Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Testing regulator, need help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 31, 2015 | 10:52 AM
  #11  
greggmig's Avatar
greggmig
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 149
Likes: 2
From: worcester massuchusetts
Default

[QUOTE=EasternSP;14347467]Toast, crackers, steak, etc.[/QUOTE

Hope you re not putting it on your johnson!
 
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2015 | 08:56 PM
  #12  
vicsponjr's Avatar
vicsponjr
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,278
Likes: 189
From: Ridley Park, Pa.
Default

Well it looks like it wasn't the regulator. I did the diode test on the new one and got the same results. 350 on one combination, 1 on the other three. I guess all the regulator tests I'm looking at don't apply to these regulators. I installed the new one and I am only getting a little more than 13 volts DC at the battery with the engine at 3,000 rpm. I put it all together and took it for a ride. When I turn the spots, radio, and bag lights on the volt meter on the dash drops to 12V at idle.

I didn't have a lot of time to mess with it and check anything else tonight. Hopefully I'll get a chance tomorrow night.
 
Reply
Old Sep 9, 2015 | 10:13 PM
  #13  
theCoach's Avatar
theCoach
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 267
Likes: 19
From: south
Default

Originally Posted by vicsponjr
Well it looks like it wasn't the regulator. I did the diode test on the new one and got the same results. 350 on one combination, 1 on the other three. I guess all the regulator tests I'm looking at don't apply to these regulators. I installed the new one and I am only getting a little more than 13 volts DC at the battery with the engine at 3,000 rpm. I put it all together and took it for a ride. When I turn the spots, radio, and bag lights on the volt meter on the dash drops to 12V at idle.

I didn't have a lot of time to mess with it and check anything else tonight. Hopefully I'll get a chance tomorrow night.
From what I've read in the Harley electrical diagnostic manual, 13 volts @ 3000 is good, system is charging. My dash gauge runs 12 at idle as well, 14 off idle. Are you still getting trouble codes with the new regulator?
 
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2015 | 08:31 AM
  #14  
vicsponjr's Avatar
vicsponjr
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,278
Likes: 189
From: Ridley Park, Pa.
Default

I just cleared the original code last night. I have not got any eng or batt lights since the first time.

I unplugged the stator last night and checked the leads with the meter set to ohms. I had 0.0 with the positive lead to each of the three wires and the ground on an engine bolt. Some things I read say it is not supposed to be grounded, but that was a different type stator, "check two wires"

I also checked the stator side of the new regulator and I am getting 12 volts there. Seems the old diagnostic threads I am reading do not work for the 2008 Touring models ??
 
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2015 | 08:49 AM
  #15  
theCoach's Avatar
theCoach
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 267
Likes: 19
From: south
Default

Vic,
I found this 2008 model info; hope it helps.

Stator Check
1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. See Figure 1-16. Connect an ohmmeter.
a. Disconnect voltage regulator connector from alternator
stator wiring.
b. Insert one ohmmeter lead into a stator connector
socket.
c. Attach the other lead to a suitable ground.
3. Test for continuity with ohmmeter set to the ohms scale.
a. A good stator will show no continuity (open circuit)
between any stator sockets and ground.
b. Any other reading indicates a grounded stator which
must be replaced.
4. See Figure 1-17. Remove ground lead. Check resistance
across stator sockets 1-2, 2-3 and 3-1.
5. Test for resistance with ohmmeter set on the ohms scale.
a. Resistance across all the stator sockets should be
0.1-0.2 ohms.
b. If the resistance is higher, the stator is damaged and
must be replaced.
c. If the resistance is lower, it could indicate turn to turn
short.

Also, concerning your volt test, found this;
Current and Voltage Output Test: Using
Load Tester
1. See Figure 1-14. Connect load tester.
a. Connect negative and positive leads to battery terminals.
b. Place load tester induction pickup over positive regulator
cable.
2. Run the engine at 3000 RPM. Increase the load as
required to obtain a constant 13.0VDC. Do not leave any
load switch turned on for more than 20 seconds or overheating
and tester damage are possible.
3. The current output should be 35-50 amps. Make note of
measurement for use in TOTAL CURRENT DRAW TEST.
NOTE
Rider's habits may require output test at lower RPM.
4. See Figure 1-14. After removing the load, read the load
tester voltage meter.
a. If voltage to the battery is not more than 15V, voltage
output is within specifications. Investigate other possible
problems. See Charging System Test.
b. If voltage is higher, voltage regulator is not functioning
properly
 
Reply
Old Sep 10, 2015 | 02:42 PM
  #16  
vicsponjr's Avatar
vicsponjr
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,278
Likes: 189
From: Ridley Park, Pa.
Default

Thanks Coach.

