Honda 2005 FOURTRAX FOREMAN TRX500 TM Service Manual page 356

BATTERY/CHARGING SYSTEM
SERVICE INFORMATION
GENERAL
iiWARNING
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.
- If swallowed, drink large quantities of water or milk and call your local Poison Control Center or a physician
immediately. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
• Always turn OFF the ignition switch before disconnecting any electrical component.
• Some electrical components may be damaged if terminals or connectors are connected or disconnected while the igni-
tion 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 vehicle, disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery.
• The battery sealing caps should not be removed. Attempting to remove the sealing caps from the cells may damage the
battery.
• The maintenance free (FM) battery must be replaced when it reaches the end of its service life.
• The battery can be damaged if overcharged or undercharged, or if left to discharge for long period. These same condi-
tions contribute to shortening the "life span" of the battery. Even under normal use, the performance of the battery
deteriorates after 2 - 3 years.
• Battery voltage may recover after battery charging, but under 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
vehicle.
• The battery will self-discharge when the vehicle is not in use. For this reason, charge the battery every two weeks to pre-
vent 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 (page 18-4).
• For alternator service, refer to page 11-7.
BATTERY CHARGING
• This model comes with a maintenance free (MF) battery. Remember the following about MF batteries.
- Use only the electrolyte that comes with the battery.
- Use all of the electrolyte.
- Seal the battery properly.
- Never open the seals again.
• For battery charging, do not exceed the charging current and time specified on the battery. Using excessive current or
extending the charging time may damage the battery.
• Quick charging should only be done in an emergency; slow charging is preferred.
BATTERY TESTING
Refer to the battery tester's Operation Manual for the recommended battery testing procedures.
The recommended battery tester puts a "load" on the battery so the actual battery condition of the load can be measured.
RECOMMENDED BATTERY TESTER: BM-210-AH, BM-210, or BATTERY MATE or equivalent
SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM
Battery
Alternator
Capacity
Current leakage
Voltage
(20°C/68°F)
Charging
current
Fully charged
Needs charging
Normal
Quick
Capacity
Charging coil resistance (20°C/68°F)
SPECIFICATIONS
1 2 V - 1 2 A h
1 mA max.
13.0-13.2 V
Below 12.3 V
1 . 4 A x 5 - 1 0 h
6.0 A x 1.0 h
0.357 kW/5,000 rpm (min"
1
)
0.1 -1.0Q
18-3