UXV 450i Won't Start

[pa-outdoorsman]

OK guys, here's the deal. I used my machine on Saturday. Ran fine, as usual. Parked it in the garage Saturday evening and when I went to start it Sunday afternoon, no ignition. It cranks fine. Just no combustion.

I checked the plug. It has good, strong spark.

I've NEVER run ethanol fuel in the machine (it's a 2018, with only 800-some miles). And there is plenty of gas in the tank. I can hear the fuel pump kick on when I turn the machine on.

I'm thinking maybe a sensor of some sort, but the one tied to the brake pedal seems to be working OK. It'll crank in neutral, but if you have it in gear, you must hold the break pedal down or it won't crank.

Is there another kill switch or automatic cutoff on this machine that will prevent the engine from firing in some way? Given the age and mileage of this machine, which is always garage kept, I am very skeptical I have a mechanical issue. I'd say 99.99 percent it's an electrical/electronic issue, but just not sure what.

Appreciate the input. If I can't figure it out without too much hassle, off to the dealer we go. Some of you may recall I received a two-year extended warranty with my purchase as part of a KYMCO promotion. Have never used it, but this might be the time to see how much that warranty is worth...

[airshot]

I think your best bet is to go back to your dealer, reason being is wouldnt want you to do anything that would cancel your warranty!!  Make them tell you the solution then keep it in mind for future reference. Is plug wet after cranking?  If not no fuel getting in, but if wet no spark,   otherwise let the warranty solve your problem. 

[pa-outdoorsman]

Took the machine into the dealer today, and they had the problem resolved in 10 minutes. Turns out it was just a fouled spark plug. Even though I was getting plenty of spark when I checked the plug, I guess it was fouled enough that when installed in the engine it was not generating sufficient spark for ignition. So, a $7 plug and problem solved.

The dealer said starting the engine, driving a short distance and turning the machine off will lead to more fouling than if you warm the engine fully every time you start it. I have also read the same thing on this forum. The truth is, I do this quite a bit while doing yardwork around my property, so I guess it's not surprising.

I would have thought a plug would last more than 800 miles, but you know what? For $5 (the plugs are cheaper if you don't buy them from the dealer), I'll just change the plug every season and carry a spare in my glove box just in case.

So, I think the takeaway here for others is, if your machine won't start, before you monkey around with anything else, just try a new plug even if you feel confident your current plug is fine. It just may be the cheap and easy fix you've been looking for.

[airshot]

Many thanks for the update!!  Glad to hear it was a simple fix. 

[mick1143]

I had the same problem and the cause was I was not running it long enough.  The auto choke will turn off when the engine get hot so the fan will run.  I have had this to happen to other atv's.  I keep a couple of extra plug in the dash in case this happen again.