Charging system 16.9V, YUCK!
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Charging system 16.9V, YUCK!
Beautiful day here, took my bob for a 250 miles ride. On my way back, the charging system shows 16.9V when I am cruising. It drops to 13.6V at a light. Would it be the voltage regulator? How do I check this problem with a multimeter? Hopefully I didn't cook the battery lol. 
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From: Texas
Based on the motorcycle volt meter, it sounds like a classic voltage regulator failure...BUT...make sure you have a charging problem before you start changing things...read the volts at the battery terminals with your voltmeter...should be ~12.5 vdc cold, ~10 vdc when cranking, and ~13.5 vdc running. Engine RPM will affect the charging volts some, but not more than a half volt or so. If you have these voltage reading at the battery during these three cycles, then the problem is something else with the bike's volts indicator system.
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
Start your bike and check voltage across the terminals of the battery, idle could be 13.5v and above 2000 rpm the voltage for a fuel injected bike would be between 14.2-14.5v. The HD gauges sometimes aren't that accurate. If your voltage goes above 14.5 to 16 v it's time for a new reg.
Last edited by seniorsuperglideE8; Oct 13, 2013 at 01:20 PM.
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Extreme HDF Member
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From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Nope, I always watch voltage on my Dakota gauge, never charge over 14.5.
Devil's Advocate
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Alberta, Canada
That is strange, I would monitor it. Go for another short ride tomorrow.
Same bike, same year, same Dakota Digital. Mine runs at 14.9v
Same bike, same year, same Dakota Digital. Mine runs at 14.9v
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Extreme HDF Member
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From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
Got a new regulator, still charging 17V. Disconnect all accessories running just battery, no difference. Disconnect PV and autotune, no difference. I am exhausted, what else could that be? What a disaster. 
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From: Texas
Do NOT trust the HD voltmeter...get a digital multimeter and check the system volts at the battery terminals...if that also shows high voltage, then you may have a stator issue...
To check the stator, you will need to disconnect the voltage regulator plug and check across the pins for continuity (shorted) and then from each pin to chassis ground for infinity (open). If this checks good, then crank it up, and read the AC voltage across the pins coming from the stator. The volts should be 36-46 vac that should vary with RPM.
If these checks are all good, then your battery may not be putting enough of a resistance load on the system, although that is rare...
To check the stator, you will need to disconnect the voltage regulator plug and check across the pins for continuity (shorted) and then from each pin to chassis ground for infinity (open). If this checks good, then crank it up, and read the AC voltage across the pins coming from the stator. The volts should be 36-46 vac that should vary with RPM.
If these checks are all good, then your battery may not be putting enough of a resistance load on the system, although that is rare...