Yamaha Big Bear 400 problems are going to affect your riding experience. Hence, you need to know them before you experience them.
From its early days until today, Yamaha Big Bear 400 has been considered the toughest and most reliable ATV. Most off-road riders know about the comforts and capacity of Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV.
The Big Beer was Yamaha’s breakthrough ATV lineup that helped this Japanese ATV brand stand out in the crowd. Still today, The Big Beer has a good user review.
Therefore, here we let you know some common Yamaha Big Bear 400 problems with solutions to the problems you need to concern yourself with.
Yamaha Big Bear 400 Problems
Yamaha Big Bear 400 has carburetor, electrical, starting, ignition, and braking problems. But, Yamaha Big Bear 400 problems are also carried over from year to year. Among all Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV problems, the carburetor and starter problems are the most common.
Most common Yamaha Big Bear 400 problems:
- Carburetor Problems
- Electrical Problems
- Starting Problems
- Idle Problems
- Ignition Problems
- Transmission Problems
- Brake Problems
1. Carburetor Problems
The carburetor problems are common and easy to find in a Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV. Carburetor problems are known as carb problems too.
Too fuel mixtures or too rich a mixture can bring Yamaha Big Bear 400 carburetor problems.
When the carburetor gets excessive air, that is called a “too lean mixture”; similarly, excessive fuel is known as a “too rich mixture.”
The carburetor must facilitate the engine’s internal combustion with the right air/fuel mixture.
Because of incorrect fitting of after-market accessories, your Yamaha Big Bear 400 can have carburetor problems. A dirty air filter also can cause carburetor problems in your ATV too.
As you know, Yamaha stopped producing new Big Bear ATVs on the market, which is why we all have old Big Bear models that were made before 2012.
So, for long-time uses of Big Bear ATV, the carburetor air-fuel mixture can get wrong, and also, the carb can get dirty.
How To Fix Yamaha Big Bear 400 Carburetor Problems:
- As you know, dirty or blocked air filters are another culprit of carburetor problems. Hence, keeping the air filter clean is necessary to fix Yamaha Big Bear 400 carburetor problems.
- Complete cleaning of the carburetor is the ultimate way to fix carb problems on your Big Bear 400.
- Often check the vibration of the carburetor because this will tell you its condition of it. Too much vibration of the carburetor is not normal.
- First up, you need to know the current condition of your ATV’s carburetor. Check the carburetor to know whether your carburetor’s air-fuel ratio is a too rich or lean mixture, which helps you take action to fix it.
2. Electrical Problems
The electrical components of a vehicle are necessary, which is also the same for an off-road vehicle too.
We found electrical problems like a short circuit, engine starter troubles, and battery charge but no power on several Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV.
All these issues are related to Big Bear 400 electrical components. Your ATV’s major electrical parts are; fuses, wires, battery, regulator, and stator.
Among all the electrical components in ATVs, the battery is the major electrical part that you take care of the most. Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV’s most common electrical issues arise from the defective battery.
Your ATV’s short circuit problems are coming because of your ATV’s faulty wiring harness. So checking the wiring would be necessary to find the cause of Big Bear 400 electrical problems.
ATV’s lighting issues are directly connected to the electrical system. Yamaha Big Bear 400 headlight and other lights are dimming for a dying battery.
How To Fix Yamaha Big Bear 400 Electrical Problems:
- Looking for a dead battery in your ATV because a dead battery won’t supply power to the ATV’s electrical system.
- Check electrical fuses and avoid short circuits to fix Yamaha Big Bear 400 electrical problems.
- Change your ATV’s spark plug if it fails or is damaged. A spark plug is also considered an electrical component of an ATV.
- From loose wires connections, Yamaha Big Bear 400 electrical problems mostly arise; hence, ensure the connections are not loose.
3. Starting Problems
Yamaha Big Bear 400 starting problems are common, and if your ATV also has starting problems, don’t be so surprised. The starting problems are also known as starter problems, so both are the same.
