Ranger TM hot weather electrical question

[Rod in Forfar]

The 2004 TM (730 hours) gets a lot of use in summer around the property. The only annoying trait is that it takes several tries on the ignition key for the starter to engage, after which it starts and runs normally. I have replaced the switch twice and cleaned battery terminals and topped up the water level in the battery. Overnight with a charger helps a great deal in winter, but provides only a marginal benefit in summer.

Has anyone chased down a similar problem on a Ranger?

 

[SpudHauler]

Which switch, the key switch or solenoid switch.

Perhaps it's time to replace the other of these two.

Each make contact to turn over the starter. Key switches are known to go and definitely solenoid switches.

These are the only two contacts when trying to get electricity to the starter. If it's not one it's got to be the other.

Or the starter itself. Although you make it sound like it works every time contact is made.

 

[Xfaxman]

Did you clean both ends of both battery cables?

It should be easy to find the problem with a digital multimeter.

 

[troutsqueezer]

Has anyone chased down a similar problem on a Ranger?

Yes. Similar but not exactly. Wrote about it on one of my web pages.

Polaris Ranger TM

 

[Rod in Forfar]

Did you clean both ends of both battery cables?

It should be easy to find the problem with a digital multimeter.

There's another end to battery cables? I guess I'd better put the TM up on the hoist and go exploring underneath, following Troutsqueezer's directions.

 

[Xfaxman]

There's another end to battery cables? I guess I'd better put the TM up on the hoist and go exploring underneath, following Troutsqueezer's directions.

Yep, the ground cable will be bolted to the engine block and frame, the positive cable will be bolted to the starter solenoid. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to make sure of good contact.