Polaris SPORTSMAN 600 Service Manual page 275

Following are three tests which can easily be made on
a battery to determine its condition:
Specific Gravity Test and Load Test.
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 on 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.
Battery Hydrometer (PN 2870836)
Detail A
OCV Test,
1.10
1.15
1.20
1.25
1.30
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
State of Conventional
charge Lead-acid
100% 12.60V
Charged 12.40V
75% Charged 12.10V
50% Charged 11.90V
25% Charged less than
0% Charged 11.80V
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
State of Conventional
charge* lead-acid
100% 1.265
Charged 1.210
75% Charged 1.160
50% Charged 1.120
25% Charged less than 1.100
0% Charged
* At 80_F
NOTE: Subtract .01 from the specific gravity reading at 40_ F.
LOAD TEST
CAUTION: To prevent shock or component
damage, remove spark plug high tension leads
and connect securely to engine ground before
proceeding.
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
test 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.
OFF SEASON STORAGE
To prevent battery damage during extended periods
of non-use, the following basic battery maintenance
items must be performed:
ELECTRICAL
YuMicront
Type
12.70V
12.50V
12.20V
12.0V
less than 11.9V
YuMicront
Type
1.275
1.225
1.175
1.135
less than 1.115
10.25