. It is the same with an ATV as well. But you no longer have to worry about it. We are here to support you with a few tips on how to start ATV without a key. We hope to show you a few methods to start your ATV without a key. You can follow these methods with a few essential tools in your home garage.

To explain the mechanism more simply: the ignition switch is a break in the circuit that lets the circuit box know when to start the vehicle. If there is no key in the ignition, there won’t be a powerful method to get this sorted. 

How to bypass the ignition switch on ATV? – How to start ATV without a key?

One of the most basic methods is the ignition switch bypass method. Most ignition switches will have only two wires connected to them. One wire supplies the power, and the other carries the power supply to the electrical box. But for this, the key should be inserted.

You can remove the ignition switch from the equation, disassemble it, or just cut the two wires attached. Ensure you have sufficient slack in the wire if you want to replace the ignition switch later. If you connect the cables now, the ATV should start like before. But you must remember that the wires need to be connected on the side of the engine, not on the side leading to the ignition.

When you are done riding, you need to disconnect the two wires. If not, it drains the battery drastically. You can even put a small switch in the place of the ignition to turn it on and off; that works perfectly.  Some of the newest versions of the ATVs have more than two wires coming out of the ignition switch. Don’t worry! Pick the black wires. You can cut these two wires and tape them together. But you must be careful to take together the ends of the wires leading to the engine and not the ignition. You should also see a black with white and green stripe wire shorted together when the key is in the off position.

It would help if you opened that short by cutting them back and white stripe wire and tape off the ends. Now you should have power in your vehicle as if the key is turned on. You can follow your average electric start as usual. 

How to start a Honda foreman without a key?

There are many ways you can try when it comes to starting a Honda foreman without a key. The round-shaped solenoid has around four wires. Two wires are thinner, and two are somewhat significant. The solenoid controls the low ampere and high ampere loads. Some ATVs have a solenoid that has only three wires.

The solenoid sometimes comes in a rubber and plastic cover, but mainly in Honda ATVs, it’s placed on the outside. You must leave the smaller and two big wires from the solenoid. Cut these wires open and then use a wrench to jump among these wires. Use black tape for taping at the winding spots mainly. Keep the yank connected, and then the ATV will start. It is sufficient for you to ride to your home or the garage for better ignition switch repair.

Remove the Ignition for manual starting 

It is done by removing the ignition switch. So, after you apply this method, you can replace the old ignition or would need a new ignition switch needs to be installed in the Honda ATV.

use the wrench to bypass the relay starter

Use the wrench to bypass the relay starter or solenoid

In this method, you must first find the solenoid near the engine and the starter relay. You must especially check the battery portion near the wire connections where you will find the solenoid. The solenoids typically have various shapes and sizes, but most Honda ATVs have a specific circular shape. The process involved passing the ignition switch and following the sparking up to get the Honda Forman started as a key does. 

  • Check the ignition and finder-like ignition that can be divided into two pieces.
  • Remove the lower part of the cylinder, which you find to remain connected to the cable stretching to the engine of your Honda Forman.
  • Remove the metal connectors attached to the cylinder.
  • Study the metal connector pieces just removed to get a clear idea about the connections between the metal connectors. 
  • The screwdriver hacks. 

It is suitable for an emergency. This tool helps you to get the Honda. But This technique is only recommended if you cannot use any other trick or if it has failed to work out. Or else this trick is the last option because it has a higher chance of damaging the ignition switch. If you do not own a screwdriver in the vicinity, remove all the objects from the ignition switch surface if you have already put them, then put the screwdriver in the exact position of the ignition switch opening with great force.

Yamaha key replacements

The best way to solve a problem like this is to meet the dealer. They usually have the best solution in terms of replacing the keys. When you inform them of the critical code numbers or the complete details, they can give you a replacement in no time. But you can try a few other methods as well.

Jump-starting or kick-starting your Yamaha Atv is one of the most common methods. The Yamaha four-wheelers do not come with a push start button. You can move it downhill instead get it kick-started. After it touches the end or reaches the maximum length and swings the screwdriver in the same direction, you need to rotate the key.

Your honda ATV should start after this. If you use long scissors, instead do the same process with just one hand of the scissor. When using scissors, be extra careful and don’t get yourself cut.

How to bypass the ignition switch on Kawasaki

How to bypass the ignition switch on Kawasaki?

Here are a few steps you can easily follow to avoid the ignition switch on Kawasaki.

  • Initially, you need to take off the battery from the 4-wheeler. 
  • Then unplug, and you should unplug your starter relay and kill switch connectors. The vehicle will not move now. If it does not work, ensure all connector ends are fully pulled out of their housings. 
  • Find the ignition switch resistor, which is usually located on the backside of the engine behind the cylinder head.
  • Remove both connections of this part by heating each or using a disordering braid.
  • You can completely cut off the ignition switch resistor by disconnecting its two wires. Throw the resistor far away since it is likely deficient beyond repair anyway.
  • When you connect a new wire to each of the open ends of the wires going out to your kill switch, you can start the relay.
  • Note that the wire from the starter relay should have a female connector that needs plugging into its male part on the wiring harness.
  • You can tie the new wires down so they don’t get tangled in anything on their way home.

It is the easiest method to bypass the ignition switch on Kawasaki. 

Breaking ignition lock with a screwdriver

But in an emergency or due to unavoidable reasons, breaking the ignition lock with a screwdriver becomes the only solution. You can follow the steps below if this is your last resort. 

  • The first thing you need to do is to find a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the plastic trim in place. It is in the steering column of the vehicle. 
  • Then you need to remove the plastic trim to access the ignition switch. You need to remove belts as well. If you have successfully removed the screws, you can now remove the pieces of plastic trim by just lifting them. Then the ignition switch becomes visible. 
  • You can remove the electrical and mechanical part of the ignition switch by taking off the screws that hold it and then inserting the screwdriver in the keyhole. You can now turn on the car as you turn it on with a key. 

How to hotwire ATV? – How to start ATV without a key?

All this time, we discussed starting the ATV without the key. But you must mention a few points you should remember when you follow the process. It is a very sicky process for personal safety and the condition of the vehicle; there is a higher chance for an electrical shock if you do not take the proper precautions. Also, you must be careful about the wiring and always ensure it is not damaged.

This guy is showing a great video on how to hotwire ATV. I found it on youtube. check it out.

The Bottom Line

We hope that this information about how to start ATV without a key is helpful for you to get an idea of how to deal with starting the ATV without a key. But before you start working on the matter, you should know the process well. Follow all the safety precautions as much as possible. If you are unsure about the issue, you should always contact a professional to ensure your and the vehicle’s safety. 

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