Polaris 600 EDGE RMK, Service Manual

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ELECTRICAL
9.10
Preparing a New Battery for Service
To ensure maximum service life and performance from a battery, it must have proper initial servicing. To service
a new battery, the following steps must be taken. NOTE: Do not service the battery unless it will be put into regular
service within 30 days.
1. Remove vent plug from vent fitting.
2. Fill battery with electrolyte to the upper level marks on the case.
3. Set battery aside and allow it to cool and stabilize for 30 minutes.
4. Add electrolyte to bring the level back to the upper level mark on the case.
NOTE: This is the last time that
electrolyte should be added. If the level becomes low after this point, add only distilled water.
5. Charge battery at 1/10 of its amp/hour rating.
Example: 1/10 of 9 amp battery = .9 amps, 1/10 of 14 amp battery = 1.4 amps, 1/10 of 18 amp battery = 1.8
amps (recommended charging rates).
6. Check specific gravity of each cell with a hydrometer to ensure each has a reading of 1.270 or higher.
Battery Testing
There are three easy tests which can determine battery condition. Whenever the complaint is related to either
the starting or charging systems, the battery should be checked first.
Lead-acid batteries should be kept at or as near full charge as possible. If the battery is stored or used in a partially
charged condition, hard crystal sulfation will form on the plates, reducing their efficiency and possibly ruining the
battery.
Open Circuit Voltage Test (OCV)
Battery voltage should be checked with a digital multitester. Readings of 12.6 or less require further battery testing
and charging.
Specific Gravity Test
A tool such as the battery hydrometer (PN 2870836) can be used to measure electrolyte strength or specific grav-
ity. As the battery goes through the charge/discharge cycle, the electrolyte goes from a heavy , more acidic state
at full charge to a light, more water state when discharged. The hydrometer can measure state of charge and
differences between cells in a multi-cell battery. Readings of 1.270 or greater should be observed in a fully
charged battery. Differences of more than .025 between the lowest and highest cell readings indicate a need to
replace the battery.
State Of Charge Conventional
Lead-acid
Yumacron
Type
100% Charged 12.60V 12.70V
75% Charged 12.40V 12.50V
50% Charged 12.10V 12.20V
25% Charged 11.90V 12.0V
0% Charged Less Than
11.80V
Less Than
11.9V
State Of Charge* Conventional
Lead-acid
Yumacron
Type
100% Charged 1.265 1.275
75% Charged 1.210 1.225
50% Charged 1.160 1.175
25% Charged 1.120 1.135
0% Charged Less Than
1.100
Less Than
1.115
*at 80 ° F
NOTE: Subtract .01 from the specific gravity for electrolyte at 40 ° F and compare these values to the chart.
Detail A