2009 Polaris Outlaw 450/525 Service Manual, Page 174Get this manual
ELECTRICAL BATTERY TESTS
Battery Testing
Whenever service complaint is related to either the starting or charging systems, the battery should be checked firstFollowing are tests which can easily be made on maintenancefree battery to determine its condition: The OCV Test and Load TestTo prevent shock or component damage, remove spark plug high tension leads and connect securely to engine ground before proceedingNOTE: This test can only be performed on machines with electric startersThis test cannot be performed with an engine or starting system that is not working properlyA battery may indicate full charge condition in the OCV test and the specific gravity test, but still may not have the storage capacity necessary to properly function in the electrical systemFor this reason, battery capacity or load test should be conducted whenever poor battery performance is encounteredTo perform this test, hook multi-tester to the battery in the same manner as was done in the OCV testThe reading should be 12.6 volts or greaterEngage the starter and observe the battery voltage while cranking the engineContinue the test for 15 secondsDuring cranking, the observed voltage should not drop below 9.5 voltsIf the beginning voltage is 12.6 volts or higher, and the cranking voltage drops below 9.5 volts during the test, replace the battery and re-testContinued low cranking voltage with known good battery may indicate excess current draw from one or more of the starting components