Charging system/ gauge
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 27
Likes: 6
From: Alberta Canada
Charging system/ gauge
I have a 2013 street glide. My gauge on the dash says it is over charging when running and when it is sitting not running with just key on it reads normal volts in batt. When I have it running, as I said it says it is over charging, yet I put a gauge on it, it will say it is charging normal. Why is the gauge saying its over charging? Thanks in advance.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
Sounds like you may have a defective volt meter or possibly a ground issue but I'd suggest that you have your charging system checked before replacing anything.
H-D had some voltage regulator issues with the '12 touring models and I had to have the v/r replaced on my '13 CVO Ultra at about 25,000 miles.
Good luck.
H-D had some voltage regulator issues with the '12 touring models and I had to have the v/r replaced on my '13 CVO Ultra at about 25,000 miles.
Good luck.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
HD gauges notoriously suck for accuracy. Has it changed or always read this? What is the gauge actually reading? They always read high.
I think this falls into the category of a phrase which you will hear a lot regarding most any of your concerns if you are new to Harley. "Don't worry, they all do that."
If you have put a test meter on and it reads fine, then check your gauge on the dash and make a note that's normal. If it goes higher, get out you test meter again to troubleshoot and verify.
If it was really overcharging, you will get a check engine light and a stored code. Having just fried two voltage regulators and a stator....trust me. I know. ( My fault they fried. Don't worry.)
Good luck and welcome to the forum.
I think this falls into the category of a phrase which you will hear a lot regarding most any of your concerns if you are new to Harley. "Don't worry, they all do that."
If you have put a test meter on and it reads fine, then check your gauge on the dash and make a note that's normal. If it goes higher, get out you test meter again to troubleshoot and verify.
If it was really overcharging, you will get a check engine light and a stored code. Having just fried two voltage regulators and a stator....trust me. I know. ( My fault they fried. Don't worry.)
Good luck and welcome to the forum.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
so- take a reading at the battery and compare the in dash gauge.
if you have a battery tender pigtail you can test there, saves pulling the seat.
you should never see voltages ( at the battery with a "real" voltmeter )over 14.8 - higher than that means the VR has failed and will kill your battery dead...in turn the failing battery can kill your stator. when the VR fails it may overvolt your electrical system...and may also pass AC voltage.
on analog electrical systems ( 13 and earlier, 14+ are CANBUS), the in dash gauge will usually read about a 1/2 volt low...but that is constant...on earlier models where the lighting and ignition are on the same switch ( like my evo) the gauge will read about 1.5 volts low...and dance around with the horn or the blinkers, this is due to voltage drop in the wring harness- a poor design.
so, do a test and then see what remedy if any needs doing
being where you are, if you are going to run your bike...get it hot ALL the way through to boil out any water from condensation which will form inside your cases, gas tank and exhaust.
Mike
if you have a battery tender pigtail you can test there, saves pulling the seat.
you should never see voltages ( at the battery with a "real" voltmeter )over 14.8 - higher than that means the VR has failed and will kill your battery dead...in turn the failing battery can kill your stator. when the VR fails it may overvolt your electrical system...and may also pass AC voltage.
on analog electrical systems ( 13 and earlier, 14+ are CANBUS), the in dash gauge will usually read about a 1/2 volt low...but that is constant...on earlier models where the lighting and ignition are on the same switch ( like my evo) the gauge will read about 1.5 volts low...and dance around with the horn or the blinkers, this is due to voltage drop in the wring harness- a poor design.
so, do a test and then see what remedy if any needs doing
being where you are, if you are going to run your bike...get it hot ALL the way through to boil out any water from condensation which will form inside your cases, gas tank and exhaust.
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 22, 2017 at 06:50 PM.
I went through this same thing with my 2011 SG. Voltage gauge would peg out when riding. Sometimes I could sit and watch it move around while the bike was running. I checked the voltage at the battery and everything read fine. Had the shop take a look at it before my warranty expired and they couldn't find any problems. Tech told me that Harley gauges are junk and not to worry about it. I've been riding it like that for 5 years now and no problems.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
