Symptoms:

No charging of battery when running. Battery voltage while running drops steadily. Engine dies when battery disconnected (would expect it to run w/ battery disconnected). Checked magneto coils, voltage output lower than spec. Coil resistances check fine. Ignition coil voltages a little low. Ignition coil resistances correct. CDI measurements WAY OUT compared to spec. Voltage regulator measurements WAY OUT compared to spec.

Concluded that CDI & voltage regulator are both shot. Incidentally, I have previously made the mistake of charging the battery with both battery cables still connected, so I fear that repeated practice has damaged both CDI & regulator due to voltage spikes, etc. -- don't know for sure, but suspect that to be the case.

I've been told (online) by another individual that the resistance readings of the CDI can't be relied upon and CDI is probably good but a bad voltage regulator is believable.

I would appreciate any helpful suggestions &/or advice including recommendations for a source for lowest parts prices. I'm trying to find cheaper parts than "new" prices found locally. CDI, at least, is priced rather ridiculously high ($430). Voltage regulator is a fraction of CDI cost ($150), but still high in my opinion.

Thanks,

Lee
KD5WMI

 

Sorry. Forgot to specify engine / model:

Arctic Cat 2000, 300 cc 4x4.

Thanks,

Lee
KD5WMI

 

I had similar issues with my '01 500 ac. I ordered a regulator/rectifier from http://www.ricksmotorsportelectrics.com/. It worked great.

 

Thanks for the info Junkman673. I'll check it out.

Lee

 

i had the same issue with my 99 300,and as mentioned already it was the regulator. it cost me $80 from the dealer.

 

Silly question,but have you checked all connections,not just batt. On my 2000 250 I had one little wire coroded & that was it, Took me hours to find. Good Luck.

 

It does sound like your voltage regulator. But, I would check all your wire connections as was suggested. While you are at it get a small tube of dieelectric grease from the auto parts store and put it in every connection you can find. It prevents rust.

Also, I believe if you CDI was bad you machine would not run very well if at all.

SJ

 

Lee,

I had the same problem with my 2001 400 4x4 this past october, of course while out in WVA 165 miles from home at Trailfest on the Hatfield McCoy trail system. Like you said, the battery would slowly drain, reason being the tail light and constant fan running.

I took the battery out and went to Advance, they told me it was the battery, but guess what... it wasn't. They told me it was because I had a bent/broke terminal inside the battery, which it didn't have. Needless to say they got my $50.00. I called my local AC dealer here at home, since I know him, told him what it was doing and he kinda narrowed it down to the regulator.

SO.... I bought a new one from Ricks motorsports, (125.00), and great customer service by the way.

I also discovered when I was taking it apart that the starter relay was rusted and has cracked where you couldnt see it. Though I didnt have to take it off, I sheered the bolt head off while trying to loosen it, so thats how I found that problem. Check EBAY, and if it is the same as mine, its the same part as used in the 06-07 Suzuki King Quad 700, so dont go pay that high Arctic Cat price for it.

I do reccomend replacing the battery, as I was told that if it was the voltage regulator, that it could possibly foul the battery, that what I was told, so Im going to do that also.

I did see a CDI box on ebay for $150.00 a while back, not sure if it is still there.

Not sure if you have a onboard battery "tender" but I recommend one of them also to help keep that battery charged.

If ya have any other questions feel free to hit me back with something. I will find out what I can. I know what your going through.[img]i/expressions/beer.gif[/img]

 

I have a 2000 Arctic Cat 300 4x4 doing the same charging thing you describe.. did you ever discover the culprit?
thanks
Craig
Redrock75@comcast.net

 

Exactly how warm are these regulators supposed to operate? I burnt one up and have replaced it (250.00 $ CDN) but the new one seems to be overheating as well. I understand that due to the nature if their function they get hot but I would hate to burn out another one. The battery and all the remaining wiring is fine. The bike is a low miler I've had since new. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated.

Thanks