when to replace the battery.

[copo427ss]

Do a load test.Only true way to know.You can even do a simple one at home.Fully charged batt hook up voltmeter and crank the sled while watching voltmeter.It should never go below 11.5v and preferably stay at 12 or above.Doesnt hurt to refill with distilled water either.Most batts are not truly sealed so you can do this.Just be careful not to overfill or you will end up with acid all over sled.

these batteries soak up the electrolites into the fabric plates and end up like a gel battery. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT pry the cover off and add anything. 1) it wont help. 2) you could damage the battery and risk possible boil over and or explosion. trust me on this. these are not typicle lead plate car or lawnmower batteries.

if you order a new battery or buy one from the dealer. ytx-14-bs. add the electrolyte. when its all in there let the battery sit for at least 1 hour with the top loose or the acid container still attached. then after it has sat you can put it on the charger to finish up the charge. if you just dump the acid in and not let it sit, then the battery will never have its full potental output. also this is another big thing. do not charge the battery with more than a 2 amp charger. i have seen people use 10 car chargers and have melted down and blown the batteries.

 

[nytroD]

i'm just going to change it. it's an 06 apex so i figure it has an 05 manufacture date or older. so it's over 5 years old.

 

[Bob Miller]

I have an 04 Warrior from new and it still has the original Battery in it! It's always hooked up to a Battery Tender when not in use and the Battery is still good!
When I go sledding I have a back up system in place; the original Battery out of my 1998 Suzuki 1500 LC (Always on a Battery Tender, Replaced in 2008 with a new one, still testing good)
I have a setup on the sled were the tool box is located to quickly mount this battery just in case it is needed without having to remove the air box in sub zero weather to get me by until I get back home to replace the Battery.
I have a Battery Tender also hooked up to my 2002 Kawasaki 650 Prarie ATV (Still original, Still good)

Battery tender is DEFINITELY the way to go!

 

[04JRB]

I say if you have doubt, replace it. seeing as we do not have recoil start on our sleds, it could leave you stranded if you dont have jumpers, and a butty with a sled that also has a battery.

You can wrap a strap around the primary but ya better make dam sure it clears if it fires
[/quote]


I've never tried it, I don't think I would like to either. sounds kinda like having a ride running with the doors open for a quick ER visit. record it and win 10 grand![/quote]

Well when there is no possible way to get the sled out unless its by winch line or chopper strange things happen ha ha There are a lot of places here you just don't tow out of[/quote]

Tru, very true. I thankfully have not been in that scenario. But i havent tried a lot of off trail riding on my new sled yet, Im still getting used to handling a thousand pounds and Im not impressed with my sleds off trail capabilities. Then again, I consider mine a luxury trail cruiser, not a crossover like the brochure said.

 

[adrenaline junkey]

I say if you have doubt, replace it. seeing as we do not have recoil start on our sleds, it could leave you stranded if you dont have jumpers, and a butty with a sled that also has a battery.

You can wrap a strap around the primary but ya better make dam sure it clears if it fires

I've never tried it, I don't think I would like to either. sounds kinda like having a ride running with the doors open for a quick ER visit. record it and win 10 grand![/quote]

Well when there is no possible way to get the sled out unless its by winch line or chopper strange things happen ha ha There are a lot of places here you just don't tow out of[/quote]

Tru, very true. I thankfully have not been in that scenario. But i havent tried a lot of off trail riding on my new sled yet, Im still getting used to handling a thousand pounds and Im not impressed with my sleds off trail capabilities. Then again, I consider mine a luxury trail cruiser, not a crossover like the brochure said.[/quote]

Give it some time you will find off trail is where it really shines one of the easiest sleds to throw around in the deep powder