Testing Current Flow (Amperage); Testing Parasitic Draw - Polaris Sportsman 850 Service Manual

TESTING CURRENT FLOW (AMPERAGE)

Performing a current flow test requires the meter leads
be inserted into the correct cavities in the meter, and be
placed in series in the circuit to be tested. Refer to your
Digital Multi Meter's owner's manual for potential model
specific instructions. Ensure you are using acceptable
adapters to avoid damaging the connector terminals. ,
page 11.9
NOTE
As there are very infrequently amperage specs
provided for circuits/components, please only perform
this test when advised in the manual.
CAUTION
Many circuits on this machine will exceed the 10 Amp
fuse in most Digital Multi Meters in normal operation.

TESTING PARASITIC DRAW

Parasitic draw is when there is excessive current flow
with the key off.
While the most common causes of draws are improperly
installed accessories (tapping into un-switched B +
instead of switched) there can be electronic component
failures that can cause this as well.
TESTING PROCEDURE
1. Remove the negative cable from the battery.
2. Connect a jumper from the negative battery cable
terminal to the negative battery post.
3. Ensure your meter leads and selector dial are set to
measure amperage.
4. Connect your red lead to the battery negative cable
terminal.
5. Connect your black lead to the battery negative post.
6.
CAUTION
Ensure all electrical components are switched off, or
damage to your jumper and/or meter will occur.
Momentarily key the ignition switch on, then off.
7. Wait 30 minutes before checking the value. Vehicles
will vary, but electronic components will take time to
fully go to sleep after switched power is removed.
8. Maximum allowable is 10 milliamps. If your meter is
ranged to the 10 Amp scale, this will appear as 0.010
Amps.
9. If over 10 milliamps, go to the fuse block and start
systematically removing one fuse at a time until the
value drops, indicating the circuit that requires
attention.
ELECTRICAL
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11.13