Kayo, the Chinese off-road bike manufacturer, is popular for its affordable yet reliable ATVs, capable of traversing the most extreme terrains. Kayo designs their quads to last.
However, riders will likely encounter a few problems with continued use. So, what are the common issues with these ATVs? The most common Kayo ATV problems are problematic starts, unexplained power loss, strange odors, random stalling, ignition problems, carburetor issues, trouble climbing hills, and performance issues during cold weather.
Do you own a troublesome Kayo ATV? Or are you planning on purchasing a Kayo? Read on as we detail issues your ATV could encounter and how to fix them.
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The ATV Won’t Start
Kayo is among the few brands that offer ATVs with electric starts. The electric ignition module is super convenient and better than a conventional pull start. However, many Kayo ATV owners have had issues where it won’t start. There are three main reasons for this behavior, namely:
The ATV is in Gear
The ATV won’t start if the ATV is in gear. This safety precaution keeps you from speeding off and crashing into something on ignition. Check whether the ATV is in park before starting it up again.
The Battery Is Dead
A dead battery won’t provide the spark needed to spring your ATV into action. Although rare, you could have a completely discharged battery due to a defective alternator or because you left an electrical component on for too long. Either way, a Kayo ATV with a discharged battery won’t turn on.
Check with a voltmeter to confirm whether your battery still has juice. If not, you can recharge it with a smart battery, specifically for quads to revive the battery. You’ll have no choice but to replace batteries that have exceeded their service life.
The Solenoid Isn’t Getting Power
Solenoid issues are among the most frequent Kayo ATV problems. You should hear a click when you press the “start” button. No clicking sound means that the solenoid isn’t getting power. The solenoid connects the ignition module to the starter motor to turn on your ATV’s engine.
Connect the solenoid (found near the starter) to a voltmeter and check for voltage. No voltage indicates a problem with the wiring that connects the battery to the solenoid. A licensed mechanic will help you fix the wiring and connection issues.
Engine Failure
The engine of your Kayo ATV is likely to fail from time to time. Signs of possible engine failure in your Kayo ATV include:
- Random stalling
- Unexplained power loss
- Strange odors
Engines are intrinsically complex, but you can try a few quick fixes before calling a professional mechanic.
For starters, you can check the air filters for clogs and replace the clogged filters. Also, try changing the oil and check for any changes. If there’s no change, you best leave it to the pros.
Problems With the Ignition
Sometimes the engine might turn over normally, but the ATV just won’t start. This is one of the most common Kayo ATV problems.
It shows an issue with the ignition module, particularly the ignition coil or capacitor discharge ignition. You could also have corroded, or dirty spark plugs with excessive build-up. Lastly, check whether you have pressed the unlock button. A licensed mechanic will promptly replace these defective parts to get the quad up and running again.
Issues With the Carburetor
The carburetor regulates how much fuel mixes with air in the combustion chamber. A defective carburetor precludes proper combustion in the engine and leads to rough idling and hard starts.
Hard starting occurs when the choke fails to close adequately, leading to an air-fuel mixture that’s too rich in fuel. You can fix this by simply adjusting the choke mechanism. Cleaning the choke mechanism also helps.
The best solution to a defective carburetor is replacing it with an upgraded one. You don’t even have to get a stock carburetor from Kayo. Any compatible carburetor will do.
Issues WIth Speeding Up and Climbing Up Steep Hills
Kayo ATVs aren’t the fastest or most powerful in their class, but they should have decent speed and be able to climb hills and traverse rugged terrains. If your quad bike is too slow and has trouble climbing hills, it could have a problem with the throttle limiter.
The throttle limiter limits how fast your quad bike can go. It’s a safety precaution to prevent it from crashing because of excessive speed.
The throttle limiter is the adjustable bullnose crew in most Kayo ATV models. Fixing the speed issue is as easy as adjusting this screw. Turn the screw counterclockwise to loosen the throttle limiter. The looser it is, the faster your quad bike will go.
If your quad bike lacks enough power to climb up steep heels, the nut on the crankcase might be the issue. You’ll need to adjust this nut halfway or your quad bike to regain power. First, remove the crankcase, then tighten or loosen the nut accordingly. Fire it up and check for any changes.
Cold Weather Start-up Issues
Snowy weather presents the perfect opportunity to test the limits of your Kayo ATV and shred the snowy landscapes. Unfortunately, the weather could also compromise your quad bike’s functionality. If your ATV fails to start after a night out in the cold, it could have a frozen carburetor, gas tank, or gas lines.
Open the gas bowl and try to drain oil from it. You likely have a frozen gas tank if the oil comes out in trickles. While gas itself doesn’t freeze, the moisture in it does. If you have a frozen gas tank or frozen gas tank lines, try the following fixes.
Top off your gas tank with warmer gas. The colder gas will settle at the bottom, allowing you to start your ATV with the warmer gas. Once you power your ATV, internal components heat up and warm the frozen gas. You can also use a hair dryer to heat up and melt the frozen gas in the tank.
Can You Overlook Kayo ATV Problems?
Kayo ATV issues are standard with most ATV brands. Fortunately, they’re easy to fix and aren’t necessarily dealbreakers. If you experience any issues with your Kayo ATV, try remedying them with the above fixes. Should the problems persist, get help from a licensed ATV mechanic.
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