UTV Battery Maintenance, Storage and Replacement Tips

Date: Sept 14, 2023
Time: 12:45

[00:00] Introduction – Prevent Battery Problems Before They Happen

Taking care of your UTV or ATV battery is essential if you want to avoid starting issues and extend the overall life of your machine. In this video, Braden Adams shares a complete guide to maintaining your battery, diagnosing issues, and safely restoring power if something goes wrong—both on the bench and inside the machine.

[00:14] Use a Trickle Charger When the Machine Is Parked

When your machine is not in use, the battery will slowly discharge over time. This is especially common if the machine is stored in a barn, shed, trailer, or other unconditioned environments.
The best way to prevent discharge is to connect the battery to a trickle charger while the machine is parked. A trickle charger delivers a slow, consistent charge that keeps the battery topped off without overcharging.

If your battery is difficult to access, consider installing a battery terminal relocation kit. This makes it much easier to connect a charger without removing panels or seats. You can find these kits at SuperATV.com.

[00:35] Idling Won’t Recharge Your Battery

A common misconception is that simply starting your machine and letting it idle for a few minutes will recharge the battery. This is not true.
To effectively recharge the battery using your machine’s stator, you need to ride it for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Higher RPMs are required to generate the proper charging voltage. Just idling the engine will not do the job.

[00:55] Keep Terminals Clean and Connections Tight

Loose or dirty terminals can lead to poor charging performance, intermittent power loss, or complete failure to start.
Make it a habit to check your battery terminals regularly. Ensure they are clean, free of corrosion, and properly tightened. A poor connection can prevent the battery from charging or supplying power to your starter.

[01:14] Demonstration: Cleaning Battery Terminals on the Bench

To demonstrate how to properly clean terminals, Braden uses a battery terminal cleaning brush. This tool has internal wire bristles designed to clean corrosion off of the posts.
To clean:

1. Place the brush over the battery post.
2. Twist several times until the surface is shiny and smooth.
3. Repeat on both the positive and negative terminals.

This ensures a solid electrical connection.

[02:09] How to Handle Corroded Terminals or Acid Buildup

In more severe cases, you may notice white or green corrosion or even battery acid residue on the terminals.
To clean this safely:

1. Spray battery terminal cleaner onto the terminals.
2. Allow the cleaner to soak for a few minutes.
3. Wear protective gloves and safety glasses at all times.
4. Wipe the terminals clean and brush again if needed.

Battery terminal cleaner will often change color (such as turning pink) when acid is present, helping you confirm that a neutralizing reaction is occurring.

[03:19] How to Test Battery Voltage with a Multimeter

Before charging your battery, use a multimeter to check its current voltage.
Set your multimeter to DC voltage mode, then place the red lead on the positive terminal and the black lead on the negative terminal.
Here is how to interpret the reading:

• 12.6V – 12.4V: Fully charged
• 12.3V – 12.0V: Partially discharged
• 11.8V – 12.0V: Might start the machine
• Below 11.8V: Should be recharged or replaced

If your battery holds a charge after charging, it is still usable. If not, it should be replaced.

[04:25] How to Access the Battery on a Can-Am Maverick X3

Braden demonstrates how to access the battery inside a Can-Am Maverick X3. While procedures vary by model, this example gives you a clear idea of what’s involved:

1. Disconnect harnesses passing through the seat.
2. Remove two 13mm bolts securing the seat base.
3. Remove two 18mm nuts under the seat cushion.
4. Lift the seat straight out of the machine.

Once the seat is removed, the battery is accessible for inspection, cleaning, or testing.

[06:20] Inspect and Disconnect Battery Terminals

After exposing the battery:

• Grab each terminal and gently move it. If it wiggles, it needs to be tightened.
• Use a wrench or ratchet to snug them down.
• If cleaning is necessary, disconnect the negative (ground) terminal first to prevent arcing. Then disconnect the positive.
• Move the terminals aside to avoid accidental contact.

[08:06] How to Safely Charge the Battery with a Charger

To charge your battery with a portable charger:

1. Attach the red clamp to the positive (+) terminal.
2. Attach the black clamp to the negative (–) terminal.
3. Plug in the charger.
4. Set it to 12 volts at 20 amps, and use the timer to run the charge for 90 to 135 minutes.
   Never plug the charger in before connecting the clamps to the battery. This ensures safe, spark-free connections.

[09:07] Clean the Terminals After Charging

After the charging session:

• Unplug and remove the charger.
• Apply terminal cleaner spray to each post.
• If the cleaner changes color, that indicates acid is present.
• Use a wire brush to scrub the posts until clean.
• Wipe away any remaining cleaner with a cloth.

Once everything is clean, reconnect the ground first, then the positive terminal. Make sure each is secure and install terminal covers if applicable.

[11:01] General Battery Care Tips for All UTVs and ATVs

No matter what type of machine you own, these tips apply:

• Clean your terminals regularly with a brush and spray
• Ensure all connections are secure
• Disconnect accessories that draw constant power, or wire them to a keyed-on source or relay
  Leaving accessories connected to the battery directly will cause slow discharge over time—even if the machine is off.

[11:57] How to Replace a Bad Battery

If your battery cannot hold a charge after testing and charging, it is time to replace it.
To do so:

1. Locate and remove the battery hold-down bracket (usually two 10mm bolts).
2. Disconnect the negative and then the positive terminals.
3. Lift the battery out of the machine.
4. Replace it with an OEM-fit or exact replacement battery for your make and model.

This procedure is generally the same across most UTVs and ATVs.

[12:22] Conclusion – Keep Your Battery Trail-Read

Taking a few minutes to inspect, clean, and charge your battery can save you a lot of frustration on the trail.
✅ Keep the battery on a trickle charger during long storage periods
✅ Make sure all terminals are clean and secure
✅ Don’t ignore voltage checks or starting issues

You can find battery chargers, terminal kits, and relocation kits at SuperATV.com.
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