Battery
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Stage III
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Dayton, Ohio
Battery
Hey guys new to this so bear with me.
I have 98 wide glide. In the last two years ive had to replace 5 or 6 batteries due to lack of cold cranking amp. This happens at all different time and seams to be for no apparent reason. Can anyone tell me why this may be happening. I should add they have been batteries from the local auto parts store.
I have 98 wide glide. In the last two years ive had to replace 5 or 6 batteries due to lack of cold cranking amp. This happens at all different time and seams to be for no apparent reason. Can anyone tell me why this may be happening. I should add they have been batteries from the local auto parts store.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,144
Likes: 12,709
From: South Carolina
5 or 6 batteries in 2 years, did you not think there was a problem after say, the 1st new battery went kaput?
Do you know for sure the battery was the problem?
Fully charge the battery and have it load tested.
While the battery is out, pull the cables and clean the terminals at both ends, both the positive and negative cable.
Once back together with a known good battery, perform a charging system check, as laid out in the Factory Service Manual.
Do you know for sure the battery was the problem?
Fully charge the battery and have it load tested.
While the battery is out, pull the cables and clean the terminals at both ends, both the positive and negative cable.
Once back together with a known good battery, perform a charging system check, as laid out in the Factory Service Manual.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jul 5, 2020 at 03:29 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Dayton, Ohio
5 or 6 batteries in 2 years, did you not think there was a problem after say, the 1st new battery went kaput?
Do you know for sure the battery was the problem?
Fully charge the battery and have it load tested.
While the battery is out, pull the cables and clean the terminals at both ends, both the positive and negative cable.
Once back together with a known good battery, perform a charging system check, as laid out in the Factory Service Manual.
Do you know for sure the battery was the problem?
Fully charge the battery and have it load tested.
While the battery is out, pull the cables and clean the terminals at both ends, both the positive and negative cable.
Once back together with a known good battery, perform a charging system check, as laid out in the Factory Service Manual.
I have cleaned and replaced both positive and negative wire and terminals.
Also at the beginning of the season after the second battery I replaced the whole charging system, thinking that it was over charging.
Ill let you know on the new battery tomorrow when I pick it up. I will also do a new charging diagnostic test. Thanks for the advice.
Thread Starter
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Stage III
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Dayton, Ohio
I should add. I road all day the day before with zero problems. Started and ran fine all day. When to leave the next day and it was completely dead.
After a full night on charger still wouldn't start. Parts store said zero cranking amps. Same as before. I'm at a loss.
After a full night on charger still wouldn't start. Parts store said zero cranking amps. Same as before. I'm at a loss.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,098
Likes: 13,030
From: Texas, USA
The battery is out and being tested at local auto parts store.
I have cleaned and replaced both positive and negative wire and terminals.
Also at the beginning of the season after the second battery I replaced the whole charging system, thinking that it was over charging.
Ill let you know on the new battery tomorrow when I pick it up. I will also do a new charging diagnostic test. Thanks for the advice.
I have cleaned and replaced both positive and negative wire and terminals.
Also at the beginning of the season after the second battery I replaced the whole charging system, thinking that it was over charging.
Ill let you know on the new battery tomorrow when I pick it up. I will also do a new charging diagnostic test. Thanks for the advice.
Put a new battery in the bike and charge it overnight. Don't assume it is fully charged when you get it. Then do as Dan suggests and test your charging system.
If you don't have a Factory Service Manual (FSM) then use the links below. They will point you to the electrical forum and the steps to check your charging system.
Testing The Charging System (Part 1)
Testing The Charging System (Part 2)
5 or 6 batteries in 2 years, did you not think there was a problem after say, the 1st new battery went kaput?
Do you know for sure the battery was the problem?
Fully charge the battery and have it load tested.
While the battery is out, pull the cables and clean the terminals at both ends, both the positive and negative cable.
Once back together with a known good battery, perform a charging system check, as laid out in the Factory Service Manual.
Do you know for sure the battery was the problem?
Fully charge the battery and have it load tested.
While the battery is out, pull the cables and clean the terminals at both ends, both the positive and negative cable.
Once back together with a known good battery, perform a charging system check, as laid out in the Factory Service Manual.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,496
Likes: 30,783
From: Pennsylvania
The problem may be getting the same type of battery from the same parts store. Is it a specific brand? and are you getting the same brand every time? Is the battery you are getting a motorcycle battery? Vibration is hell on batteries and can short plates if the battery is not made for the vibration. Suggest getting a motorcycle battery from Battery Mart or some similar distributor.
https://www.batterymart.com/p-mtx-20...l-battery.html
However, make sure your stator, voltage regulator and wiring in in good working order before just replacing parts. Oh and use a good VOM or have someone that has a good one test the system.
https://www.batterymart.com/p-mtx-20...l-battery.html
However, make sure your stator, voltage regulator and wiring in in good working order before just replacing parts. Oh and use a good VOM or have someone that has a good one test the system.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
Bike that age with slow cranking could be the solenoid contacts. Wear item and a cheap and easy fix...
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Tourer
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 381
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From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Replacing a battery is a good first move since it usually should be done anyway for a bike that's new to you. I think a new battery is appropriate for a used bike that you're going over for yourself. At this point though, you're beyond that having been through a couple.
Is the bike newly yours, or how long have you had it? Is this your first go at working on this particular issue on it? What's the last thing you did related to all this?
Is the bike newly yours, or how long have you had it? Is this your first go at working on this particular issue on it? What's the last thing you did related to all this?
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 3,046
Likes: 1,212
From: New Hampsha
If you recharge the battery, can it then start the bike? Or, have you had 5-6 batteries that wouldn't take a charge? I mean, is the battery toast, or just discharged? Maybe something is staying on and killing the battery overnight.
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