Battery/Charging System - Honda 1998 VT750C Service Manual

16. BATTERY/CHARGING SYSTEM
SYSTEM DIAGRAM
SERVICE INFORMATION
TROUBLESHOOTING
SERVICE INFORMATION
GENERAL
16-0
16-1
16-3
BATTERY 16-5
CHARGING SYSTEM INSPECTION 16-7
REGULATOR/RECTIFIER 16-9
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o
The battery gives off explosive gases; keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away. Provide adequate ventilation when
charging or using the battery in an enclosed space.
o
The battery contains sulfuric acid (electrolyte). Contact with skin or eyes may cause severe burns. Wear protective
clothing and a face shield.
-If electrolyte gets on your skin, flush with water.
-If electrolyte gets on your eyes, flush with water for
at
least 15 minutes and call
a
physician immediately.
o
Electrolyte is poisonous.
- If swallowed, drink large quantities of water or milk and follow with milk of magnesia or vegetable oil and call
a
physician.
o
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
o
Always turn off the ignition switch before disconnecting any electrical component.
CAUTION:
Some electrical components may be damaged if terminals or connectors are connected or disconnect while the ignition
switch is
ON
and
a
current is present.
o
For extended storage, remove the battery, give it a full charge and store it in a cool, dry space. For maximum service life,
charge the stored battery every two weeks.
o
For battery remaining in a stored motorcycle, disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal.
o
The battery can be damaged if overcharged or undercharged, or if left to discharge for long periods. These same conditions
contribute to shortening the life-span of the battery. Even under normal use, the performance of the battery deteriorates
~
after 2-3 years.
u=-
o
Battery voltage may recover after battery charging, but under a heavy load, battery voltage will drop quickly and
eventually the battery will be completely discharged. For this reason, the charging system is often suspected to be the
problem. Battery overcharge often results in problems in the battery itself, which may appear to be an overcharge
symptom. If one of the battery cells is shorted and the battery voltage does not increase, the regulator/rectifier supplies
excess voltage to the battery. Under these conditions, the electrolyte level drops quickly.
o
Before troubleshooting the charging system, check for proper use and maintenance of the battery. Check if the battery
is frequently under a heavy load, such as having the headlight and taillight ON for long periods of time without riding
the motorcycle.
o
The battery will self-discharge when the motorcycle is not use. For this reason, charge the battery every two weeks to
prevent sulfation from forming.
o
Filling a new battery with electrolyte will produce some voltage, but in order to achieve maximum performance, always
charge the battery. Also, the battery life is lengthened when it is initial-charged.
o
When checking the charge system, always follow the steps in the troubleshooting flow chart (page 16-3).
o
Alternator servicing may be done with the engine in the frame.
16-1