Electrical Challenge
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5th Gear
Joined: May 2007
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Electrical Challenge
I seem to have a slow batterydischarge in my 2000 883 Sportster. If the bike sits for two weeks without running or without the trickle charger on, the battery doesn't have enough power to start the bike. Since the battery was 5 years old, I assumed it was dying so I replaced it without improvement in symptoms. Another symptom is thatthe speedometer will occasionally drop to zero when I turn on either turn signal. Signal on, speed registers zero for a moment and then returns to normal. Battery connection is tight.
Anyone else with this problem/solution. I assume there is a short. Any thoughts?
Anyone else with this problem/solution. I assume there is a short. Any thoughts?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 8,438
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From: Gulf Coast of Mississippi
RE: Electrical Challenge
That's going to be a tough one...
It may not have anything to do with the turn signals itself, but since it's an indicator... I'd start there...
Maybe removing the bulbs or unplugging the turn signal harness, breaking the complete circuit and see what happens... maybe there is some type of feedback in the circuit...
Without a wiring diagram it's almost impossible to tell which circuit get their power from where... ( one circuit feeding another) and it could be almost anywhere and often times where you'd never expect...
Regardless it's going to be a process of elimination, unless you find someone who experienced the exact same problem...
Good luck...
Charlie D.
It may not have anything to do with the turn signals itself, but since it's an indicator... I'd start there...
Maybe removing the bulbs or unplugging the turn signal harness, breaking the complete circuit and see what happens... maybe there is some type of feedback in the circuit...
Without a wiring diagram it's almost impossible to tell which circuit get their power from where... ( one circuit feeding another) and it could be almost anywhere and often times where you'd never expect...
Regardless it's going to be a process of elimination, unless you find someone who experienced the exact same problem...
Good luck...
Charlie D.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Electrical Challenge
To start the process of elimination the easy way, remove the fuse for the lighting circuit when you park it. If that doesn't help try a different fuse the next time. You haven't added an alarm system have you? That will kill a battery after a few days.
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5th Gear
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RE: Electrical Challenge
I have not changed anything on the handle bars. When I asked the dealer about it, it sounded like they could spend a lot of time (my money) chasing it down. I was hoping someone would have had the same experience and tell me where to look first.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Gene
Thanks for your thoughts!
Gene
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5th Gear
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RE: Electrical Challenge
The fuse idea sounds full of wisdom. I like that and will see what happens. But that means I have to not ride for two weeks? I'll see about a battery tester to see if it is draining and thereby not have to wait the two weeks.
thanks!
Gene
thanks!
Gene
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Electrical Challenge
ORIGINAL: gpodwis
The fuse idea sounds full of wisdom. I like that and will see what happens. But that means I have to not ride for two weeks? I'll see about a battery tester to see if it is draining and thereby not have to wait the two weeks.
thanks!
Gene
The fuse idea sounds full of wisdom. I like that and will see what happens. But that means I have to not ride for two weeks? I'll see about a battery tester to see if it is draining and thereby not have to wait the two weeks.
thanks!
Gene
Edited: If you place the meter inline on the negative side of the battery you need to make sure the bike is not grounded to an alternate ground. That means rubber (tires) on the ground and an insulating material under the jiffy stand, rubber, wood etc.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Atlanta GA
RE: Electrical Challenge
[sm=exactly.gif]cHarley's method is right on. You can get a DVM for less than $100 that has a 0-2 Amp scale and will do the job. Better than paying the stealer, and you will have it to use again when needed.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Electrical Challenge
An additional word of caution. Once the DVM is connected, DO NOT try to turn anything on, ignition, lights etc. The meter will not handle the current draw and it will blow the internal meter fuse or damage the DVM.