Idle & Cold Start Screw adjustment how-to | late model KTM EXC dirt bikes with EFI systems

In this video we show you how to properly adjust both the idle screw and the cold start screw on late model EFI KTM dirt bikes.

Just want the dets? Turn the red screw to adjust idle. Turn the yellow screw to set the cold start.

Having your bike setup properly, particularly the idle setting, has a big impact on how easy the bike starts, how it runs when you're at low engine RPMs, and how easy it is to flame out or stall the bike.

[halflife]

This is EXACTLY the same issues I was having after checking everything twice, adjusting the TPS richer, completely rebuilding the engine as I thought it was maybe a low compression issue, valves readjusted, in tank and in line fuel filters changed, coil tested, new plug, etc. It was due to the stupid cold start screw being adjusted way outta whack because at one point I adjusted it for idle instead of the red screw! The manual doesn’t even talk about the cold start being adjustable even. I just discovered the issue last night, and today found your video. Too funny. Cheers!

[RJ-rvqe]

On a warmed up bike, adjust the idle (red) to spec, turn off bike, then back off on the choke screw all the way(yellow) push in choke screw (yellow) now start bike, no increase in idle yet due to choke screw (yellow) all the way out. Start turning in choke screw(yellow) in (one click at a time) until the idle goes up, then add three more clicks. choke is now set close to factory. adjust to taste. Then recheck on a cold bike!! This is how i did it after adding a Vortex ECU 👍👍👍👍 My Bike late model KTM 500EXC-F

[thehusqtaco]

helpful video! I picked up FE 250 and had similar issue. Played around with it a bit and was able to get it figured out! The cold start was def my issue here with a recent cold front and bike would start, but shut off after a bit. Racked my head trying to figure out until this video. We ROCKIN NOW!

[dont]

I Have been trying to figure out how to make the cold start pop back out, the service manual was no help. Your video solved my entire problem, Thanks for posting.

[zwhitehead]

Thanks man, way easier than diggin the manual out lol.

[reecebiddiscombe]

Setting idle to spec actually solves near-all flameout and stalling issues; power is smoother at low settings too.
Makes a lot of noise when it feels like it should be quieter (at idle) but these bikes are all about riding, not idling.

[WardEnduro]

Just got the GET and have been having this issue since putting it on thank you!

[tdbikerider]

I just got one of these bikes and this video was super helpful. Many Thanks !!

[linglingbraps]

DUDE THANK YOU. EXACT PROBLEM EXACT MODS EXACT FIX.

[jimgriffin]

Thanks for the video. I found the 24 300xcw manual is wrong regarding the cold start and idle. They copied the 23 300xcw, which is TPI, over to the 24 300xcw manual. My cold start was so backed out, counterclockwise, that when pushed in, it would not release when rolling the throttle forward. The manual also has the idle description backward. Turn the idle screw clockwise or in increases the idle.

[jesusharp]

This is exactly what my bike is doing!!! Ooo im soo hoping this does the trick how do i go about messing with the red screw can i go all the way in then back out some and go from there?? Wich way makes idle higher and lower clockwise speaking lol

[se]

I just figured out how the yellow button is supposed to work. Mine was backed all the way out. I was confused, because if I pushed it in it wouldn’t stay, and I could also pull it out until it clicked. So confusing. Anyway, start winding the yellow in and then push it up to see if it clicks into place instead of doing nothing. When it clicks and stays in the ‘up’ position, operate the throttle (bike not running) and the button will pop down and lock into the downward position. I’m other words, if the yellow adjuster is backed all the way out, it won’t do this. Cheers!

[TheMastermarkus]

How do you adjust the throttle to pop it back out ? There’s no videos on that that’s what I need trying to figure out how to get my start knob to pop back out by twisting the throttle the opposite direction on my 2017 yz450f please make a video on that !

[keithsada]

You can also shut off the choke by turning the throttle clockwise.

[davidh]

That’s good to know. I would have done the same

[millerssmallenginerepair]

Working on a 2021 Gas Gas MC250f. Having similar issues. What are the settings for the carb screws?

[landonmensik]

mine has the same problem that yours was doing early in the vid which way we’re you turning the red and hollow screws the get that fixed i could tell

[CMC]

As far as I’m aware ktm want the idle to be at 2200 rpm so the oil pump works efficiently. Very high tbh but it seems KTM recommends it that way.

[pinnedit]

The red screw(idle) on my brand new 22 500exc is all the way in. Spring is bottomed out . Bike idles ok and seems like it could go up a tad.

[quincyspielberger]

Would be helpful to know if clockwise increases or decreases idle speed?