Starter Motor Parts
About Starter Motor Parts
A starter motor can fail in pieces, and several of those pieces can be replaced without buying a new motor. This category lists the parts that wear most often: starter solenoids and relays, starter drives and brush plate repair kits, with examples for Polaris, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki and KTM machines.
The symptom points to the part. A single click and no cranking often means a weak battery, a poor connection or a bad solenoid. A starter that spins but does not turn the engine suggests a worn starter drive, the gear that engages the engine. A slow or intermittent starter on a healthy battery can mean worn brushes, which a brush plate repair kit addresses. On many machines the solenoid is a relay mounted away from the starter, and on others it sits on the motor, so check how yours is built. Test the battery and cable connections first, since they cause many no-crank complaints.
Brands here include Parts Unlimited, RM Stator, Moose Offroad and Rick's Motorsport Electric. If the motor itself is worn out, see Starter Motors. Related pages are Batteries, Relays and Wiring Harnesses, Cables & Connectors, all in Electrical & Ignition Components.
FAQs on starter solenoids, drives and repair kits
Why does my ATV click but not crank?
A single click usually means the starter circuit is getting power but not turning the motor. Common causes are a weak battery, loose or corroded cables, a worn solenoid or relay, or a failed starter. Test the battery and connections first, since they are the simplest to check.
What does a starter solenoid do?
A starter solenoid is an electric switch that sends heavy battery current to the starter motor when you press the start button. A worn one can click without cranking or work only some of the time.
What is a starter drive and how can I tell it is worn?
The starter drive is the gear and clutch that connects the starter motor to the engine and releases it once the engine fires. If the starter spins freely but the engine does not turn, or you hear grinding, the drive may be worn or damaged.
Can I repair a starter with a brush plate kit instead of replacing it?
If worn brushes are the only problem, a brush plate repair kit can restore a starter that is slow or intermittent. If the windings or the commutator are damaged, the whole starter motor needs replacing. Inspect the motor when it is apart.
