Voltage meter fluctuating 2009 FLHX
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Voltage meter fluctuating 2009 FLHX
My 2009 FLHX always reads a solid 14 volts under all loads. This past week I noticed the volt meter fluctuating between 12 volts then right back up to 14 volts when stopping for a traffic light after applying both brakes.
Would this condition indicate a failing battery cell, stator, voltage regulator or combination off ?
Best regards, LB
Would this condition indicate a failing battery cell, stator, voltage regulator or combination off ?
Best regards, LB
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
your voltmeter will likely do that, confirm all readings with a "real" voltmeter at the battery ( or attached to the tender pigtail)
due to voltage drop in the wiring harness, the in dash voltmeter is affected by spots on or off, high beam or horn.
many in-dash voltmeters read high or low by a couple of volts
with a real voltmeter you should never see readings about 14.8 volts
at idle around 12.5 volts is normal
the charging system depends on motor rpms, so faster turning motor makes more power to your battery that is why you would see the voltage drop at an idle speed
if you are concerned about your battery, take it out
charge overnight with a charger ( not tender) at a 5 amp or so charge rate
then load test at autozone
while it is out, check the battery cables are clean and tight at both ends....you can loosen and then re-tighten the cable connections.
mike
( I use Flukes at work, and in my shop. they are accurate and will survive a drop...but even the freebie harbor freight voltmeter works quite well- I keep one in each of my cars...they are free.)
due to voltage drop in the wiring harness, the in dash voltmeter is affected by spots on or off, high beam or horn.
many in-dash voltmeters read high or low by a couple of volts
with a real voltmeter you should never see readings about 14.8 volts
at idle around 12.5 volts is normal
the charging system depends on motor rpms, so faster turning motor makes more power to your battery that is why you would see the voltage drop at an idle speed
if you are concerned about your battery, take it out
charge overnight with a charger ( not tender) at a 5 amp or so charge rate
then load test at autozone
while it is out, check the battery cables are clean and tight at both ends....you can loosen and then re-tighten the cable connections.
mike
( I use Flukes at work, and in my shop. they are accurate and will survive a drop...but even the freebie harbor freight voltmeter works quite well- I keep one in each of my cars...they are free.)
Last edited by mkguitar; Aug 22, 2015 at 06:20 PM.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Socialist Republic of the USA
I have been measuring voltage/shorts/ohms/amps/yada yada for decades. I will only trust a digital Fluke volt/ohm meter. Like everything else in life and my life's philosophy, I am too poor to buy cheap and you get what you pay for.
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From: Utah
I remember when digital VOM's first came out and they had to pry the Simpson's out of our hands.
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