96 Polaris not charging when running

[Fish Killen Machine]

My ATV has stopped charging the battery.  I have to charge it with a trickle charger everytime before I use it.  What do I need to replace to get it to charge the battery again?

Thanks,

  Dave

[Frank Angerano]

You need to test the charging system components, stator coil, regulator, the manual will tell you what the readings should be. A standard ohms test will tell you what’s going on. Also look for the easy stuff like damaged wires, blown fuses. Make sure that the battery itself is not bad also and that there is an accessory that’s not draining the battery. Plow ? Lights ?

Also: 

You should have voltage on the positive and negative battery terminals when the bike is running without the battery in place and a tester clipped on to the battery leads. 

[Fish Killen Machine]

I've heard that running the bike without the battery hooked up will harm the electrical system.  Is this true?

Where are the fuses?  Are they in a fuse box?

Thanks,    Dave

[Frank Angerano]

No it won’t hurt the bike. It’s to determine if your battery is getting voltage back from the engines internal charging system. Fuses on that bike should be located around the battery but shouldn’t be difficult to locate. What model and size is the bike? If you have the manual you can locate the fuses. 

[Frank Angerano]

And if you are hesitant about taking the battery of of the bike you can do the test with the battery on the bike as well. Simply take a voltage reading on the battery with the bike off and start it up and do the same. You should read about 12+ volts with the bike off. With the bike running you should read 14+ volts. 

[Ajmboy]

* Topic moved to Polaris forum.

[Fish Killen Machine]

I don't have the manuel for it yet.  It's a 96 Polaris Magnum 425 4x4.   I will try these things when the weather warms somewhat.  I don't have a heated shop and I ain't gonna freeze my hands off to check it out.  I will let you know what I find.  When I find it.

Thanks,   Dave