ATV battery won't top off charge - charger won't switch to trickle

Old Jul 13, 2012 | 01:20 PM
  #1  
mcordani's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Trailblazer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Default ATV battery won't top off charge - charger won't switch to trickle

Hi I have a battery that is at least 3yrs old and on my last charge, the autocharger wouldn't switch off to trickle. It worked fine on my other ATV battery, as well as my kids power wheels. The battery is cranking over the ATV fine, but is this a warning that the battery is going? Maybe one cell of it is bad?

It is just a cheap regular battery, not AGM type if that helps. Thanks.
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2012 | 07:34 AM
  #2  
old polaris tech's Avatar
Polaris ATV Expert
Retired and loving it!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 24,350
Likes: 44
From: North Texas
Default

Just have it load tested at any auto store. They can show you real quick if the battery is ok or needs to be replaced.Better than being stranded somewhere. OPT
 
Reply
Old Jul 31, 2012 | 09:02 AM
  #3  
beergut's Avatar
ʇsıʇɹɐ ɹǝʌolloɹ
Providing the enemies of the United States with the maximum opportunity to give their lives for their country since 1775.
15 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 16,284
Likes: 3
From: rindge, nh
Default

well-
it can only be one of two issues, right?

1) you have a bad battery
2) you have a bad charger

given that your battery is 3 years old, and that the charger works fine on other batteries............ I guess that only leaves option 1.
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2012 | 06:56 AM
  #4  
mcordani's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Trailblazer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks guys. Yea, the battery must be on its way out. I bought a battery tester and may check it tonight, although I think I already know the answer.

Luckily the battery is on a Trail Boss that has a backup pull start. Why did they remove backup pull starters from their ATVs???? Must be cheaper without, but come on can't be that much. I know I like having the piece of mind of having one.
 
Reply
Old Aug 1, 2012 | 04:40 PM
  #5  
old polaris tech's Avatar
Polaris ATV Expert
Retired and loving it!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 24,350
Likes: 44
From: North Texas
Default

I agree on the lack of a recoil on the newer models. But guess just their way of cutting costs and keeping the price competitive. I would have picked somethings less crucial to go cheap on myself. Only recoil I thought was a real knuckle buster was on the MV 700. After cranking one with the recoil one time to test it when they came out,I decided real quick if I owned one I would have to leave it where it died. Maybe just getting too weak in my old age OPT
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bzdok1234
Polaris Ask an Expert! In fond memory of Old Polaris Tech.
30
Feb 23, 2016 01:55 PM
cody500ho
Polaris Ask an Expert! In fond memory of Old Polaris Tech.
14
Aug 14, 2015 05:03 PM
ScopeZ_
Honda
10
Jul 28, 2015 01:44 AM
200es
Polaris
1
Jul 19, 2015 04:50 PM
bzdok1234
Utility ATVs
1
Jul 3, 2015 05:32 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:50 AM.