I GOT NO POWER!
Welcome to this week’s tech talk at Venom Motorsports!
I have been developing a new series for my blog called the “Check List” series I am going to provide you with a list of things to check on your bike to help you solve various problems.
Today we are going to spend some time on the mysterious “No Power” situation for your Pocket bike, dirt bike, atv, motorcycle, and super pocket bike.
To set the stage for this technical issue, imagine that you are getting ready to go for a ride. You insert your key and nothing happens.
The check list below provides you with a step by step approach to resolving this problem.
Please watch the “I got no power” video on youtube. The video will be following up with our discussions here and show you how to use a mutlimeter, this is a great trouble shooting tool.
No Power check list: Where do I begin Tim?
Firstly... located the battery and check that the battery terminal connectors are tight.
Secondly...locate and check the fuse. When you look at the battery you will see two red wires coming off of the positive terminal.
The thick red wire supplies electrical energy to your starter. The thinner red wire is your main electrical power supply to the bike. If you follow the thin wire towards the bike engine you will find a cartridge fuse in the power line. The cartridge fuse is typically a glass cylinder design with a fusible link inside it.
If the fusible link is burnt looking or broken in any way the cartridge fuse must be replace. It is very important to ensure that the replacement fuse is the exact same length as the original fuse. The cartridge fuse is normally rated at 250 V and 15 amps. You can also check the fuse for “continuity” which is a fancy term for “will it conduct” electricity using your ohm meter. Check out the youtube video “I got no power” to see how to use a multimeter and check for continuity.
Should you have any doubts about the fuse, simply replace it. You can pick these up at any hardware store for $2.00.
Thirdly...Once we know that the fuse and terminals are in good order, check that your battery has a full charge. You can do this with any 12 volt battery charger, or take it into your local Autoparts store. Usually they can check both the health of the battery and its charge level. Most Autoparts stores charge nothing for this service and do it right at the counter while you wait.
New batteries do fail, so it you think your battery might have burnt a cell take it in to your local Autoparts store and have it checked.
Now that you know your battery is in good condition, has a full charge, tight battery terminals and a good fuse, it is time to start your bike.
When you insert the key into the ignition, try the horn and lights to ensure that power is running through the bike. This will prove that both your fuse and ignition switch are working.
Then try the bike starter, see if the bike turns over.
Ensure that you are using the choke properly “only choke a cold engine” and the bike should start right up.
I hope this check list was of assistance to you.
Please head out today and purchase a multimeter. A multimeter is the most useful tool in your toolbox. There are many youtube videos on how to use one.
With a bit of effort on your part....you will soon be able to easily solve all of your electrical problems.
In my experience, almost 70% of all bike problems are electrical related. So some electrical knowledge is golden!
If you have any tech questions about our bikes, please feel free to email them to...
To watch this weeks Vlog on "No power" click here
Have a great day!
Tim
Technical Support Specialist
Venom Motorsports Canada
