Battery Won't Charge

[bcjkmac]

just installed a new battery a few weeks ago, just noticed today it was running low and would not start, I pull started the machine and let it run but noticed the lights getting dimmer even while it was running...the winch also was weak and eventually drained the battery completely...so no electical power while the machine is running and the battery will not take a charge...any suggestions?? alternator or regulator??

[rpyfz450]

Originally posted by bcjkmac@Jan 10 2005, 01:07 PM
just installed a new battery a few weeks ago, just noticed today it was running low and would not start, I pull started the machine and let it run but noticed the lights getting dimmer even while it was running...the winch also was weak and eventually drained the battery completely...so no electical power while the machine is running and the battery will not take a charge...any suggestions?? alternator or regulator??
<div align='right'><{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[/quote]

I've seen a faulty regulator/rectifier cause this. This part is less expensive than the stator coil from the alternator/generator.

You should also mention what ATV you have to avoid getting generic advice (like mine). Unless this is one of those infrequent cases where someone's heard of a common problem with your ATV, you should also get yourself a multimeter and perform the tests in the service manual.

[ego]

Before you get into the expensive components something as simple as poor connectivity, i.e. corroded battery connections, or even an internally corroded cable, might be all you need to fix. CAREFULLY check connecting surfaces. I had a similiar situation occur on my Kodiak and I discovered it was simply cable-battery surface corrosion.........a little wire brushing followed by ample dialectric silicone solved the problem. Good luck.

[bcjkmac]

Originally posted by rpyfz450+Jan 10 2005, 02:27 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rpyfz450 @ Jan 10 2005, 02:27 PM)</div>

I've seen a faulty regulator/rectifier cause this. This part is less expensive than the stator coil from the alternator/generator.

You should also mention what ATV you have to avoid getting generic advice (like mine). Unless this is one of those infrequent cases where someone's heard of a common problem with your ATV, you should also get yourself a multimeter and perform the tests in the service manual.
<div align='right'><{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
[/b][/quote]
Thanks for the response...it is a Polaris sportsman 500...I checked all the connections and they are good...where is the regulator located and is it easy to replace?
thanks again

[bcjkmac]

Originally posted by ego@Jan 10 2005, 02:27 PM
Before you get into the expensive components something as simple as poor connectivity, i.e. corroded battery connections, or even an internally corroded cable, might be all you need to fix. CAREFULLY check connecting surfaces. I had a similiar situation occur on my Kodiak and I discovered it was simply cable-battery surface corrosion.........a little wire brushing followed by ample dialectric silicone solved the problem. Good luck.
<div align='right'><{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[/quote]
Thanks, I checked all the connections and the Battery is brand new...what do you know about a regulator being a possibility??

[creamybean2]

with the battery being brand new ...that means you had to fill it and charge it or is it out of the box ready? my battery had to be filled and i put it in while it was running and all that happened to me also so i gave it a 6 hour charge on the charger and it was ok

[bcjkmac]

Originally posted by creamybean2@Jan 10 2005, 06:33 PM
with the battery being brand new ...that means you had to fill it and charge it or is it out of the box ready?* my battery had to be filled and i put it in while it was running and all that happened to me also so i gave it a 6 hour charge on the charger and it was ok
<div align='right'><{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[/quote]
It was filled and charged so it was installed at 100%...the battery and the connections are good but the machine is not picking up the load for the lights or winch while it is running, so that is draining the battery which the machine is also not recharging...I am trying to figure out what else may be the problem.
thanks