You can check the charging function easily. Connect a voltmeter to the battery. With the battery fully charged and the engine not running you should read about 12.6 volts. With the engine at idle speed or slightly faster than idle speed you will read over 13 volts. Mine reads around 14 volts. <br /><br />If it is not charging your rectifier is probably defective. I had to replace mine this week. I don't know how long it's been defective but after testing and a visual inspection I found that it was burned out. The new part was only $38.00 and took 5 minutes to replace.
