Bad Boy Buggy Hybrid 2014 engine won't crank

erkme73

First post here - please go easy on me.

I purchased a 2014 Ambush IS from a dealer in TN while on vacation in that area (home is near Tampa, FL). While riding on my property in TN, I was having random electrical issues - particularly when the undercarriage got wet.

After getting back home, I took the unit to Love Motorsports in Homosassa, FL - and they struggled with it for SIX MONTHS. They blamed the poor support from BBB. Ultimately, BBB agreed to extend the warranty by 6mo (excluding the batteries).

Anyway, I'm still having issues with the gas powertrain when the underside gets wet (even from condensation on tall grass). Specifically, it's as though the belt slips, and the rear wheels get very little (if any) propulsion from the gas engine.

While in FL, I run around the streets in my neighborhood and in a grassy field (to entertain my 2yo). I do that in electric mode - it's faster, and obviously much quieter. I did run the gas engine periodically to keep the fuel moving. However on my last attempt, the engine would not crank.

The unit is bone dry (no moisture anywhere). When I select 4WD or GAS, and press the start button, I can hear the fuel pump go for about 5 seconds, But there is zero cranking. There is no load on the start battery - as the fuel pump doesn't slow when I toggle the start switch.

I've sent an email back to the dealer (that took 6 months on the previous repair) and the factory. They now claim they'll look at it, but since BBB no longer covers any diagnostic fees, I would be personally responsible for all accrued diagnostic time - even if it results in a warrantied part/labor exchange. What kind of BS is that?

Anyway, sorry to ramble. Does anyone have any schematics or other diagnostic suggestions as to how to troubleshoot a non-cranking starter on one of these hybrids?

Thanks...

BGW

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erkme73

Figured I'd follow up to let others know what the simple fix was: The heavy positive (red) cable from the battery to the solenoid was loose at the solenoid. I didn't realize it initially while banging on it with a hammer. On one of the next attempts to get it to go, I pulled on the cable to move it aside so I could swing my mallet, and realized the nut on the solenoid was moving. Tightened it down, and haven't had the issue since.

BTW, I found so many locking nuts that were never tightened down. The castle nuts with cotter pins on the axles weren't tight creating play in the bearing - noise and slop. After tightening all these things down, it's quiet, smooth, and actually works every time.