Honda C8R600F4 Service Manual page 305

16. CHARGING SYSTEM
SERVICE INFORMATION
TROUBLESHOOTING
BATTERY
SERVICE INFORMATION
GENERAL
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16-3
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CHARGING SYSTEM INSPECTION
AL TERNA TOR CHARGING COIL
REGULATOR/RECTIFIER
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• 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 skin or eyes may cause severe burns. Wear protective
clothing and a face shield.
- If electrolyte 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.
- /f swallowed, drink large quantities of water or milk and follow with milk of magnesia or vegetable of/ and call a
physician. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
•Always turn off the ignition switch before disconnecting any electrical component.
CAUTION:
Same electrical cu111pune11ts 111ay be da111aged if tern1inals or connectors are connected or disconnected i.vhi/e the
ignition switch is ON and current is present.
• For extended storage, remove the battery, give it a full charge, and store it in a cool, dry place.
• For a battery remaining in a stored motorcycle, disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery
NOTE:
The maintenance free battery must be replaced when it reaches the end of its service life.
CAUTION:
The battery caps should not be removed. Attempting to remove the sealing caps (rom the cells may damage the battery.
•The battery can be damaged if overcharged or undercharged, or if left to discharge for long period. These same
conditions contribute to shortening the "life span" of the battery. Even under normal use, the performance of the battery
deteriorates after 2-3 years.
• Bauery voltage rnay rnvuv1:11
arLt::n
u<:1lli::1y d1a1yi11g, but undi::r heavy load, the battery voltage will drop quickly 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 appear to be an overcharging symptom. If one of the battery cells
is shorted and battery voltage does not increase, the regulator/rectifier supplies excess voltage to the battery. Under
these conditions, the electrolyte level goes down quickly. ·
•Before troubleshooting the charging system, check for proper use and maintenance of the battery. Check if the battery is
frequently under heavy load, such as having the headlight and taillight ON for long periods of time without riding the
motorcycle.
•The battery will self-discharge when the motorcycle is not in use. For this reason, charge the battery every two weeks to
prevent sulfation from occurring.
•Filling a new battery with electrolyte will produce some voltage, but in order to achieve its maximum performance,
always charge the battery. Also, the battery life is lengthened when it is initially charged.
•When checking the charging system, always follow the steps in the troubleshooting flow chart (page 16-3).
• For alternator service, refer to section 10.
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