1.76
9850064 R03 - 2021 650 / 850 Matryx Trail Performance / Crossover Snowmobile Service Manual
© Copyright Polaris Inc.
ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTICS
ELECTRICAL SERVICE NOTES
Keep the following notes in mind when diagnosing an
electrical problem.
• Refer to wiring diagram for stator and electrical
component resistance specifications.
• When measuring resistance of a component that has a
low resistance value (under 10 Ohms), remember to
subtract meter lead resistance from the reading.
Connect leads together and record the resistance. The
resistance of the component is equal to tested value
minus the lead resistance.
• Become familiar with the operation of your meter. Be
sure leads are in the proper jack for the test being
performed (i.e. 10A jack for current readings). Refer to
the Owner’s Manual included with your meter.
• Voltage, amperage, and resistance values included in
this manual are obtained with a Fluke™ 77 Digital
Multimeter
(PV-43568)
. This meter is acceptable for
use when diagnosing electrical problems. Readings
obtained with other meters may differ.
• Pay attention to the prefix on the meter reading (K, M,
etc.) and the position of the decimal point.
• For resistance readings, isolate component to be
tested. Disconnect wire harness or power supply.
DIGITAL MULTI-METER (DMM) NOTES
Polaris advises to only use a high quality DMM that
meets the same standards as the Fluke™ 77 (PV-43568)
for electrical testing.
Unless you are very familiar with Ohm’s Law, and have
complete information about the circuit you are trying to
diagnose, test lights are likely to provide results that
would be misleading. This is especially true if any solid
state component is involved, where you will almost
certainly not have complete circuit information.
Polaris also specifically advises against the use of other
circuit testing devices, including but not limited to:
• Short finders
• Simplified circuit testers
• Fuse piggy-back devices
Testers beside a DMM will only work in one scenario,
and slight variables can provide you with misleading
results. The testing practices described in this chapter
are more certain and rely only on the DMM and your
knowledge.
STATIC AND DYNAMIC TESTING
There are many methods for testing a DC circuit. These
methods fall into one of two categories, either static or
dynamic.
STATIC TESTING
The two most common forms of static testing are:
• Resistance testing (the Ohms setting on your DMM)
• Measuring voltage with the circuit open, such as when
the harness connector is off a sensor you are testing.
This is commonly referred to as measuring “Available
Voltage”.
These two tests will help you find the majority of electrical
issues. If they do not, we must remember that static
circuit testing does not take into account how current
actually flows in that circuit. That is only accomplished
with dynamic testing.
Before attempting dynamic testing (as it is intrusive on
sealed connectors and damage could be done if not
careful), verify the following:
• Static voltage testing advised for that circuit has been
completed, and is in spec.
• All associated circuits have under 1 ohm of resistance
from end to end. Testing Continuity / Resistance page
1.78
• All associated circuits have no shorts to ground.
Testing For A Short To Ground page 1.78
• All associated circuits have no shorts to voltage.
Testing For A Short To Voltage page 1.79
DYNAMIC TESTING
There are two types of dynamic testing we will advise to
use when diagnosing electrical concerns:
• Current flow testing (Amperage) Testing Current Flow
(Amperage) page 1.80. Measuring Amperage is not a
common practice, as you will not typically have a spec
to compare your reading to. Also, many components
on this machine flow over 10 Amps, which will blow the
majority of DMM fuses. The exception to this is a
parasitic draw test refer to Current Draw - Key Off
page 1.80.
• Measuring voltage drop. Performing this test correctly
will give you understanding of how electrical pressure
(voltage) varies in a circuit as current is flowing.
Testing Voltage Drop page 1.81
