Battery/Charging System Service Information - Honda MUV700 big red Service Manual

BATTERY/CHARGING SYSTEM
SERVICE INFORMATION
GENERAL
AWARNING
• The battery gives off explosive gases; keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away. Provide adequate ventilation when
charging.
• The battery contains sulfuric acid (electrolyte). Contact with ski n o r eyes may cause severe burns. Wear protective
clothing and a face shield.
- If elect rolyte gets on your skin, flush with water.
- If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush with water for at least 15 minutes and call a physician immediately.
• Electrolyte is poisonous.
- If swallowed, drink large quantities of water or milk and call your local Poison Control Center or a physician
immediately.
NOTICE
• Always turn OFF the ignition switch before disconnecting any electrical component.
• Some electrical components may be damaged
if
terminals or connectors are connected or disconnected while the igni-
tion switch
is
ON and current
is
present.
• For extended st orage, remove the battery, give it a full charge, and store it in a cool, dry space.
• For a battery remaining in a stored vehicle, disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.
• The maintenance free battery must be replaced when it reach es the end of its service life.
• The battery can be damaged if overcharged or undercharged, or if left to discharge for long period. These same condi·
tions contribute to shortening the "life span" of the battery. Even under no rma l use, the performance of the battery
deteriorates after 2-3 years.
• Battery vol t age may recover after battery charging, but under heavy load, the battery voltage will drop q u ickly and
eventually die out. For this reason, the charging system is often suspected as the problem. Battery overcharge often
results from problems in the battery itself, which may appea r to be an overcharging symptom. If one of the battery cell s
is shorted and battery voltage does not increase, the regulator/rectifier suppl ies excess voltage to the battery. Under
these conditions, the electrolyte level goes down quickly.
• Before troubleshooting the charging system, check for proper use and maintena nce of the battery. Check if the battery
is frequently under heavy load, such as having the headlight and tai l light on fo r long periods of time without driving the
vehicle.
• The battery wilt self·discharge when the vehicle is not in use. For this reason, cha rge the battery every two weeks to pre·
vent sulfation from occurring.
• Filling a new battery with elect rolyte will produce some voltage, but in order to achieve it s maximum performance,
always charge the battery. Also, the battery lif e is lengthened when it is i nit ially charged.
• When checking the charging system, always follow the steps in the troubleshooting (page 21-5).
• Alternator removal /installation (page 11·5).
BATTERY CHARGING
• Turn power ON/OFF at the charger, not at the battery terminal.
• For battery charging, do not exceed the charging curr ent and time specified on the battery. Using excessive cu rrent or
extending the charging time may damage the battery.
• Ouick charging should only be done in an emergency; slow charging is preferred.
BATTERY TESTING
Refer to the instructions in the Operation Manual for the recommended battery tester for det ails abou t battery testing. The
recommended battery tester puts a "load" on the battery so that the actual battery condition can be measured.
RECOMMENDED BATTERY TESTER: Micro 404XL (U.S.A. only)
21-3