Molly Ayala
Testing the electric choke on an Arctic Cat vehicle can be a tricky process. Some users have reported issues with their electric chokes, ranging from a lack of power to malfunctioning parts. It is important to first determine whether the issue lies with the choke itself or another component of the vehicle, such as the battery, regulator, magneto, or wiring. Checking the voltage at the battery and testing the continuity of the choke circuit are possible methods for diagnosing the issue. It is also worth noting that the choke may not function properly if the engine is not running, as the choke requires voltage from the engine to operate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to test | After the engine is running |
| What to test | Magneto, battery, regulator, wiring, choke coil |
| Magneto test | Check battery voltage with the engine off (should be between 12 V and 12.5 V) and then with the engine running (should be 1 to 2 volts higher) |
| Choke coil test | Continuity test |
| Choke operation test | Requires a special power supply or a running engine |
| Choke function | Closes when cold to turn on, opens when the engine is warm |
| Choke type | Electric, gel-filled |
| Choke replacement cost | $109 |
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What You'll Learn
Check the choke's voltage
To check the choke's voltage, you must first understand how the choke works in your Arctic Cat vehicle. It is important to note that the choke is not truly electric, but rather filled with a gel that hardens when cold, thus closing the choke and turning it on. Once the engine warms up, the gel melts and the choke turns off.
To test the choke's voltage, you can try the following methods:
- Check the battery voltage level with the engine off. It should be between 12V and 12.5V. Then, start the engine and re-check the voltage; it should be 1 to 2 volts higher than the previous reading. If the voltage remains the same, the regulator, magneto, or wiring is faulty.
- Check the voltage at the stator terminal of the alternator. This connection usually provides around 7 volts, but if you have an aftermarket choke, it will need a full 12 volts.
- Disconnect the choke heater element from the coil. Check the voltage at the coil; it should be 12 volts.
- Check the voltage with the key off. It should read zero.
It is important to note that the choke wires do not have power until after you start the machine. Turning the key will not provide any voltage to the choke.
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Test the magneto
To test the magneto of your Arctic Cat electric choke, you will need to test the voltage at the battery.
First, check the battery voltage level with the engine turned off. The voltage level should be between 12V and 12.5V. Make a note of this value. Then, start the engine and check the voltage again. With the engine running, the voltage should be 1 to 2 volts higher than when the engine was off. If the voltage remains the same, the magneto, regulator, or wiring may be faulty.
The magneto puts out a pulsed voltage similar to AC. This voltage is dependent on the engine RPM and can range from 50 to 400 volts. The choke coil is rated at the highest voltage the magneto can output at max RPM. However, the choke will open at idle RPM voltage, which is typically around 50 volts.
It is important to note that the voltage that operates the choke coil is generated before it goes through the regulator, so it is not rectified to 12 volts. Therefore, it is likely an alternating voltage. As a result, it may not be safe to test the choke operation unless you have a special power supply or can use a running engine and the power from the magneto.
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Check the choke's functionality
To check the chokes functionality, you will need to perform a few tests. Firstly, check if the choke is getting enough power by measuring the voltage. The choke should be receiving voltage once the engine is running, not just when the key is turned to the "on" position. If there is no voltage when the engine is running, the issue may lie with the magneto, regulator, or wiring.
If the choke is receiving voltage but is still not functioning properly, there may be another issue. One possible problem is that the choke is not pulling enough ohms, which could indicate a faulty heating element. Another potential issue is a blockage or mechanical failure; one user reported that their choke was stuck wide open, causing the engine to flood.
It is also worth noting that some chokes are filled with gel, which expands or contracts based on temperature to open or close the choke. If this gel leaks or hardens, it could affect the choke's functionality.
Finally, it is recommended to check if the choke assembly is properly connected and seated. A loose or disconnected choke connector can cause the engine to run poorly.
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Inspect the choke for damage
To inspect the choke for damage, begin by locating the choke itself. The choke will be on the driver's side, between the seat and the back of the motor. Trace the wires from the choke down to the connection. Once you have located the choke, you can inspect it for any signs of damage.
One common issue with Arctic Cat electric chokes is that the brass nipple at the end of the choke can become stuck in the carb. This can cause the choke to malfunction. Check to see if the nipple is stuck and, if so, try to gently dislodge it. If the nipple is stuck, it may also indicate that the "ears" that hold the nipple in place are broken. These "ears" are the small plastic nubs that hold the choke in place. If they are broken, you may need to replace them or the entire choke assembly.
Another issue to look out for is a missing or damaged plunger with a pin attached. This plunger is part of the choke assembly and is necessary for proper functioning. If the plunger is missing or damaged, it may need to be replaced.
Additionally, check for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks, breaks, or corrosion on the choke or its components. If any damage is observed, it may be necessary to replace the affected parts or the entire choke assembly.
Finally, it is worth noting that some users have reported issues with the gel inside the choke. The gel is supposed to harden when cold, closing the choke, and then melt when the engine warms up, opening the choke. If the gel is not functioning properly, it can cause the choke to malfunction. Unfortunately, it is unclear how one would inspect the gel for damage without disassembling the choke, which may not be advisable for everyone. If you suspect an issue with the gel, it may be best to consult a professional or refer to a more detailed disassembly guide.
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Replace the choke if necessary
If your Arctic Cat electric choke is not working, you may need to replace it. Before replacing the choke, it is important to conduct a thorough diagnosis to identify the root cause of the problem. This can involve checking the voltage at the battery, inspecting the choke for any physical damage or debris, and verifying that all connections are secure.
To replace the choke, you will need to purchase a new choke assembly that is compatible with your specific Arctic Cat model. The part number for the choke assembly may vary depending on the year and model of your Arctic Cat. It is recommended to refer to your owner's manual or consult with an authorized dealer to ensure you obtain the correct part.
Once you have acquired the necessary replacement part, follow these steps to install the new choke:
- Refer to your Arctic Cat service manual or seek guidance from a qualified technician to properly remove the old choke assembly. This process may involve disconnecting electrical connectors, removing mounting hardware, and carefully detaching any associated components.
- Clean the area around the choke assembly and inspect for any signs of damage or corrosion. Address any issues before installing the new choke.
- Install the new choke assembly by following the reverse order of the removal process. Ensure that all connections are securely fastened and that the choke is properly seated and aligned.
- Reattach any components that were previously removed and ensure they are securely mounted and functioning correctly.
- After installing the new choke, it is important to perform a test to ensure it is functioning properly. Start by checking the voltage at the battery again to ensure it is within the specified range. Then, attempt to start the engine and observe whether the choke is engaging and disengaging as expected.
By following these steps and conducting thorough testing before and after the replacement, you can help ensure that your new electric choke is functioning correctly and that your Arctic Cat vehicle is operating optimally.
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Frequently asked questions
If your electric choke is faulty, it may not be pulling enough ohms. You can check this by taking the choke off the motor and measuring the distance from the ceramic to the end of the needle. Then, run two wires straight from your battery and connect them to the plug on the choke. After a minute or two, the choke will expand if it is working.
To test the voltage, check your battery voltage level with the engine off. It should be between 12V and 12.5V. Then, start the engine and check the voltage again. If it is working properly, it should be 1 to 2 volts higher with the engine running.
The electric choke wires do not have any power until you start the machine. Just turning the key will not work. Therefore, you must check with the machine running.
There are a few potential causes for an electric choke malfunction. Firstly, check that all connections are secure, especially the electric choke connector. Then, check that the choke assembly is seated properly and that all parts are accounted for. Finally, the choke may be faulty due to a mechanical failure, such as a broken brass nipple or air needle.
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