2001 Vmax 700 deluxe _ help - no spark - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

davehalle · 12-27-2012, 04:28 PM

I have a 2001 vmax 700 triple, 2-up seat. I recently purchased this sled knowing that he couldn't get it started. The sled is in mint shape, so I figured there can't be much wrong with it. He put it away in the spring - running, and tried to start it this fall, and couldn't. Here's the problem: when I turn the ignition key and hold it over, the engine turns over fine, but no spark when it is held on. As soon as I release the key, it sparks once as it shuts off. There also seems to be no spark at all when I pull start it. If anyone can point me in the right direction as to what the problem might be, I'd very much appreciate it. Keep in mind, I'm more of a carpenter than a mechanic, so simple is better - lol.

yamadad4 · 12-27-2012, 06:12 PM

it almost sounds like you may have a load control relay issue. easy test, simply unplug it. it should be the one at the far left above the cdi box located behind the tank cowl on the clutch side.

from there, there are several things you can test to rule out but you will need a good digital multimeter to accomplish these tests.

also, if you look down behind the recoil where the stator is located you can shine a light through the hole on the top and check for rust on the flywheel. common problem after storage. stator failure isnt uncommon on those sleds. spendy so rule out all the other possibilities prior.

davehalle · 12-27-2012, 06:19 PM

thanks, I'll start there. Any suggestions as to where on the internet that i can find exploded parts diagrams of the electrical system?

yamadad4 · 12-27-2012, 06:37 PM

not aware of any, but i havent ever googled it. if you did find one it more than likely be more confusing than its worth.

i should be able to pretty much guide you as to the procedures. theres only a few things that can contribute to spark loss. key switch, kill switch, carb switch, throttle switch, stator, and cdi, just to name a few. from there it could be a short in the wiring.

davehalle · 12-28-2012, 04:47 PM

okay, so I unplugged the load control relay and it still does the same thing. I bypassed the kill switch, and the tor system and still the same. I took the pull cord assembly off and looked at the outside of the flywheel. It was a bit rusty, so I cleaned it all up. Before i pull the flywheel to get at the stator, is there anything else I can check. Can you talk me through how to check the cdi box with the multi meter. Im not sure how to check it, or what readings I should be getting. Never used the meter before, but I do have one. what other components should I be checking and how do I check them? All three cyliders show the same problem, no spark when holding the key on, and a spark when key is let go. So I assume that it wouldn't be a coil, because there is 3 of them, or am i mistaken.

**RJ Gleason** · 12-29-2012, 05:17 AM

Hold up there!
Are you saying that when you turn the key to use the e-start, you get no spark, but if you just pull it over, you do?

That points to a bad key switch if it's the case.

davehalle · 12-29-2012, 07:56 AM

No _ as I said earlier in the post, No spark when I pull start it,or when I hold the key on. It sparks once when I let go of the ignition key.

**RJ Gleason** · 12-30-2012, 05:07 AM

Try unplugging the wires from the key switch and see if that makes a difference.

davehalle · 12-30-2012, 11:56 AM

okay, so here i go again. I'll try and explain it better. I DID check the key switch by disconnecting it, I also bypassed the TOR system, and the kill switch. All had the same result. I just want to know what else it could be _ before i pull the stator. How do I check the cdi? I have a multi meter, but dont know how to use it, or what numbers I'm looking for on the meter.

zdw0889 · 12-30-2012, 12:09 PM

Had same problem on 4 wheeler soon as id let got of the start button one shot of spark . Ended up being a shady ground from the coil pack

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luv455 · 12-30-2012, 08:57 PM

On my 2000 MM if i leave my lights on low sometimes it would not start but if i left the lights on brite it will start and run perfect. This problems has been found on several other 700 so expect a bad ground some where but works so i have not chased it down. This is just something to check on yours.

yamadad4 · 01-01-2013, 08:41 AM

test your kill switch. remove the bar pad and unplug the connector. you should have continuity between the black and the black/white wires with the switch in the up(on) position. then test the throttle switch. same plug, black to black/yellow this time. you should have continuity when the throttle lever is pushed.

if you havent checked the main ground wire, be sure its clean and making good contact. consider making a temporary jumper wire from the engine to the frame.

from there, you may have a pinched or broken wire somewhere. needle in a haystack. common spots are under the bar pad around the steering post, on the left side where the harness is banded to the steering hoop near the cdi, and under the engine.

your looking for any signs of rubbing or chaffing, sometimes it isnt all that obvious.