i own a 2008 polaris sportsman 800 x2. Starting just last night the battery light started coming on going down the trail. now i can not keep the battery charged i have charged the battery fully on a charger then install it back run a few hours just around the yard and the battery goes dead again. does anyone know of what could be causing this problem?

 

Most likely the rectifier. You should be able to trace it from the CDI unit. I know on older models its located on the left hand side of the front of the radiator

 

Check that battery connections/grounds are good. Does it sit for long periods between rides? Wouldn't hurt to take it to someplace that can test it. May be that the battery has a dead cell so it will take a charge but not hold it long. If that ends up being the case pick up a trickle charger and keep it on when not in use. Just picked one up for $3.99 with a coupon from Harbor Freight(currently have two but will get a few more for all my machines). Greatly extends battery life. If it's not the battery/connection then I agree with boba on checking the rectifier and continuing from there if the problem isn't found.

 

Also with a volt meter check the charging system at battery,if it reads 13 - 14.6V at 4000rpm then you may need a new battery.

 

Thank you for your reply's i run my atv every weekend and usually dailey depending on what i feel like driving to work. so it harldy sits a long time. i ordered a new regulator today could it possible be anything else while i have it taken apart?

 

Just make sure to check the easy stuff(connections/output/battery) before ordering more parts. I'm sure they aren't cheap. I forgot to ask what your running for accessories. If using your lights/winch/etc keeping a trickle charger on will help if it's a battery issue. The charging system won't keep it at 100% especially if using lights/winch. Hopefully it's something simple(and inexpensive).

 

thank you i check those and even replaced the battery with a newer one and within a hour or two of running it would die also. It has a winch but since owning it i have only used it twice and that was a long time ago. i do run the lights on it everytime we go out but its a must since we ride at night. i found a regulator for 70.00 so it was not to much out of my budget and it had a warranty so if it doesnt fix the problem i can send it back. i had a problem awhile back with it skipping going down the trail could the battery not getting a full charge be the problem with that?

 

Did that fix your problem? I have a Polaris Hawkeye 07 I just got and im having the same issues.