Content Source: 2021 GENERAL 1000 Tractor Owner’s Manual (9939844 R01) > Maintenance Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Battery

Your vehicle has a sealed battery, which requires little maintenance. Always keep battery terminals and connections free of corrosion. If cleaning is necessary, remove the corrosion with a stiff wire brush. Wash with a solution of one tablespoon baking soda and one cup water. Rinse well with tap water and dry off with clean shop towels. Coat the terminals with dielectric grease or petroleum jelly.

Battery Removal

WARNING
Improperly connecting or disconnecting battery cables can result in an explosion and cause serious injury or death. When removing the battery, always disconnect the negative (black) cable first. When reinstalling the battery, always connect the negative (black) cable last.
  1. Remove the driver’s seat to access the battery.
  2. Disconnect the black (-) battery cable first. Disconnect the red (+) battery cable last.
  3. Remove the battery hold-down strap.
  4. Lift the battery out of the vehicle.

Battery Installation

Using a new battery that has not been fully charged can damage the battery and result in a shorter life. It can also hinder vehicle performance. Follow the battery charging instructions on Battery Charging (Sealed Battery) before installing the battery.
  1. Ensure that the battery is fully charged.
  2. Place the fully charged battery in the battery holder. Make sure the positive terminal is toward the driver’s side of the vehicle.
  3. Coat the terminals with dielectric grease or petroleum jelly.
  4. Connect and tighten the red (+) cable first. Connect and tighten the black (-) cable last.
  5. Install the hold-down strap.
  6. Reinstall the seat.

Battery Storage

Whenever the vehicle is not used for a period of three months or more, remove the battery from the vehicle, ensure that it's fully charged, and store it out of the sun in a cool, dry place. Check battery voltage each month during storage and recharge as needed to maintain a full charge.
TIP
Battery charge can be maintained by using a POLARIS Battery Tender charger or by charging about once a month to make up for normal self discharge. Battery Tender can be left connected during the storage period, and will automatically charge the battery if the voltage drops below a predetermined point.

Battery Charging (Sealed Battery)

The following battery charging instructions apply only to the installation of a sealed battery. Read all instructions before proceeding with the installation of this battery.
The sealed battery is already filled with electrolyte and has been sealed and fully charged at the factory. Never pry the sealing strip off or add any other fluid to this battery.
The single most important thing about maintaining a sealed battery is to keep it fully charged. Since the battery is sealed and the sealing strip cannot be removed, you must use a voltmeter or multimeter to measure DC voltage.
WARNING
An overheated battery may explode, causing severe injury or death. Always watch charging times carefully. Stop charging if the battery becomes very warm to the touch. Allow it to cool before resuming charging.
For a refresh charge, follow all instructions carefully.
  1. Check the battery voltage with a voltmeter or multimeter. A fully charged battery will register 12.8 V or higher.
  2. If the voltage is less than 12.8 volts, recharge the battery at 1.2 amps or less until battery voltage is 12.8 or greater.
TIP
When using an automatic charger, refer to the charger manufacturer's instructions for recharging. When using a constant current charger, use the guidelines below for recharging.
Always verify battery condition before and 1-2 hours after the end of charging.
State of Charge Voltage Action Charge Time*
100% 12.8-13.0 volts None, check at 3 mos. from date of manufacture None required
75%-100% 12.5-12.8 volts May need slight charge, if no charge given, check in 3 months 3-6 hours
50%-75% 12.0-12.5 volts Needs charge 5-11 hours
25%-50% 11.5-12.0 volts Needs charge At least 13 hours, verify state of charge
0%-25% 11.5 volts or less Needs charge with desulfating charger At least 20 hours
*(Using constant current charger @ standard amps specified on top of battery)

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