Battery Terminals / Bolts; Battery Testing; Ocv - Open Circuit Voltage Test; Load Test - Polaris Outlaw 500 Service Manual

ELECTRICAL

Battery Terminals / Bolts

Use Polaris corrosion resistant Dielectric Grease (PN 2871329)
on battery bolts.

Battery Testing

Whenever a service complaint is related to either the starting
or charging systems, the battery should be checked first.
Following are tests which can easily be made on a maintenance-
free battery to determine its condition: The OCV Test and Load
Test.
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.
To perform an open circuit voltage test, set the digital meter to
DC volts and place the tester leads on each battery terminal.
Minimum voltage should be 12.4 to 12.7 VDC for a known good
battery.
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE
State of Charge
100% Charged
75% Charged
50% Charged
25% Charged
0% Charged
Self Discharge vs. Temperature
Temperature
104 F
77 F
32 F
7.16
Maintenance Free
12.6 V
12.4 V
12.1 V
11.9 V
less than 11.9 V
Days to 0% Charged
300
600
950

Load Test

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 multi-tester 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 and re-test. Continued low cranking
voltage with a known good battery may indicate excess current
draw from one or more of the starting components.

Off Season Storage

To prevent battery damage during extended periods of non–use,
the following basic battery maintenance items must be
performed:
• Remove the battery from the machine and wash the
case and battery tray with a mild solution of baking
soda and water. Rinse with lots of fresh water after
cleaning.
NOTE: Do not get any of the baking soda into the
battery or the acid will be neutralized.
• Using a wire brush or knife, remove any corrosion from
the cables and terminals.
• Never add water to a sealed maintenance free
battery.
• Charge at a rate no greater than 1/10 of the battery's
amp/hr capacity until the open circuit voltage is 12.9 V
or greater.
• Store the battery either in the machine with the cables
disconnected, or store in a cool place.
CAUTION
RepairPro Service Manual