How to Test the Stator in an ATV

by Nathan Fisher

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Installed in smaller motor driven vehicles, such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, jet skis and ATVs, stators produce an electrical charge to power accessories, fire spark plugs and recharge batteries. Functioning similarly to the alternator or generator in an automobile, stators are coils of wrapped wire producing DC voltage when in motion. As with any electrical circuit, the stator in an ATV can be tested for continuity with a standard multimeter.

Step 1

Pull both of the stator’s pin-connector plugs from the wiring harness with your hands; the two plugs each have one male pin and multiple female sockets. On some models of ATVs the flywheel assembly requires disassembly with a wrench and screwdriver.

Step 2

Set a multimeter to the DC “ohm” or “1X” or setting.

Step 3

Test each circuit on each plug separately. Touch either of the meter’s probes to the male pin on the first plug. Insert the meter’s other probe into any one of the female sockets on the same plug. Any reading on the meter indicates that circuit is functioning properly.

Step 4

Move the probe from the first female socket to another female socket on the same plug, while continuing to hold the other probe against the male pin. Check the meter for a reading. Repeat the procedure until you have tested each female socket on the first plug.

Step 5

Repeat the procedure on the second plug, testing each individual socket. Any circuit that does not produce a reading is faulty, indicating the coil connected to that circuit requires rebuilding or replacement.

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