2000 Prairie Problem

[Nalayah]

My little brother has a Prairie 300. Recently when using the electric starter, the only result would be a loud buzzing noise coming from one of the fuses near the battery. The battery is new, and the fluid level seems ok. The pullstarter works just fine.

Any ideas on what to do?

[RCW]

Near the battery are two solenoids, one for the actual starter itself and the other is the one that senses the neutral switch and allows the starter switch to activate when it is in neutral.

The starter solenoid is the guy with the fuses clipped to the top of it, and has two large bolt on type terminals. The starter circuit actuation solenoid is the round guy on the other side of the battery holder that has a plug connector.

If it is the starter solenoid that is buzzing 9 times out of ten it will be a loose or corroded ground connector for the battery. The other time it is either the starter or the solenoid.

To check the starter solenoid you can jump the two connectors on the top of the solenoid and if the starter engages and runs, it is the solenoid. If the starter grunts or groans, then it is likely the starter brushes and the starter will need to be removed and reconditioned.

The starter circuit or safety solenoid can be checked with a multimeter. They seldom fail, but it is possible. Usually if they start acting up it is the neutral switch or one of the connectors between the solenoid and the neutral switch, or the neutral switch, or a connection between the solenoid and the starter button or the starter button. Either way it is a pretty easy process of elimination by checking continuity and voltage.