ATV starting problems are usually caused by various reasons, such as corroded connection cables, a bad alternator, a failing battery, a major issue with the starter, and more.
Your ATV engine won’t crank, and you make different types of noises you can hear when your Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV has starting problems.
The dead battery and defective or lose cable connections are also the cause of starting problems in your ATV.
Oil leaks and bad relays or fuses also can cause your Big Bear 400 quad’s starting problems.
How To Fix Yamaha Big Bear 400 Starting Problems:
- When your Yamaha Big Bear 400 is not starting, the first thing you need to see is your ATV’s fuel gauge and ensure your ATV has enough fuel.
- As I mentioned earlier, a bad battery can cause starting problems. That’s why you must clean the battery and keep the battery away from corrosion.
- Repair any damaged or worn-out parts in the starter system in your ATV.
4. Idle Problems
Several owners of Yamaha Big Bear 400 claimed that their ATV had Idle problems, and some claimed their Yamaha Big Bear 400 wouldn’t idle without throttle.
The idle problems are common in models 2001 and 2004 Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV.
Your Yamaha Big Bear 400 idle problems can arise for various reasons, but the improper amount of spark, air, and fuel is the most common cause for this issue.
ATVs can have idle problems also for dirty carburetors too. Therefore, cleaning carburetors on regular bases can keep other problems away from your ATV.
Things You Should Do To Fix Yamaha Big Bear 400 Idle Problems:
- Excess air intake disrupts your ATV engine’s working process, which also affects idling. Take proper care of the air intake system to fix your Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV’s idle problems.
- The carburetor ensures the right mixture of air and fuel in the engine, which is why your ATV idling also depends on the carburetor. With that being said, ensure your Yamaha Big Bear 400 carburetor is not dirty.
- After off-roading, check for air and fuel leaks in your Big Bear.
5. Ignition Problems
Yamaha Big Bear 400 ignition problems are commonly experienced with 2001 and 2004 models.
Just like other vehicles, ATV’s ignition system also activates the voltage from the battery to the ignition coil to produce the engine spark. So, the ignition system works in the same way for every type of vehicle.
When an ATV is not getting a spark or a weak spark, it’s obvious the engine will not be able to start.
As you know now, the battery is the primary role of producing a spark for the engine to start. Hence, a bad battery could be the culprit bringing ignition problems in your Yamaha Big Bear 400.
For Yamaha Big Bear 400 ignition problems, the bad kill switch can also be responsible. The kill switch is also known as the run switch too.
If your ATV has a defective kill switch, you might need to try a couple of times to ignite your ATV.
How To Fix Yamaha Big Bear 400 Ignition Problems:
- To fix ignition problems in your Yamaha Big Bear 400, you must check the battery first to see if it’s ok or not. A drained battery or dead battery won’t produce voltage to the ignition system. So, charge the battery before you go out with your ATV.
- Make sure the kill switch is in the “on or run” position. When the kill switch is off position, it will not allow any spark in the engine.
- Your ATV’s main fuse needs to be properly operable to ignite. Check the main fuse, and if it is not working, replace it with the right one.
6. Transmission Problems
Not only in your Big Bear 400, but transmission problems are also common in various brands’ ATVs and other off-roading vehicles.
When your ATV creates trouble shifting in any gear, that is called a transmission problem, and this problem can exist in an ATV for a long time.
In most cases, a dirty or bad, or damaged clutch is the main cause of Yamaha Big Bear 400 transmission problems.
The clutch job is to transfer the rotational power from the engine to the wheels in an ATV. And the clutch is mostly used in shifting gears.
When your ATV’s clutch spring is getting weak, it cannot shift the gear, and your ATV gets stuck in the same gear.
Even if your ATV’s clutch gets dirty, it can easily create transmission problems. The clutch also needs to be properly aligned with the transmission system of your ATV.
How To Fix Yamaha Big Bear 400 Transmission Problems:
- Keeping the clutch in good condition is the most useful solution to avoid Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV’s transmission problems.
- Clean the clutch at least once a year because, over time, the clutch can get very dirty.
- As an auto mechanic, you should check your ATV’s gearbox. For any existing gearbox issues, your ATV can have shifting problems.
- The springs inside the transmission clutch may weaken, preventing the shifting gears smoothly. Change the springs of the clutch if needed.
7. Brake Problems
The braking system of an ATV is constructed with many little components, and every component needs to work properly to stop an ATV in the middle of the ride.
In several forums and groups online, ATV riders claimed braking issues in Yamaha Big Bear 400.
Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV’s braking problems arise from bad adjustment, worn brake pads, damaged brake controls, and brake calipers.
External air in the braking system can also disrupt your ATV braking flow.
It’s easy to diagnose Yamaha Big Bear 400 braking problems, but the solutions to these problems are not really simple.
Wrong or bad brake adjustment is the common cause of braking system problems in your ATV.
But, when your ATV has braking problems, various parts of the braking systems need to be diagnosed.
How To Fix Yamaha Big Bear 400 Braking Problems:
- A minimum of machinal skill and knowledge is going to be needed to fix Yamaha Big Bear 400 braking problems. Hence, you can connect with any mechanic to fix the braking issues.
- Ensure the braking adjustment of your ATV is alright.
Tips: If you already know your Yamaha Big Bear 400 has braking problems, then try to avoid riding before the issue is fixed.
Pros And Cons of Yamaha Big Bear 400
Yamaha Big Bear 400 comes with several advantages and limited disadvantages, so it would be best before you buy this ATV.
Here are some pros and cons of Yamaha Big Bear 400:
Pros of Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV:
- Yamaha Big Bear 400 is known for great control and handling.
- Still Today, Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV is a cost-effective choice.
- Compared to other new Yamaha ATVs, Big Bear 400 has a considerable towing capacity.
- Yamaha Big Bear 400 repair cost is lower.
- Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATVs are used the most in construction site works and off-roading tours.
Cons of Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV:
- The low engine capacity of Yamaha Big Bear 400.
- Yamaha Big Bear 400 top speed is only 52 mph, while its competitor ATVs can go over 70 mph.
- The resale value of Yamaha Big Bear 400 is decreasing.
- In terms of updated features, Yamaha Wolverine beat Big Bear 400.
Is Yamaha Big Bear 400 Good?
Yamaha Big Bear 400 is very comfortable and has the capacity to go through any terrain.
This ATV is great for both off-road trail riding and work. Most owners of Big Bear 400 use it for off-roading.
Regardless of your need, Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV’s engine is powerful enough, which is needed the most.
Yamaha Big Bear 400 is still relevant today, although this ATV went out of production long ago.
By changing various components and parts of the Big Bear 400, you can increase the speed.
In terms of durability, Yamaha Big Bear 400 is one of the best among other Japanese ATVs.
Final Thoughts On Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV Problems
Yamaha Big Bear 400 is considered one of the legendary ATVs, but this quad also has some problems that owners experience after riding for a long time.
Out of all Yamaha Big Bear 400 problems, carburetor and electrical problems are the most common, according to several owners.
Therefore, keeping the carburetor clean and maintaining the battery is essential to avoid some common issues with your Yamaha Big Bear 400.
Regarding Yamaha Big Bear 400 ATV’s engine, I haven’t received any issues from the owners. That’s why, needless to say, the engine of this four-wheeler is effective and long-lasting too.
Parts of Big Bear 400 are available in most auto mechanic shops; hence the cost of replacing any parts and labor cost is reasonable.
Calvin Anderson, founder of Off-Road Lord, is a seasoned off-roading enthusiast from Tucson, Arizona. With over a decade of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of off-roading vehicles and trails, Calvin’s insights provide a trusted guide for fellow adventurers.
