Electrical problems-1998 Kodiak

[throttleman]

Hello

I have a 1998 Kodiak which has given me some electrical troubles.  Last spring, the electric start quit working.  About the same time, the headlights started dimming when the engine was revved up.  The low oil light was also coming on when the engine speed slowed (oil level fine).  I tried charging the battery with no luck.  I brought battery in to shop and they said it was shot.  I bought new one and installed it.  Now, the winch works great, but still no electric start or headlights.  Any ideas?

[264 WIN MAG]

Get a new alternator...sounds like it's loosing it's charge when at low RPM's and high RPM's

[throttleman]

264 win mag,

If I replaced the battery shouldn't the lights and electric start work now?  The winch works very well now, but still no lights, electric start.  

Thanks,

T-man

[264 WIN MAG]

Well, if the alternator is messed up and not charging properly it can cause some funny stuff to happen in the electrical stuff. An atv works a little different with the alternator and stuff than a car. I know my buddies bike had something wrong with the alternater and when he would hit the throttle his lights would get dim. Everything worked it just had a lot of fluctuation in it.

[throttleman]

264 win mag,

I'll look into that.

Thank you,

T-man

[Old Syko]

T-man I held off on replying to this thread until I spoke with a friend of mine with a 2001 Kodiak who had a similar problem.  Caught up with him early this morning.  No crank, no lights, turned out on his to be a faulty ignition switch.  Been over a year ago and I couldn't remember what we did to fix it.  Might be worth checking out.

[throttleman]

Old Syko,

Thanks for the help.  I will also check out this possibility.

T-man