stereo problems
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
John, the more you describe this, the more it sounds like a bad ground somewhere. Can you take a piece of wire, strap it to the back of the radio and run it directly to the battery ground lug and see what happens.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
ok so we've isolated it from being a ground problem. my next step would be to pull the plug apart where the voltage regulator plugs into the stator and inspect it. Sometimes those connector pins will be loose fitting. They need to be nice and tight and completely sealed.
Also, you didn't mention whether this was an HD voltage regulator and HD stator that you used for replacement parts.
Also, you didn't mention whether this was an HD voltage regulator and HD stator that you used for replacement parts.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
My original Harley Radio gave me a major headaches. Got to the point I could tear it apart and put it back together in no time. Then I had to drive for almost 45 minutes to test it before it would act up.
What I discovered was that mine had a face that was separate from the radio's body through the stereo caddy. Those contacts became the whole issue.
Odds are your situation is coming from the charging system. Voltage is one thing, stable DC voltage is another. If the regulator is not properly converting the AC signal from the stator to DC it could be allowing a spiking voltage of AC which the radio would perceive as a "dirty voltage" and cause abnormal sound, and / or noise. Go faster and the more spiking voltage being produced. At an idle the recharge voltage drops back and stabilizes enough to let the radio play correctly.
Grease or oil in the plug between the stator and alternator could give open, or shorted issues causing dirty voltage.
I'd pop open an inspection cover on the primary and smell it to test if the stator is breaking down. If it is the oil will smell like a burnt transformer.
I'd also do an A/C voltage test from the stator to the battery. There's a single terminal (wire) off the voltage regulator that attaches to a mounting block, that's the recharge line. Checking there to see if on a VOM (volt ohm meter) shows any A/C. That would be a bad thing. Could also fry the battery.
Good luck and let us know what you figure out.
What I discovered was that mine had a face that was separate from the radio's body through the stereo caddy. Those contacts became the whole issue.
Odds are your situation is coming from the charging system. Voltage is one thing, stable DC voltage is another. If the regulator is not properly converting the AC signal from the stator to DC it could be allowing a spiking voltage of AC which the radio would perceive as a "dirty voltage" and cause abnormal sound, and / or noise. Go faster and the more spiking voltage being produced. At an idle the recharge voltage drops back and stabilizes enough to let the radio play correctly.
Grease or oil in the plug between the stator and alternator could give open, or shorted issues causing dirty voltage.
I'd pop open an inspection cover on the primary and smell it to test if the stator is breaking down. If it is the oil will smell like a burnt transformer.
I'd also do an A/C voltage test from the stator to the battery. There's a single terminal (wire) off the voltage regulator that attaches to a mounting block, that's the recharge line. Checking there to see if on a VOM (volt ohm meter) shows any A/C. That would be a bad thing. Could also fry the battery.
Good luck and let us know what you figure out.
Last edited by JohnnyC; Sep 28, 2012 at 07:28 AM.
johnny c my regulator has 4 wires 2 to the stater plug 1 to ground and 1 to the breaker no single terminal (wire) off the voltage regulator that attaches to a mounting block i checked voltage when the radio is acting up its 14.4 i brought the rpms to 4000 and it went to 14.5 volts you said What I discovered was that mine had a face that was separate from the radio's body through the stereo caddy. Those contacts became the whole issue was that on a road glide i will look at mine to see if its like that thanks for the in put and the same to you ultranutz
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Different years, different bikes. I can't be certain your faceplate comes off, it was an issue with my factory radio.
Your voltage checks are all that was really needed. I have a central connecting block my regulator output goes to, it's the recharge circuit to the battery.
I was curious if the output fluctuated, or read A/C, indicating the regulator was not fully functioning.
Your voltage checks are all that was really needed. I have a central connecting block my regulator output goes to, it's the recharge circuit to the battery.
I was curious if the output fluctuated, or read A/C, indicating the regulator was not fully functioning.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
John, you have no other issues with the bike whatsoever? To me I would think if VR or Stator, you'd be seeing other issues in addition to the radio.
Can you pop open the derby cover and take a good whiff inside. If there is an issue with your stator, you will certainly never forget the smell it puts off
Can you pop open the derby cover and take a good whiff inside. If there is an issue with your stator, you will certainly never forget the smell it puts off