2009 Polaris Sportsman 850 XP EFI EPS Service Manual, Page 316Get this manual
ELECTRICAL OCVOpen Circuit Voltage Test
Battery voltage should be checked with digital multitesterReadings of 12.6 volts or less require further battery testing and chargingSee the following chart and "Load Test"NOTE: Maintenance Free batteries should be kept at high state of charge during storageIf the battery is stored or used at low state of charge, hard crystal sulfation will form on the plates, reducing the efficiency and service life of the batteryNOTE: Use voltohm meter to test battery voltageOPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE State of Charge 100 75 Charged 50 Charged 25 Charged Charged Maintenance Free 12.8 and up 12.6 12.3 12.0 11.8 or less An overheated battery could explode, causing severe injury or deathAlways watch charging times carefullyStop charging if the battery becomes very warm to the touchAllow it to cool before resuming chargingBattery Charging Reference Table State of Charge 100 To prevent shock or component damage, remove spark plug high tension leads and connect securely to engine ground before proceedingA battery may indicate full charge condition in the OCV 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, use load testing device that has an adjustable loadApply load of three times the ampere-hour ratingAt 14 seconds into the test, check battery voltageA good 12V battery will have at least 10.5 voltsIf the reading is low, charge the battery and retest75100 5075 255025 Voltage (DC) Action None, check again in months May need slight charge Needs Charge Needs Charge Needs Charge Charge Time None Requiredhrs11 hrs At least 13 hrs At least 20 hrs