Polaris 2012 Sportsman Forest 500 International, Service Manual

Page: 416 / 432

10.52
ELECTRICAL
9923412 - 2012 Sportsman 400/500 and EFI Tractor Service Manual
© Copyright 2011 Polaris Sales Inc.
Low Maintenance Battery - OCV- Open
Circuit Voltage Test
Battery voltage should be checked with a digital
multitester. Readings of 12.8 volts or less require further
battery testing and charging. See charts and Load Test.
NOTE: Lead-acid batteries should be kept at or near
a full charge as possible. If the battery is stored or
used in a partially charged condition, or with low
electrolyte levels, hard crystal sulfation will form on
the plates, reducing the efficiency and service life of
the battery.
NOTE: Use a voltmeter or multimeter to test battery
voltage.
* Measurement at 80
°
F
NOTE: Subtract .01 from the specific gravity reading
at 40
°
F.
Low Maintenance Battery Load Test
NOTE: This test can only be performed on machines
with electric starters. This test cannot be performed
with an engine or starting system that is not working
properly.
A battery may indicate a full charge condition in the OCV
test and the specific gravity test, but still may not have the
storage capacity necessary to properly function in the
electrical system. For this reason, a battery capacity or
load test should be conducted whenever poor battery
performance is encountered. To perform this test:
1. Hook a multitester to the battery in the same manner
as was done in the OCV test. The reading should be
12.8 volts or greater.
2. Engage the starter and observe the battery voltage
while cranking the engine. Continue the test for 15
seconds.
3. During cranking the observed voltage should not drop
below 9.5 volts.
4. If the beginning voltage is 12.8 volts or higher and the
cranking voltage drops below 9.5 volts during the test,
replace the battery.
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
S
TATE OF
C
HARGE
L
OW
M
AINTENANCE
B
ATTERY
C
ONVENTIONAL
B
ATTERY
100 % 13.0V 12.70V
75% Charged 12.80V 12.50V
50% 12.50V 12.20V
25% 12.20V 12.0V
0% Charged less than 12.0V less than 11.9V
CAUTION
To prevent shock or component damage, remove
spark plug high tension leads and connect securely
to engine ground before proceeding.