Battery Installation; Battery Testing - Linhai ATV 260 Service Manual

CHAPTER 8 ELECTRICAL
5. Remove the filler caps and add distilled water only as needed to bring each cell to the proper
level.
Do not overfill the battery.
To refill use only distilled water. Tap water contains minerals which are harmful to a battery.
Do not allow cleaning solution or tap water to enter the battery. It will shorten the life of the
battery.
5. Reinstall the battery caps.

BATTERY INSTALLATION

1. Clean battery cables and terminals with a stiff wire brush. Corrosion can be removed using a
solution of one cup water and one tablespoon baking soda. Rinse with clean water and dry
thoroughly.
2. Reinstall battery, attaching positive (+) (red) cable first and then the negative (- ) (black) cable.
3. Install clear battery vent tube from vehicle to battery vent.
WARNING:Vent tube must be free from obstructions and kinks and securely installed. If not, battery
gases could accumulate and cause an explosion. Vent should be routed away from frame and body
to prevent contact with electrolyte. Avoid frame, corrosion will occur.
4. Route cables so they are tucked away in front and behind battery.
5. Reinstall battery cover and holder strap.
Do not start the engine with the battery disconnected. Vehicle lamps will burn out if battery is
disconnected during vehicle operation. Also, the reverse speed limiter can be damaged.

BATTERY TESTING

Whenever a service complaint is related to either the starting or charging systems, the battery
should be checked first.
Following are three tests which can easily be made on a battery to determine its condition: OCV
Test, Specific Gravity Test and Load Test.
MF (Maintenance Free) battery does not require the Specific Gravity Test and Refill
Open Circuit Voltage Test
Battery voltage should be checked with a digital multitester. Readings of 12.6 or less require
further battery testing and charging.
NOTE: Lead acid batteries should be kept at or near a full charge as possible.
Load test
CAUTION: 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 electric starter and
view the registered battery voltage while cranking the engine. Continue the test for 15 seconds.
During this cranking period, the observed voltage should not drop below 9.5 volts. If the beginning
voltage is 12.6 or higher and the cranking voltage drops below 9.5 volts during the test, replace the
battery.
ATV SERVICE MANUAL 07.0
CHAPTER 8 ELECTRICAL PAGE.8- 6