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Help!!! I have a 1993 electraglide classic and when I apply the rear brake the voltage will drop way down (approx to 8 to 10 volts) which causes my right turn signal to stop working. When I am stopped and I rev the engine up alittle to build the voltage back up then the right turn signal will start working again. Also when the turn signals (left or right) are on, the voltmeter will drop and rise along with the turn signal as it blinks. Has anyone ran across this before?
I called the dealer where I bought it from and the mechanic told me this was normal for the older Harleys. That just doesn't sound right to me!
I am also having the same problem on my '93 Ultra Classic. The voltage drops way down when either the front or rear brake is applied. If the turn signal is on (either right or left) and the brake is applied, the signal light cuts out. I have had a load check done on the battery, the battery is good. The voltmeter will drop and rise along with the turn signal as it blinks. My voltmeter reads 12V @ 2000 RPM. It should read 13.5 -14.0V. I have cleaned every electrical connector on this bike with no improvement.
I have a 1992 ultra classic and it the voltmeter will go down and the needle will fluctuate in sync with the blinker while it is on. My voltmeter also reads 12v@ 2000 rpmbut a meter on the battery shows it at 13v. My voltmeter(dash) will go down to about 11v with the spotlights on. I have been wondering about this as well.
nobody seems to ever answer these questions. To revive this thread, my 1990 does the same thing. The voltmeter reads 14v when I first start it. It then drops down to about 12.5 at idle. If I apply the front brake it drops to about 10v. If I put the blinkers on it fluctuates between 8 and 11v. 1990 FLHTCU. Battery barely fluctuates voltage. I put a meter on it and if I apply the front brake or put on the spot lights the battery barely drops any voltage but the voltmeter takes a dive.
hate to say it but the "that's typical in older harleys" that didn't sound right at first seems a little more typical now that all of you are expressing the same problem.
i'm not an electrician (or a mechanic) but i know you have a battery, a stator, a rotor, and a voltage regulator in your system. if the battery checks out and you also checked/cleaned all of your connections i'd say your best bet is to start with the regulator. its the easiest and cheapest plan b and you can get yourself a shiney chrome one, winning.
my buddy has been experiencing random drops in voltage from 14 down to 8 on his 04 electra glide. there doesn't seem to be any catalyst for the issue like applying the brake seems to be in these cases. i will let you know how his works out, keep me posted on how yours goes too! good luck.
I have the same problem on a 90 ultra classic. Only thing different for me is that after an hour of riding in 100 degrees my volt meter will go straight to 16 and stay there till bike is parked overnight. when it is restarted it will show 13.5 and fluctuate with brakes applied and signals on. Any thought? Thanks
Before you do anything or spend any money go to the Evo section and read the sticky by Dr Hess on charging problems. He gives an excellent guide to finding what is wrong.
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