[Ngac2002]

I have a 2004 TRX500FA foreman Rubicon. If wheeler is running and I disconnect the battery it immediately dies. Does this machine need to have a battery hooked up to operate. It is carburated not FI, but obiviously has plenty of electronics. If a battery is required what is the best meams of checking for proper alternator operation? Thanks

 

[Jeepwm69]

Yes, not only do you need a battery to run it, but if you have a model that will run without a battery it will likely fry the electrical components if you do it, so never run one without a battery.

The Rubicons won't work at all without a good, fully charged battery. Too much electric crap on them to work right without a good battery.

Order this.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077Q7X1MT/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Set it to 20V, put the red lead on the battery + and the black lead on the battery - with it running. You should read 13.5-14ish volts. With the bike off you can see what your battery has, which will probably be around 12.2V

 

[Ngac2002]

Thanks Jeepwm69! Will order the volt meter. Appreciate your help, think my battery was run down and with cold weather it wouldn’t start up.

 

[Jeepwm69]

I put a battery tender on all of my bikes. Run the pigtail out from under the seat where the latch it, and that way the batteries stay charged when I let them sit.

 

[Ngac2002]

Ordered that meter and just quickly checked it while running at idle, only registering 12.1 v,, the same as when it is not running. Where do I need to begin tracking down the problem? Any help is appeciated.

 

[Jeepwm69]

First thing to do is go here and download the factory service manual.

https://www.hondaatvforums.net/foru...nual-help/50817-service-manual-downloads.html

Go to section 19 and follow the troubleshooting directions. Hopefully it will be a bad regulator (box with fins under right rear fenderwell)

 

[Ngac2002]

The battery is new, it only shows 12.25 v when running. I checked the stator and rectifier and both are operating with spec. Fuses are good, does this sound like a short somewhere in the wiring? None of the waterproof pin connectors appear melted or damaged. Ideas?

 

[ATC4ever]

The battery is new, it only shows 12.25 v when running. I checked the stator and rectifier and both are operating with spec. Fuses are good, does this sound like a short somewhere in the wiring? None of the waterproof pin connectors appear melted or damaged. Ideas?

If thats all it shows when running, sounds like a charging issue Jeepwm69 said.

 

[Ngac2002]

Took battery in for load test, and it failed. New battery ordered under warranty. 6 weeks old! Hope that was the issue. Should know shortly.