I don't have a load tester but from what I see about the stator test it is confirming that the stator is bad. Guess it's time to open the primary.
 
Reply
Old Sep 25, 2015 | 03:29 AM
  #17  
vicsponjr's Avatar
vicsponjr
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Veteran: Army
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,278
Likes: 189
From: Ridley Park, Pa.
Default

Had the stator replied. Indy claims he used a cycle electric. Great output now.
He said I was lucky I didn't burn up the new regulator which got me worried so I unplugged the stator side and I am still getting 12+ volts on the 3 posts of the regulator. When I asked him about it he said "it's fine" Sure hope so, don't want to have to go for another stator and regulator.
 
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2018 | 10:43 AM
  #18  
toryhardin92's Avatar
toryhardin92
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 66
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Default

Originally Posted by EasternSP
Yep, any voltage at any of the pins were the stator plugs in means your regulator is bad. It's none repairable.

does this his apply to 2016 FXDB street bob? I did this very test and voltage so I replaced.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 8, 2018 | 12:42 PM
  #19  
toryhardin92's Avatar
toryhardin92
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 66
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Default

Originally Posted by theCoach
Vic,
I found this 2008 model info; hope it helps.

Stator Check
1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. See Figure 1-16. Connect an ohmmeter.
a. Disconnect voltage regulator connector from alternator
stator wiring.
b. Insert one ohmmeter lead into a stator connector
socket.
c. Attach the other lead to a suitable ground.
3. Test for continuity with ohmmeter set to the ohms scale.
a. A good stator will show no continuity (open circuit)
between any stator sockets and ground.
b. Any other reading indicates a grounded stator which
must be replaced.
4. See Figure 1-17. Remove ground lead. Check resistance
across stator sockets 1-2, 2-3 and 3-1.
5. Test for resistance with ohmmeter set on the ohms scale.
a. Resistance across all the stator sockets should be
0.1-0.2 ohms.
b. If the resistance is higher, the stator is damaged and
must be replaced.
c. If the resistance is lower, it could indicate turn to turn
short.

Also, concerning your volt test, found this;
Current and Voltage Output Test: Using
Load Tester
1. See Figure 1-14. Connect load tester.
a. Connect negative and positive leads to battery terminals.
b. Place load tester induction pickup over positive regulator
cable.
2. Run the engine at 3000 RPM. Increase the load as
required to obtain a constant 13.0VDC. Do not leave any
load switch turned on for more than 20 seconds or overheating
and tester damage are possible.
3. The current output should be 35-50 amps. Make note of
measurement for use in TOTAL CURRENT DRAW TEST.
NOTE
Rider's habits may require output test at lower RPM.
4. See Figure 1-14. After removing the load, read the load
tester voltage meter.
a. If voltage to the battery is not more than 15V, voltage
output is within specifications. Investigate other possible
problems. See Charging System Test.
b. If voltage is higher, voltage regulator is not functioning
properly
i have a 16 FXDB street bob.

AC OUTPUT- pass
GROUND TEST- pass
Resistance- 0.6 on all 3 wires...

does this sound okay??!
 
Reply
Old Aug 9, 2018 | 06:37 PM
  #20  
woodthumb2's Avatar
woodthumb2
Tourer
5 Year Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 372
Likes: 82
From: FL East Coast /Western NC
Default

Originally Posted by vicsponjr
I had the eng light and battery light come on on my 2008 Ultra. Bike off I get 13.6 volts. Same at idle.
Stator continuity test was good. I unplugged the stator and had about 20 volts at each wire at idle.
I then check the stator side of the regulator and had about 12.6 volts at each of the posts.
Next I tried the diode test on the regulator. The only time I got a reading was with the neg lead from the meter to the pos socket of the charge side of the regulator, positive lead to each of the stator posts. 360 at all 3 stator posts. No readings at all with the other 3 combinations.

Does this sound like a bad regulator? Would I be safe trying a new regulator or would a bad stator burn it up?
yep... another vote for the regulator... change it first and go oem in my opinion... my old would work fine one day and not the next... are you seeing high or low voltage codes ?
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:14 PM.

story-0
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-3
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-4
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-8
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

Slideshow: A clear-eyed look at what actually worked for Harley this year, and what quietly undermined its progress.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-29 17:10:48


VIEW MORE