Help for idiot

1100011CS

Well-Known Member
Oct 5, 2007
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Marshalltown
I recently acquired a 4-wheeler. Last weekend, after riding it a little, I put it back on a trickle charger like its always on since it doesn't get used much. But, I left the switch and key on. Now it does nothing when I turn the key. Sometimes the speedo will come on but doesn't turn over or even click. Volt meter says battery has 7 volts. What else could it be?
 

BCClone

Well Seen Member.
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Sep 4, 2011
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Not exactly sure.
Put a 6V charger on it and have it load tested. That will tell you how it will perform. I may have the same pulse and heart rate as I did 25 years ago, but make me go run a mile and the performance would be way off comparatively. You may have aged your battery by letting it run down so much
 

NWICY

Well-Known Member
Sep 2, 2012
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If your cheap you might be able to recharge it if you shut everything off and leave it on for a day or 2. If it doesn't work after that you just need a new battery.

If you've got a regular battery charger you can try quick charging/ jumping with that. Might be a little rough on the battery though (not sure I'm not a EE) or even a good mechanic;).
 

RRRunotEntertained

Active Member
Mar 7, 2019
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I’m done this numerous times and unfyhad to buy a new battery each time. Needless to say I am now diligent about pulling the key out of the ignition.

I’ve also started using the pull start in the winter when it starts hard so I don’t drain the battery.
 

JaCyn

Well-Known Member
Mar 18, 2017
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I recently acquired a 4-wheeler. Last weekend, after riding it a little, I put it back on a trickle charger like its always on since it doesn't get used much. But, I left the switch and key on. Now it does nothing when I turn the key. Sometimes the speedo will come on but doesn't turn over or even click. Volt meter says battery has 7 volts. What else could it be?
Is it a 6 volt system or 12 volt?