TROUBLESHOOTING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Test Procedures
11
4.
With the battery in good condition and fully charged, run the engine for several minutes to bring the voltage
regulator to operating temperature.
5.
Set the multimeter for 20 VDC.
6.
With the engine running at full-governed RPM, measure the battery voltage at the battery posts. If the reading is
between 13.9 and 14.5 volts, the regulator is good. If the reading is lower than 13.9 volts but rising steadily, check
the battery condition.
See Test Procedure 1 – Battery on page 11-12.
7.
If the reading is less than 13.9 volts and not rising, check the charge coil.
See Test Procedure 10 – Charge Coil
Also check for a loose connection at the voltage regulator 2-pin connector and the red bullet
connector. Check the continuity of each of these wires.
8.
If the reading is more than 14.5 volts and continues to rise, replace voltage regulator.
TEST PROCEDURE 12 – Ignition Spark
See General Warning on page 1-2.
NOTE:
Keep the battery connected while performing this test procedure.
1.
Turn the key switch OFF. Place the Forward/Reverse handle in NEUTRAL and set the park brake. Chock
the wheels.
2.
Remove the spark plug wire from one of the spark plugs.
3.
Use an ignition spark gap test tool (Thexton 404 or equivalent) to check for correct spark.
4.
Adjust tester probes to approximately 18,000 volts (18 Kv), setting (SE – Small Engine Setting on the Thexton
404 tool). Connect tester to spark plug wire and connect alligator clip to a solid engine ground.
5.
If there is a strong blue spark between the probes of the spark gap tester, stop the engine and perform the
test on the remaining spark plug.
6.
There should be a strong blue spark between the probes of the spark gap tester when both spark plug circuits are
tested. If there is no spark on either of the ignition circuits, or if either of the sparks is a faint yellow or red color,
test the ignition circuit components.
See the Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine manual (CC P/N 103568101).
7.
If the spark gap tester tool does not indicate a strong blue spark, it is possible the spark plug has failed internally.
Install a new spark plug, set to the proper gap setting, and test the engine for proper operation.
TEST PROCEDURE 13 – Engine Kill Wire
See General Warning on page 1-2.
1.
Disconnect battery and spark plug wire(s).
See Disconnecting the Battery – Gasoline Vehicles on page 1-4.
2.
Disconnect the white/black stripe wire (w83) from the spade terminal on the engine located above the voltage
regulator
.
3.
Connect the red (+) probe of the multimeter to the end of the white/black wire and connect the black (–) probe
to the engine block (ground)
. The multimeter should indicate continuity with the
key switch in the OFF position.
4.
With the Forward/Reverse handle in the NEUTRAL position, insert the key and turn the key switch to the ON
position. Note the multimeter reading. Turn the key and hold it in the START position. Note the multimeter reading.
5.
There should be no continuity when the key switch is in the ON or START position. If continuity is indicated,
check for worn insulation on the white/black wire that grounds the wire to the frame.
Grounded Kill Wire on page 11-30.
Also check the key switch for proper operation.
Key Switch (Engine Kill Circuit) on page 11-30.
2009-2012 XRT 950 Maintenance and Service Manual
Page 11-29
