Are you in a situation where you need to start your ATV or UTV without the key? Perhaps you’ve misplaced the key or it’s broken, and you’re eager to get your vehicle up and running again, but are wondering how to start your vehicle without the key. Don’t worry, because this article has got you covered.
Here is the short answer: To hotwire your ATV or UTV, you’ll need to locate the ignition wires. These wires are usually found near the ignition switch or in the wiring harness. Identify the positive and negative wires, which are typically colored red and black, respectively.
Use a wire stripper to remove a small section of insulation from each wire. Once exposed, you can connect the positive and negative wires using a jumper wire or a similar conductor. When the circuit is complete, the ATV or UTV’s ignition system will be bypassed, and the engine can be started.
In the following sections, we will provide you with details and other ways how to hotwire your ATV or UTV without a key. We’ll explain the process clearly and concisely, ensuring that you have the necessary information to start your vehicle safely and effectively. Read on to learn more!
How To Start An ATV Or UTV Without The Key
Don’t let losing or forgetting your ATV key stop you from enjoying your quad. There are a few ways to start your ATV or UTV without the key. You can do any of these methods with basic hand tools found in most garages.
Your ignition switch is simply a break in a circuit telling your electrical box when it’s ok to start or not. When there’s no key in the ignition, no power can be sent to the rest of the needed components to start the engine.
Among the several methods, the easiest way is if your machine has a pull start or kick start on it. A lot of the newer quads being made don’t have this functionality anymore, unfortunately. If you do have this option, simply unhook the ignition switch from the Cdi or electrical box. That way the engine will start without needing a key inserted, then start the engine.
This method may work without a pull start or kick start if you can push your machine to a good pace and pop it into gear. Your other options are:
- Bypass The Ignition
- Jump The Solenoid
- Use A Screwdriver
- Replace Ignition Switch
Bypass The Ignition
This is my preferred method of starting an ATV without the key. Most ignition switches will only have two wires going into them. On wire sends power in, and the other wire sends power to the electrical box if the key is inserted. Telling the machine that it’s ok to start.
Simply remove the ignition switch from the equation. You can disassemble the switch or just cut the two wires leading to it. Be sure to leave enough slack in the wire just in case you want to replace the ignition switch later on.
Now connect the two wires and your electric start should work like always. Remember to connect the wires on the side leading to the engine, not the side leading to the ignition.
You have to remember to disconnect the two wires when you’re done riding or you’ll drain the battery dead. I would recommend you put a simple switch here in place of the ignition, a simple on/off switch will work perfectly.
Some of the newer quads have more than two wires coming out of the ignition switch, not to worry. A lot of times there will also be a ground wire or something like that. The two wires you should focus on are red and black. Cut those two wires and tape them together. Make sure you tape together the ends of the wire leading to the engine not to the ignition.
You may also see a black with white stripe and green wire. These two wires are shorted together when the key is in the off position. You will need to open that short by cutting the black with white stripe wire and tapping off the end.
Once the black with white stripe is cut and taped, the red and black wires and spliced together and taped. You should have power to your quad as if the key was turned on. You can use your normal electric start and everything the way it is.
Remember to disconnect the black and red wires when you’re done to avoid killing the battery. You could also tape the black with white stripe wire back together to prevent anyone from easily starting the quad.
Jump The Selonoid
This doesn’t work on all ATVs, only machines with an electric start option. Your solenoid should be near your battery and wiring harness. On some quads, you have to remove a side panel to access it.
Your solenoid will have two main wires coming out of it and possibly some other smaller ones, we only care about the two big wires. You need to lay a wrench or something metal across the two connectors of the main wires. Then, you should be able to start the quad.
I don’t use this method myself because you have to be really careful the wrench or piece of metal is not touching anything else that could short it out. If you accidentally touch the frame or something when doing this, you could cause damage to the electrical parts of the engine.
Use A Screwdriver
Desperate times call for desperate measures, and that’s what this method is. This trick is mostly used by thieves, so if you’re driving around the trails with a screwdriver sticking out of the ignition and getting stopped by trail enforcement, be ready to get asked some questions.
Basically, you just hammer a screwdriver into the ignition and turn it on as if it were the key. The screwdriver will brake the pins in the lock allowing you to turn the ignition on.
I don’t recommend this method because you could damage the ignition and not get the quad to start anyway. And even if you are successful, you’re now riding around with a screwdriver sticking out.
Replace The Ignition Switch
This is the best method on the list. Of course, if you forgot your key and you’re already way out on the trail, then there’s no way you can order a part and do the replacement. This is more for someone who lost their key or broke their ignition trying the screwdriver method.
Here’s a decent Replacement Ignition Switch found on Amazon to help get your search started. If you can find a replacement from the manufacturer for your specific machine, that would be the best route, but probably a lot more expensive.
Tips
One thing I want to mention is that it’s always best practice to tape up any wires you cut and expose. You may have gotten the hotwire job done correctly, but if any of those wires hit the frame and short out you could have bigger problems.
Leave enough slack in the wires to work on them again later on. Try to avoid cutting the wires to the ignition real close to the ignition itself, or somewhere that makes it hard to get to the wires. You may want to work on it later on, like putting in a new ignition switch or on/off switch.
Don’t tell everyone how easy you hot-wired your quad and how you did it. Maybe you’ll be safe to do this, but I lean a little more to the cautious side when it comes to my machines.
Is Hotwiring My ATV or UTV Legal?
Hotwiring your ATV or UTV without proper authorization or in non-emergency situations may be illegal in many jurisdictions. It’s important to check local laws and regulations governing vehicle theft and unauthorized use.
Hotwiring should only be done if you have the legal right to start the vehicle without the key or in emergencies where it’s necessary to protect life or property. Always consult with local authorities or seek professional assistance to ensure you’re acting within the boundaries of the law.
Can Hotwiring My ATV or UTV Cause Any Damage?
Hotwiring, when done correctly, should not cause any damage to your ATV or UTV. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and follow the proper steps to avoid any potential issues. Be careful not to short-circuit the wires or damage the ignition system during the process.
If you’re unsure about hotwiring or uncomfortable performing the procedure yourself, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional mechanic or locksmith. They have the expertise to safely start your ATV or UTV without the key and can ensure that no harm comes to your vehicle in the process.
Conclusion
Starting an ATV or UTV without the key can be done through hotwiring, but it is important to note that hotwiring should only be done in emergencies or with proper authorization. It’s essential to check local laws and regulations regarding vehicle theft and unauthorized use. If you decide to proceed, follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging your vehicle.
If you’re uncertain or uncomfortable performing the procedure yourself, it’s best to seek assistance from a professional mechanic or locksmith to ensure the safety and integrity of your ATV or UTV. Remember to always have a spare key or contact the manufacturer or authorized dealer for a replacement key whenever possible.
Thanks so much for reading to the end!