Current Draw - Key Off; Charging System "Break Even" Test; Alternator Ouptut Test (Ac Amp) - Polaris Magnum 2x4 Service Manual

Current Draw - Key Off
ELECTRICAL
Charging System
CAUTION: Do not connect or disconnect the battery cable or ammeter with the engine running. Damage will
occur to light bulbs and speed limiter.
Connect an ammeter in series with the negative battery cable. Check for current draw with the key off. If the draw
is excessive, loads should be disconnected from the system one by one until the draw is eliminated. Check com-
ponent wiring as well as the component for partial shorts to ground to eliminate the draw.
Charging System "Break Even" Test
CAUTION: Do not connect or disconnect the battery cable or ammeter with the engine running. Damage will
occur to light bulbs and speed limiter.
CAUTION: Never use the electric starter with the ammeter connected, or damage to the meter may result. Do
not run test for extended period of time. Do not run test with high amperage accessories.
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.
Connect an ammeter set to DC amps in series between the negative battery cable and terminal. Connect a
tachometer according to manufacturer's instructions. With engine off and the key and kill switch in the ON posi-
tion, the ammeter should read negative amps (battery discharge). Reverse meter leads if a positive reading is
indicated. Shift transmission into neutral. Start engine with recoil
only.
Increase engine RPM while observing
ammeter and tachometer. Note RPM at which the battery starts to charge (ammeter indication is positive). With
lights and other electrical load off, this should occur at approximately 1500 RPM or lower on both 150 and 200
watt alternators. Turn the lights on and lock parking brake to keep brake light on. Repeat test, observing ammeter
and tachometer. With lights on, charging should occur at or below 3000 RPM on 150 watt alternators and 2000
RPM on 200 watt alternators.
Alternator Output Test (AC amp)
This test measures AC amperage from the alternator.
Maximum alternator output will be indicated on the meter. It is
not
necessary to increase engine RPM above idle.
Place the red lead on the tester in the 1 OA jack. Turn the selector dial to the AC amps (A,,-,) position. Connect
the meter leads to the Yellow and Yellow/Red wires leading from the alternator. Start the engine and let it idle.
Reading should be a minimum of SA at idle.
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