charging problems
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Stage I
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1
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From: United Kingdom
charging problems
I have a 2012 softail with some electrical problems.
After 20 mins or so of riding the battery light comes on. after a couple of hours riding the battery will be flat.
I have tested the stator with a altimeter and it is producing the expected current.
I have checked the battery at idle with the multimeter, and then as the engine is running. Both readings are as expected. SO i am a little puzzled as what the problem might be.
After 20 mins or so of riding the battery light comes on. after a couple of hours riding the battery will be flat.
I have tested the stator with a altimeter and it is producing the expected current.
I have checked the battery at idle with the multimeter, and then as the engine is running. Both readings are as expected. SO i am a little puzzled as what the problem might be.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 57
From: Rijssen, the Netherlands
This sounds like a sulphocated battery. The battery is not capable anymore to store the generated electricity. This can be caused by several reasons: long time empty battery (for example during winter storage), old battery (every lead-acid battery has an limited life span, the shorter when the battery is placed in a vibrating or shocking environment) of even a damaged or leaking battery with or without low liquid levels. Measuring the voltage is not enough during running of the engine. Measure the voltage AND the current at the same time. There are clip-on ampere meters at the car parts store who just can be clipped on battery cables and indicates the current running. Together with the voltage you have a better idea of the performance of the alternator. Good luck and keep us informed !
Last edited by Bart van der Meulen; Jun 13, 2017 at 02:55 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,970
Likes: 900
From: Omaha
2012 Softail---- I bet it's got the original battery installed.
If so, replace the battery and then go from there.
If it's a newer battery, have it tested.
If it test good, check for loose wires.
If there's no loose wires, replace the battery.
If so, replace the battery and then go from there.
If it's a newer battery, have it tested.
If it test good, check for loose wires.
If there's no loose wires, replace the battery.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 57
From: Rijssen, the Netherlands
And a tiny but important tip: don't buy your battery as a genuine part at a Harley dealer. Look at the type numbers and go to a specialized battery shop. They have better brands and for sure cheaper than HD. With some smiling they will test your present battery for you for free with a resistance and a special tool.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 494
Likes: 63
From: Bay Area, CA
The battery light coming on means the voltage is too low while the bike is running. The battery could be bad, but if the bike is running and the stator and regulator are functioning properly, the voltage should not drop until you kill the motor. I had a similar problem when my stator was failing. The voltage has to be low for 5 minutes before the light comes on. When I would leave my house, I was on the freeway within 5 minutes, turning more RPM, so my failing stator made enough juice. When coming home, I would get the light when riding city streets. What is the voltage across the posts when the bike is running at idle? It sounds like you are able to recharge the battery after it goes dead? If you can charge it and start the bike again, the battery still may be bad but it sounds like you have another issue as well.
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