Gator won't charge

[iShowlove]

I hooked up the battery backwards on my 2001 Gator 6x4 (yeah, rookie move) and fixed it, so it starts now but won't charge and the battery dies quick. The shop said check fuse under dash, but the only one I see's for the glove box outlet, what else do I check?

 

[jfiebs21]

Sounds like a frustrating situation!! After hooking the battery up backwards, its possible the charging system got damaged. Since the fuse under the dash is for the glove box outlet, check the fuse for the charging circuit likely near the voltage regulator. You could also inspect the voltage regulator and the wiring to ensure nothing got fried. Battery longevity in small equipment is tricky, but the key is keeping that charging system healthy… If its not charging properly, the battery will drain fast, no matter how much you "maintain" it.

 

[Shootingcomet]

I learned a trick a while back about checking if it's the battery or the charging system. Start the Gator and get a multimeter to check the voltage. If it's above 13V then the Gator is charging properly and the battery is gone. If it's below, then you probably fried something.

 

[Dominoes King]

I hooked up the battery backwards on my 2001 Gator 6x4 (yeah, rookie move) and fixed it, so it starts now but won't charge and the battery dies quick. The shop said check fuse under dash, but the only one I see's for the glove box outlet, what else do I check?

Did reversing the battery possibly blow the main charging fuse or fusible link in the Gator's wiring harness that controls the alternator?