How to Hook Up a Tether Switch on an ATV

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can be extremely dangerous -- especially if the driver is knocked off while the engine is still running. For this reason, many ATV racing leagues use tether-style kill switches. One end of the tether is attached to the driver's body and the other end is attached to the ignition. If the driver is knocked from the ATV, the tether is yanked out, forcing the ignition switch to close.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Tether switch kit
  • Wire strippers
  • Soldering iron
  • Solder
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a wrench to mount the switch on the ATV handlebars. Remove the switch bolts, close the horseshoe-shaped back around the handlebar and then tighten the bolts back into place.

    • 2

      Run the wiring from the tether kill switch to the ignition.

    • 3

      Locate the ignition power lead, cut the wire and strip both ends with wire strippers.

    • 4

      Attach one tether kill switch wire to one of the cut ends, and attach the other tether wire to the other end that was cut.

    • 5

      Heat a soldering iron and melt a small amount of solder onto both connections.