UXV 450 Ignition Issue

[pa-outdoorsman]

OK guys, I may run into my first issue with my machine. A couple nights ago, and again tonight, I just had the machine out in the yard, shooting my bow. Both times, after getting back into the machine to start it, I turned the key to start it and nothing happened. No nothing.

I turned the machine back off, then back on, still nothing. Took the key out, stuck it back in, and it came on and fired up, only it had to crank a bit to start. After that, it seemed fine. I turned the engine on and off about five times just driving around the yard and couldn't get it to do it again.

Even when I had the issue, I noticed that the LED on the rocker panel for my light bar remained illuminated. So, I know the battery wasn't completely dead. And, it also started up.

I keep the battery on a tender when the machine is parked in the garage, so it ought to have a full charge every time I use it. And I've only had the machine for 18 months, so not really thinking the battery is shot.

My suspicion is this issue may actually have something to do with a connection in the ignition switch, or else the sensor that knows when you are pressing on the brake to start, because I "think" one time after I turned the key to on, the dash came on, but when I pressed the brake to start the machine, it went out. But can't remember for sure.

Anyone else ever experience anything like this? And, if so, what was it? The battery? The ignition switch? A sensor?

So far, it hasn't been a big deal, because both times it has happened it has been here at the house. But hunting season is not far off, and if I am a good ways back in the bush and this keeps happening, it could be a BIG problem.

So, my goal is to troubleshoot the issue and hopefully eliminate that beforehand. Thanks in advance for the advice.

[airshot]

I have a 2015 model 450i, and the only start issue has been applying enough pressure on the brake pedal.  Sometimes I have to push really hard to get the starter to engage.  I would check all conections where this safety switch is concerned.  Loose or poor connection could be an issue. Sorry this is only a guess, but I hear this start/no start issue may be an issue on newer machines. Mabey cheaper less quality electrical connectors.

[pa-outdoorsman]

Thanks. I'll take a look at that switch and see if I can find anything.

[randyo]

not on my 450i, but once I got oxidization on the terminals of my starter switch on my V-strom,  the problem was intermittent, till I cleaned the terminals with electrical cleaner,  then I put dielectric grease on em, and never had problem again.  I get my chemicals from https://caig.com/

[pa-outdoorsman]

Thanks. Today, my son and I took the 450 up a mountain several miles from home to explore a new piece of ground where had recently gotten permission to hunt. No issues coming or going, which was good.

Gonna keep my eye on it, of course, and will check these things you guys have suggested.

[airshot]

I would consider Randyo's suggestion of cleaning terminals, have had those issues with boat, car and atv's.  I use a small brass brush to clean all connections then coat with diaelectric grease.
I do this at least once per year as a precaution

[CROSSBOLT]

I vote connectivity issue and dielectric grease after brass or stainless brush. Also mandatory crooked smile while initiating ignition sequence!

[randyo]

if the terminals are easily isolated, I use conductive dielectric grease