Battery tender killed my battery?
Battery tender killed my battery?
My bike has been connected to a battery tender during a lengthy cold spell. This past weekend I tried to start the bike but it was completely dead. Could the tender actually kill the battery? Any ideas?
HD tender connected to a 2 year old factory battery.
HD tender connected to a 2 year old factory battery.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 6
From: Michigan
Was the light GREEN on the tender, or flashing red, if flashing red, check the fusable link in the pigtail (7.5 amp fuse)
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Denver Colorado
Battery Tender
That seems odd. I put one on my bike just a month ago when it would not start - the anti theft electronics drained enough of the power it would not even turn over. Took about 24 hours to charge - no problem since then. If it is a "battery Tender Jr." the adapter should let you know what the problem is. If the light is green it should be fully charged. If it is flashing red for a long period of time then your battery has bad cells and won't take a charge. You may just have to take the battery out and have it tested. My last factory HD battery lasted 5 years. When it went it was dead dead dead with no warning and the battery tender would not charge it. Check the connections too - if either is not on tight you may not be getting a proper charge, if any at all. either way it is a simple fix but could set you back some $ for a new battery if that is the case.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 6
From: Michigan
That seems odd. I put one on my bike just a month ago when it would not start - the anti theft electronics drained enough of the power it would not even turn over. Took about 24 hours to charge - no problem since then. If it is a "battery Tender Jr." the adapter should let you know what the problem is. If the light is green it should be fully charged. If it is flashing red for a long period of time then your battery has bad cells and won't take a charge. You may just have to take the battery out and have it tested. My last factory HD battery lasted 5 years. When it went it was dead dead dead with no warning and the battery tender would not charge it. Check the connections too - if either is not on tight you may not be getting a proper charge, if any at all. either way it is a simple fix but could set you back some $ for a new battery if that is the case.
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My Schumachers are like that.