1985-1995 Polaris ATV and Light Utility Hauler Service Manual, Page 398Get this manual
ELECTRICAL Charging System Testing Current DrawKey Off CAUTION: Do not connect or disconnect the battery cable or ammeter with the engine runningDamage will occur to light bulbs and speed limiter
Connect an ammeter in series with the negative battery cableCheck for current draw with the key offIf the draw is excessive, loads should be disconnected from the system one by one until the draw is eliminatedCheck component wiring as well as the component for partial shorts to ground to eliminate the draw
Charging System "Break Even" Test
CAUTION: Do not connect or disconnect the battery cable or ammeter with the engine runningDamage will occur to light bulbs and speed limiter
The "break even" point of the charging system is the point at which the alternator overcomes all system loads (lights, etc and begins to charge the batteryDepending on battery condition and system load, the break even point may vary slightlyThe battery should be fully charged before performing this testConnect an ammeter set to DC amps in series between the negative battery cable and terminalConnect tachometer according to manufacturer's instructionsStart engine with recoil onlyIncrease engine RPM and note RPM at which the battery starts to chargeCAUTION: Never use the electric starter with the ammeter connected, or damage to the meter may resultDo