Can-Am DS 450 2008, Shop Manual

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Section 06 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Subsection 02 (CHARGING SYSTEM)
If readings are not close to specification, check for
the following:
– Battery condition
– Accessory loads
– Dirty, corroded or loose connections.
If the items in the previous list are in good con-
dition, test the magneto stator before concluding
that the voltage regulator/rectifier is faulty.
Remove test equipment.
Pull harness sheath back to its original position and
place the main fuse holder in its storage compart-
ment.
Install seat.
CAUTION: It is not recommended to carry out
the DC current test with a multimeter connect-
ed in series. The charging current will exceed
the multimeter operating range possibly caus-
ing equipment damage.
BATTERY
Battery Information
These vehicles are equipped with a VRLA battery
(Valve Regulated Lead Acid).
It is a maintenance-
free type battery.
Refer to battery manufacturer's instructions for
proper filling, activation and routine charging pro-
cedures.
Troubleshooting
Weak or Discharged Battery
If you have a frequently weak or discharged bat-
tery, check for the following:
– Battery posts and/or cable terminal loose or ox-
idized
– Faulty battery (does not keep a full charge)
– Loose or bad starter solenoid connections
– Loose or bad engine and chassis ground con-
nections
– Faulty system wiring/connections
– Faulty voltage regulator/rectifier
– Faulty stator.
Rectify any problem identified, recharge battery
as per manufacturers instructions and carry out a
battery load test to confirm the condition of the
battery.
Battery Voltage Test (No Load)
NOTE: A battery voltage test without a load ap-
plied is carried out on a battery without discharg-
ing current. It is the simplest and most common-
ly used. However, be aware that the voltage test
can indicate that the battery is in good condition
even though the battery does not have enough
power to crank the engine. A load test gives a
more accurate indication of the condition of the
battery.
Check the charge condition using a multimeter.
With a multimeter, voltage readings appear in-
stantly to show the state of charge.
If the battery has just received a charge, allow it to
rest for 1-2 hours before taking a voltage reading.
Set multimeter to Vdc and connect between the
battery terminals. Always respect polarity.
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BATTERY VOLTAGE TEST (NO LOAD)
FULLY CHARGED BATTERY VOLTAGE
12.5 Vdc minimum
Battery Voltage Test (Load Applied)
This is the best test used to determine the con-
dition of the battery. Use a load testing device
such as the Electro Specialties battery load tester
model (P/N 710). It has a 500 Amp carbon pile ad-
justable load.
Follow battery load tester instructions.
Apply a load of 3 times the ampere-hour rating of
the battery. At 14 seconds into the test, check
battery voltage.
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