Clarification on charging system test

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Apr 10, 2020 | 01:53 AM

Tdubya08

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From: Indiana

Clarification on charging system test

hope im in the right forum, but i believe this is general chat. I was having charging system issues and wanted to be thorough and not **** $ away as i am NOT a mechanic but prefer to fix what i can to save my wallet. Anyway, i came across a chat where a dude was asking about charging system trouble shooting on a 09 egc. Which got an answer directing to a sticky which looked and sounded very helpful. Clarification i need is: one step says disconnect volt reg from stator, attach test light to neg bat term and touch prongs on VR that stator plugs into and if u get the slightest light(or voltage) VR is toast. Now i did this test(as well as others) but got light(and voltage) on reg in question. So, i determined reg was bad and went and goy new one and out of curiosity did same test and WTF , got same results. Hooked all back up and charge system was good. Like i said. I did all the other tests too but luckily i did not rely on this one alone. Can sombody please clear this up for me? Sorry for such a long winded question, but hope i made it clear as mud 😃. Thanks for any help.
Oh yeah, i am working on 08 ultra classic

Last edited by Tdubya08; Apr 10, 2020 at 01:55 AM.

Apr 10, 2020 | 09:33 AM

Zerk

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From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs

electrical forum might be better. Harley manual does talk about using test light, which I think is just testing diodes. I wish they had something more in depth.

Myself I rev it and make sure it doesn't go over about 14.4 dc. Not saying all encompassing, but easy for one. Problem is, doesn't guarantee not intermittent.

It is an 09, a new votl reg wouldn't be bad. Though I don't know problems you are having. That may be the place to start.

Apr 10, 2020 | 03:00 PM

WP50

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Joined: Apr 2011

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From: W. Texas

I have always used a volt meter to do the tests. Never used a test light.
Bottom line probably is if your stator all ck'd out the Regulator was bad.
Hopefully someone might be better at answering your question will come along.

I tested and replaced the voltage reg on my 08 UC a couple weeks ago but didn't think to test the new one.

WP

Apr 10, 2020 | 03:17 PM