Hi guys,

Here is the deal I have a 2004.5 sp 500 ho and I hadn't rode it for about 1 month and when I started it at about 5deg above 0 the battery light came on. I check the voltage with the machine running at a high idle and it was 18.5 volts(over charging by 4VDC)... I rode it for about a half of an hour and it was flashing the whole time.. so whats the deal- voltage regulator or alternator?? The battery is fairly new. Thanks for any input.

 

i would say the recifier is bad. i beleave its the same as the voltage regualor that controlls amount of voltage.

 

The rectifier's job is to dispose of any excess voltage, basically. So Stendori is on the mark as usual. A good place to start anyway. I'm terrible at electrical stuff, what I usually do is take the part to a shop to have it tested. Most reputable places do it free of charge. Good luck.

 

You are close. The rectifier's purpose is to convert AC current from the alternator to DC current. (The alternator got its name because of the alternating current, hence, AC.) The regulator's purpose is to regulate the charging current/voltage to the battery and other electrical systems.

The rectifier is built into the regulator and on most Polaris ATVs it is located in front of the radiator. A bad Chassis groung on the regulator could cause the problem or the regulator is bad.

 

well thank you for the input. I will have to check that ground first.

 

I'll thank you guys too as I'm having the same problem with my 05 sp400. Appreciate the info [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

yea freedom is right, but i always never think to be too techical. sorry about that. but chances are if it didnt loosen up its most likely junk.

 

I have the same prob with my '04.5 500HO. Just started doing it a few days ago in very cold weather. If I turn the headlights on the blinking batt. light goes out. I can't find a regulator/rectifier anywhere. There isn't one listed on the parts diagram for the model I have, but there is a load shed module. Anyone know if that's the same thing? Although I can't find that either.

 

OK the first thing I want to say is they changed my stupid user name and password so I am nolonger polarisman3. I had 322 posts going!

well MW500, we are in the same boat because I can not find a voltage regulator. Mine just started doing this in the very cold weather and the blinking battery light goes off with all three headlights on...in fact the voltage goes down to 11 volts....

LOOK IN MY PHOTOS I POINT AT WHAT MY BE A VOLTAGE REGULATOR? (under the center plastic in the front)... Thank you for any replys. Where is this part?

 

I think what you're pointing to is the cdi (ignition) box. Apparently some of the '04 Sportsmans have a regulator/rectifier and it is mounted to the frame near the radiator. My model # (A04CH50AQ) doesn't though. It looks like the Sure Power module/controller located right below the cdi box replaces the regulator/rectifier on the newer '04.5 Sportsmans, so maybe that's where the problem is.