SX/SXi/SXi Pro Battery Charging

[JHD]

I know this is a dumb question but does the battery charge while the ski is running?

 

[Matt_E]

It should, unless you have an aftermarket non-charging ignition.

 

[JHD]

It's stock.

Thanks,

 

[JHD]

OK this is the reason I asked. I disconnect my batery after every ride. 2-3 days before a ride I hook up a trickle charger to avoid any problems and the battery always takes a charge. Charger has indicators for charging, 80%, and charged. Last night it charged for probably 4 hours before it showed 80%. This is after 2 days of riding and sitting for about 1.5 weeks. I had a battery die on me at the lake when we first bought the skis. It was probably old and hadn't been used much anyway so I replaced it and bought the charger. I haven't had an issues since but I've never gone mor than 2 trips and probably a month with out charging.

So is it normal for the battery to drain a little every ride?

I'm charging 2 skis on one charger with a jumper cable if it makes any difference.

 

[Matt_E]

No, it's not normal for a (stock) ski to discharge the battery during riding.
But, it's also not normal to charge two batteries with one charger and a jumper cable. Don't do that.

 

[JHD]

What is the issue with charging two batteries of one charger? My auto mechanic and the guy at batteries plus said it would be fine.

Both skis are stock. Any idea where to start looking for whats draining power? I assumed both skis were draining but I've never just hooked up one. I will try one at a time after this weekend to see if it's both.

Thanks,

 

[Matt_E]

Some chargers use just battery voltage as indication when the battery is fully charged. If you charge two batteries in parallel with such a charger, at least one battery may not be fully charged.
Look at the manual for the charger (if you have it) and see what it says about that. I'd give the single charging a try before anything else.

 

[JHD]

I will check. Thanks for the help Matt!

 

[JHD]

Ok. Single charged each ski and the charger shows both took a charge. Should I check voltage on the battery with the ski running? How many volts should it be putting out?

 

[Matt_E]

About 14

 

[JHD]

Finally got a V meter. Batteries charged and have sat disconnected for about a week. 13V +/- .25 in each battery not running. 14V +/- .25 each battery running. Won't ride for another week but I'll check and see what they do.

 

[JHD]

Rode 2 days last weekend. Batteries stayed hooked up for 4 days. 12+ volts in each battery and the charger still showed that they needed a charge. I'm guessing everything is working fine and the charger just takes a little while to show the battery is good?? I will continue to charge the batteries one at a time.

Thanks again Matt