Honda TRX400EX FOURTRAX 1999, Service Manual

Page: 223 / 263

BATTERY/CHARGING
SYSTEM
SERVICE INFORMATION
15-1 CHARGING SYSTEM INSPECTION
15-5
TROUBLESHOOTING
15-3
15-6
15-4 ALTERNATOR CHARGING 15-7
SERVICE INFORMATION
GENERAL
The
battery gives
off
explosive gases; keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away. Provide adequate ventilation when
charging.
battery contains sulfuric acid Contact with skin or eyes may cause severe burns. Wear protective
clothing and a face shield.
-
If electrolyte gets on skin, flush w i t h water.
-
If electrolyte in your eyes, flush with water for at least 15 minutes and call a physician immediately.
-
If
swallowed, drink of water
or
milk and follow with milk of magnesia or vegetable oil and call a
Electrolyte is poisonous.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
.
Always turn off the ignition switch before disconnecting any electrical component.
CAUTION:
Some electrical components may be damaged if terminals or connectors are connected or disconnected while the igni-
tion switch is ON and current is present.
For extended storage, remove the battery, give it a full charge, and store it in a cool, dry place.
For
a battery remaining in a stored vehicle, disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.
NOTE:
The maintenance free battery must be replaced when it reaches the end of its service life.
CAUTION:
The shouldnot be removed. t o remove the from the cells mav the
The battery can he damaged if overcharged or undercharged, or if left to discharge for long periods. These same con-
ditions contribute to shortening the "life span" of the battery. Even under normal use. the performance of the battery
deteriorates after 2 -
3 years.
Battery voltage recover after battery charging, but under heavy load, the battery voltage will drop quickly and
eventually die out. For this reason, the charging system is often suspected as the problem. Battery overcharge often
results from problems in the battery itself, which may appear to be an overcharging symptom. If one of the battery
cells is shorted and battery voltage does not increase, the supplies excess voltage to the battery.
Under these conditions, the electrolyte level goes down quickly.
Before troubleshooting the charging system. check for proper use and maintenance of the battery. Check if the bat-
tery is frequently under heavy load, such as having the headlight and taillight ON for long periods of time without rid-
ing the vehicle.
The battery will self-discharge when the vehicle is not in use. For this reason, charge the battery every
two
weeks to
prevent sulfation from occurring.
Filling
a new battery with electrolyte will produce some voltage, but in order to achieve its maximum performance,
always charge the battery. Also. the battery life
is lengthened when
it is initially charged.
.
When checking the charging system, always follow the steps in the troubleshooting flow chart (page
For alternator service, refer to section 10.
15-1