I have a 2013 570 . Today I had the check engine light come on with OV voltage alarm . After checking the battery leads on the battery the positive lead was loose but still in constant contact . From what I have read this was supposed to be the first thing to check . My question is why would a loose terminal cause the voltage regulator to over charge ? It was over charging between 17.0 - 18.3 volts . After finding out the lead was loose I did not even tighten it back up and went from a test drive . Engine light was off and no OV alarm . I just want to understand why a loose lead would cause the over charge ?
Thank you

Because the charging system was running wide open trying to charge a barely connected battery.
Why would you ride the machine around knowing the battery cable was not tight? Are you intentionally trying to fry electrical components?

 

Depending on how long its been loose you should probably test the voltage regulator and stator to make sure they haven't been damaged.

 

Also curious why you would leave the battery lead loose and continue riding.

 

Unless that’s a typo, Sportsman 570 didn’t come out till 2014! Connect that battery, and start testing like polman recommended.

 

Good eye Sprotsman. I didn't catch that.