Charging System Service; Charging System Break Even Test; Charging System Stator (Alternator) Tests - Polaris General 2020 Service Manual

CHARGING SYSTEM SERVICE

CHARGING SYSTEM OPERATION
OVERVIEW
The purpose of the charging system is to keep the
battery fully charged and provide the ignition system, EFI
system and chassis electrical components with enough
electricity to power the vehicle.
The charging system consists of three main components:
1. Alternator: Uses engine rotation to generate AC
electrical current.
2. Regulator / Rectifier: Converts AC current to DC and
regulates voltage output to 13.8 volts. Located inside
the alternator assembly.
3. Battery: The battery supplies DC power to the electric
starter motor. While cranking the engine to start, the
battery supplies DC power to all vehicle electrical
systems. During times when the engine is idling and
current drain is high, the battery will supplement the
alternators current output and maintain a steady
system voltage.
CHARGING SYSTEM BREAK EVEN
TEST
IMPORTANT
Do not allow the battery cables to become
disconnected with the engine running. Follow the steps
below as outlined to reduce the chance of damage to
electrical components.
The "break even" point of the charging system is the
point at which the alternator overcomes all system loads
(lights, etc.) and begins to charge the battery. Depending
on battery condition and system load, the break even
point may vary slightly. The battery should be fully
charged before performing this test.
WARNING
Never start the engine with an ammeter connected in
series. Damage to the meter or meter fuse will result.
Do not run test for extended period of time.
Do not run test with high amperage accessories.
1. Using an inductive amperage metering device, (set to
DC amps) connect to the negative battery cable.
2. With engine off, key switch and lights in the on
position, the ammeter should read negative amps
(battery discharge).
3. Shift transmission into park and start the engine. With
the engine running at idle, observe meter readings.
9850067 R01 - 2020-2021 GENERAL / GENERAL XP Service Manual
© Copyright Polaris Inc.
CHASSIS / BODY ELECTRICAL
4. Increase engine RPM while observing ammeter and
tachometer. Note the RPM at which the battery starts
to charge (ammeter indication is positive).
5. With lights and other electrical loads off, the "break
even" point should occur at approximately 1500 RPM
or lower.
CHARGING SYSTEM STATOR
(ALTERNATOR) TESTS
Three tests can be performed using a multi-meter to
determine the condition of the stator (alternator).
q
Y1
w
Y2
TEST 1: RESISTANCE VALUE OF EACH
STATOR LEG
1. Measure the resistance value of each of the three
stator legs: Y1 to Y2, Y1 to Y3, and Y2 to Y3. Each
test should measure within specification.
2. If there are any significant variations in ohm readings
between the three legs it is an indication that one of
the stator legs may be weak or failed.
CONNECT
TEST METER
LEADS TO:
Battery Charge
Y1 to Y2
Coil
Battery Charge
Y1 to Y3
Coil
Battery Charge
Y2 to Y3
Coil
e
Y3
OHMS
READING
0.07 - 0.13 Ω
0.07 - 0.13 Ω
12
0.07 - 0.13 Ω
12.55