I have a 2000 rancher 350 and when I was out on the trails my headlights went dim so I shut the quad off and then tried to start it again but the battery was dead. I pulled started it and it started right up but the head lights were still dim but the performance seamed ok. I put in a brand new battery in the next day and everything is back to normal. How do I know if the altinator is working I need to know that it's not just running off battery power and soon it will die. I am going on a quad trip in a few days and I don't wan't to get stuck in front of all the wolverines if you know what I mean. I would appreciate all the help you can offer, Thank you.

 

The best way would be to connect a volt meter (ohm meter with the switch to at least 20 volts DC position). Test battery voltage without unit running. Start the unit and take note of the voltage. It should raise. Rev the unit, If it reads more than 15 volts or less than 12 then you have a charging issue. The peak voltage reading should be around 2000 rpms when charging and over that for rpms a voltage drop should be noted, no lower than the origional battery voltage reading taken with the unit not running.

-----gimpster-----

 

If the headlights went dim suddenly, while you are working on it, have a look at the regulator/rectifier plug. It is located under the right rear fender, it is sorta diamond/square shape, and has 5 wires running to it, 3 yellows 1 red 1 green.
remove this plug, check for moisture and burned wires.
If you quad has the original battery, it was about due to die, however they "usually" give a little warning.