10.48
ELECTRICAL
9923412 - 2012 Sportsman 400/500 and EFI Tractor Service Manual
© Copyright 2011 Polaris Sales Inc.
Conventional Battery OCV - Open Circuit
Voltage Test
Battery voltage should be checked with a digital
multitester. Readings of 12.6 volts or less require further
battery testing and charging. See charts and Load Test
below.
NOTE: Lead-acid batteries should be kept at or near
a
full charge as possible. Electrolyte level should be
kept between the low and full marks. 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.
Conventional Battery Specific Gravity Test
A tool such as a Battery Hydrometer (PN 2870836) can be
used to measure electrolyte strength or specific gravity.
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.
* Measurement at 80
° F
NOTE: Subtract .01 from the specific gravity reading
at 4
0
° F
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
tes
t 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, hook a
multitester to the battery in the same manner as was done
in the OCV test. The reading should be 12.6 volts or
greater. Engage the starter and observe the battery
voltage while cranking the engine. Continue the test for 15
seconds. During cranking the observed voltage should
not drop below 9.5 volts. If the beginning voltage is 12.6
volts or higher and the cranking voltage drops below 9.5
volts during the test, replace the battery.
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
STATE OF CHARGE
CONVENTIONAL LEAD -
A
CID
LOW MAINTENANCE
100% 12.60V 12.70V
Charged 12.40V 12.50V
75% Charged 12.10V 12.20V
50% Charged 11.90V 12.0V
Battery Hydrometer (PN 2870836)
25% Charged less than 11.80V Less than 11.90V
0% Charged -- --
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
STATE OF CHARGE*
C
ONVENTIONAL LEAD -
A
CID
LOW MAINTENANCE
100% 1.265 1.275
Charged 1.210 1.225
75% Charged 1.160 1.175
50% Charged 1.120 1.135
25% Charged less than 1.100 Less than 1.115
0% Charged -- --
To prevent shock or component damage, remove
spark plug high tension leads and connect securely
to engine ground before proceeding.
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
STATE OF CHARGE
CONVENTIONAL LEAD -
A
CID
LOW MAINTENANCE
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