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© 2012 Polaris Sales Inc. (Page 7 of 13)
I: Discharge Machine
Special Tools:
36/48 Volt Discharge Machine
– SPX Part # PL-50285
72 Volt Discharge Machine
– SPX Part # PL-51019
A discharge machine is an excellent tool to test battery capacity, and to test for a bad battery. There are
different discharge machines for different voltage battery packs. A discharge machine is programmed to shut
off once the battery pack drops to a certain voltage, under load. Typically with Polaris electric vehicles, you will
see a 48 volt, or a 72 volt battery pack.
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A 48 volt discharge machine puts a 56.25 amp load on a battery pack, and is set to shut off when the
battery pack reaches 42 volts, under load.
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A 72 volt discharge machine puts a 75 amp load on a battery pack, and is set to shut off when the
battery pack reaches 63 volts, under load.
Use the following procedure to test batteries with a discharge machine:
1. Fully charge the battery pack.
2. Turn the vehicle OFF.
3. Connect the appropriate discharge unit for the battery pack that you are working with, to the first and
last battery in the series. Connect the RED (+) lead of the discharge unit to the main positive battery
terminal, and the BLACK (-) lead to the main negative battery terminal.
4. After all the safety procedures specified by the manufacturer have been followed, start the discharge
unit.
5. When the discharge unit shuts off, record the discharge time. Refer to the appropriate vehicle service
manual for acceptable discharge times.
NOTE: If a battery pack has a short run time, check the battery voltages individually. The discharge
machine can be started a second time, for further tests. The technician can safely test the battery
voltages individually while the discharge machine is applying the load. There should not be a
difference of more than 0.5 volts between the highest battery reading, and any other battery reading.
