This is my first ATV, got from dealer (was a trade in). They said it's a pretty clean machine... 1100 miles, starts right up, idles great, runs fine. I bought it for snow plowing my driveway and for plowing an ice rink on our lake. After raising and lowering the winch while plowing my driveway (typical 3 car garage suburban sized driveway...not very long) towards then end my work (~25 minutes of plowing) the winch struggles to lift the plow. Battery seems relatively new, I put it on a 12V at 2A charger, and next plowing use it started out great with plenty of power, but again at the end of the job it struggled to lift plow. Took the battery to my local dealership, they tested it and said battery was fine, suggested it was something else...but now I can't recall what he said. I think something about checking whatever system generates power/ charges the battery during use. I downloaded the Polaris 2000 ATV universal manual, but nothing in there about this.

Any suggestions on where to start or where to get schematics for my machine??

Thanks for taking a look and for any advice!

Sean

 

If it load tested ok,check what the battery is showing at an idle or slightly above. Should be charging close to 14 volts if the regulator is working ok. Regulator is at the front of the machine close to the radiator. Item #29 on the parts break down. Also check for any regulator wires that may have pulled out of their connectors. Common problem on some year models. If it turns out you need a regulator,plenty of them on ebay and amazon.https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rectifier-R...pTmdAL&vxp=mtr

 

Battery is getting 13 V at idle, didn’t see any loose wires at the regulator... there is a wired grounded to the frame with a free end?? Not sure that has anything to do with my issue, but took a photo of it...

Is it worth replacing the regulator to see if that fixes my problem?

Thanks!
Sean

 

Give it a little throttle and see if the charging rate goes up close to 14 volts or so.A lot of the older ones did have to build up rpm to get to full charging. If it does the regulator is ok. If the ground wire has an extra wire end,that's ok. Most of these small wires are grounded at the bottom of the ignition coil and some do have an extra wire.Either used for accessories or used on another application.

 

Here's a copy of my post from four years ago , same problem as you're having , the little battery on your machine just ain't up to that much winching -

Here in the U. P. I have two friends that had the same problem , I made them harnesses with Anderson plugs { heavy duty battery plugs } and they put a second battery on the back rack , one uses a large industrial gel cell battery the other uses a U1 battery from his riding lawnmower , they take the battery in at night and top if off with a trickle charger , both love it , lots of power and no lights dimming , etc .

 

Up in the colder climates using winches,plows,etc it might be just as simple as upgrading the reg/rectifiers that have come out now instead of relying on the thin stock regulators that really aren't up to snuff for this type work.May solve the trouble of cramming in another battery.

 

Those older Sportsmans only have a 250 watt stator , they just don't put out enough current to be using the winch so much .

 

Still had the 250 watt alternators on the 2005-2006 and I think 2007 models but they did go to the dc/cdi ignition system and stronger regulators.The older small regulators were fine for the most part,but coudln't keep up.Up graded regulators would be a plus on these older ones.

 

I had problems plowing with my older Arctic Cat 400 and 500, especially at night. I have a huge driveway, 500 yards long and parking lots, etc. At night with winch and lights, including the brake lite is on a lot, they would start to lose it after an hour or so. Now, I have an Arctic Cat Diesel with an automotive style alternator. End of charging issues. It even has a 5,000 lb winch.

 

Here's a good article on this I've had for several years. Written by an ex Polaris and Arctic Cat engineer.http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...,d.b2I&cad=rja Look at the first and second page on the Arctic Cat and Page 7 on Polaris..