Bossdaddy 209 Posted February 26 Hey guys, I've been away for a while but I have a new problem and I knew where to come to get the answers. I've got a new to me 1996 fourtrax 300 and when I go to start it with the starter it will not hit at all until I release the start button and it starts instantly. Why will it not star while I'm pushing the start button? This is very annoying when trying to start it in cold weather and having to use the choke, I don't know when it's ready to start or not so I'm having to try it numerous times to see if it is choked enough and ready to start up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeepwm69 7,674 Posted February 26 IIRC the "spark when you let off of the button" is the sign of a dead/dying CDI AND the 1996 CDI's are the ones that are crappy one year thing. That right @shadetree? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bossdaddy 209 Posted February 26 Thanks Jeep, since '96 was a bad year will any other year CDI work on the '96 ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
toodeep 1,758 Posted February 26 They (Honda) had an update on those CDI back in the day for this reason. Just replace it and you'll be good to go. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bossdaddy 209 Posted February 27 OK guys, I'll save up my money and buy one from Honda. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeepwm69 7,674 Posted February 27 14 hours ago, Bossdaddy said: OK guys, I'll save up my money and buy one from Honda. Thanks Rick's are good as well, and usually cheaper than OEM. Just make sure you buy it from Rick's, as there are lots of fake china crap CDI's out there advertised as Rick's. https://ricksmotorsportelectrics.com/Hot-Shot-Series-Honda-CDI-Box-15_605 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bossdaddy 209 Posted February 27 Thanks, I'll check him out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcz 29 Posted February 27 I have an 88 trx 300 that I'm working on with no spark. If we determine it is the CDI will the one from Ricks work? I have read differing reviews. The 88 model supposedly was a one off year. Anyone with experience with this year? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bossdaddy 209 Posted February 28 I have a 1988 that I bought new. The CDI box went out on it in 1991 and the Honda dealer put a new one on it. I have had no more trouble with a CDI since it was installed in 1991. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeepwm69 7,674 Posted February 28 3 hours ago, jcz said: I have an 88 trx 300 that I'm working on with no spark. If we determine it is the CDI will the one from Ricks work? I have read differing reviews. The 88 model supposedly was a one off year. Anyone with experience with this year? It is my understanding that Rick’s makes a 1st gen CDI that should work 88-92. You should confirm that with Ricks though 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jcz 29 Posted February 28 Ok, I have feeling it is the ignition coil. Everything checks out according to the manual. I'm waiting on a coil and rectifier from PSN. The parts were cheap enough I went on and ordered both along with a master cylinder. Appreciate the feed back. Sorry about the slight thread hijack. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites