sportsman 2002 400 runs great when pullstarted. elec start wont work at all, and doesnt charge when running. the lights dim and brighten along with the rpm, what's happening!?!?

thx in advance

Sounds like a bad battery, or connection. Have you tested the battery?

yes fourplay, in fact, the orig owner installed a new battery about two weeks ago thinking that was the problem also. the voltage stays at 12.4 when off, idling, and when revved. since this post ive removed the body and inspected all the wiring, and checked the grounds for continuity... everything looks good in that dept. im guessing a component or fuse has gone bad, im just not sure where to start, or proceed to eliminate possible culprits.

well, apparently the voltage reg and the ignition switch are faulty. the root cause may be the 20 amp breaker i found coming off of the battery. the pouch that it was sealed inside was full of water, and the breaker almost rusted in twain. im guessing with no breaker and conducting through water was enough to fry the regulator and switch. im hoping these are the only two parts in the electrical system that have been damaged....

jeebus cristo!

well, evidently the person who wired the starter solenoid up the last time it was worked on before i got it placed the hot on hte wrong side .... wire switched, everything runs perfect.