Battery and engine light on and headlight went out

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Sep 4, 2018 | 07:33 AM

jakefd

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4th Gear

Joined: Jan 2016

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From: Pittsburgh

Battery and engine light on and headlight went out

I have a 2011 Sportster 1200. This morning I started to ride and noticed the engine light and battery light were on, but ran normal. Went around the block to make sure ok and then the speedometer light went out and then back on and the engine and battery lights went out. Pulled back in at home and noticed the headlight (low beam) is not working, but the high beam does. Could this just be that my running light burned out and that is why I got those light warnings. I did not continue to ride it to work in case something else was wrong. Plan to look at it tonight though.

Sep 4, 2018 | 10:09 AM

cHarley

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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakefd

I have a 2011 Sportster 1200. This morning I started to ride and noticed the engine light and battery light were on, but ran normal. Went around the block to make sure ok and then the speedometer light went out and then back on and the engine and battery lights went out. Pulled back in at home and noticed the headlight (low beam) is not working, but the high beam does. Could this just be that my running light burned out and that is why I got those light warnings. I did not continue to ride it to work in case something else was wrong. Plan to look at it tonight though.

This is typically and indication of low battery voltage which is often caused by a charging system failure, regulator, stator, or both.
Start by measuring the battery voltage with the key ON but not started. Use a digital meter (DVM) measured to the 1/10th of a volt)
Then measure the battery voltage with the motor running at a fast idle (~2000 RPM).
Next, report back with the voltage readings.

Sep 4, 2018 | 10:17 AM

Jackie Paper

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Joined: Mar 2010

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From: Honah Lee

Like cHarley says, and do it on the terminal and the battery. As a quick check Pobably be best to pull terminal, clean and rebolt first . Your low beam is probably burnt out.

Sep 4, 2018 | 10:42 AM

jakefd

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4th Gear

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From: Pittsburgh

I will check tonight and let you know.

Sep 4, 2018 | 11:43 AM

grbrown

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From: Bedford UK

Another symptom of a charging fault is high voltage, which could have burned out your low beam. In the Tech Electrical section there are two Stickies with guidance on checking your chraging system. User them to diagnose the cause of your problem.

Sep 4, 2018 | 04:27 PM

jakefd

Thread Starter

4th Gear

Joined: Jan 2016

Posts: 8

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From: Pittsburgh

13.23 with key on and 14+ started at 2000 rpm. Think maybe a fluke. Lights did not come back on this afternoon when started it up from sitting a day. Will report back if issue happens again.