Voltage Guage Reading

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 17, 2005 | 09:46 AM

doch4m

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 100

Likes: 0

From: Westminster, MD

Voltage Guage Reading

03 FLHTPI. Was riding Saturday and the voltage guage was at 15. When I start it, the voltage is at 12 or 13, and then goes right up to 15. Is this normal or too high? This is my first Harley, and I've only had it for 6 weeks, so I don't know if this is new, or it's been like this since I've had it.

Thanks!

Doug

Oct 17, 2005 | 10:10 AM

HDF Tech

Banned

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 14,496

Likes: 156

From:

RE: Voltage Guage Reading

It sounds a bit high, should be in the low 14's, check it against another voltage meter to see if it's acurate, may be reading higher than it actually is charging.

Oct 17, 2005 | 11:05 AM

Triple Z

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 162

Likes: 1

From:

RE: Voltage Guage Reading

Quote:

ORIGINAL: doch4m

03 FLHTPI. Was riding Saturday and the voltage guage was at 15. When I start it, the voltage is at 12 or 13, and then goes right up to 15. Is this normal or too high? This is my first Harley, and I've only had it for 6 weeks, so I don't know if this is new, or it's been like this since I've had it.

Thanks!

Doug

Hi Doug....Doug here....

The dashboard Voltmeter on 99% of the FL bikes is not very accurate. Mine for example, is usually pinned at around 16V at cruise.
If you're worried, do as TCSTD sez. Check the actual voltage with a VOM right at the battery terminals.

Oct 18, 2005 | 07:02 AM

BirchwhiteHD

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 1,000

Likes: 0

From: NH

RE: Voltage Guage Reading

My 2004 EG police reads the same as what your saying,idle it reads about right,cruizing speed around 15-16 volts, my voltage was checked,nothing wrong with mine,just doesnt read right. was told it may have something to do with the police bikes coming with the 45amp charging system,because they are made to have a electric system that will run all kinds of lights and accesories. no one really seems to know why it reads so high,have it checked for piece of mind,like i did

mike

Oct 19, 2005 | 08:25 AM

doch4m

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 100

Likes: 0

From: Westminster, MD

RE: Voltage Guage Reading

Update -

Thanks all for info and advice. I checked with my digital electrical tester at the battery, and here's what I got -

everything off - 12.6
ignition switch (and lights) on, not started - 11.9
running at idle and at 2000 rpm - 14.4

So I guess everything is good. Thanks again!

Doug

Oct 19, 2005 | 11:12 AM

HDF Tech

Banned

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 14,496

Likes: 156

From:

RE: Voltage Guage Reading

At 14.4 you're on the money. The HD gauges are not that acurate from the very begining.

Oct 19, 2005 | 06:02 PM

harleypete1450

Novice

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

RE: Voltage Guage Reading

Hello, I have a Ultra Classic 2005 and the very first thing I noticed was the high reading on my voltmeter. I tinker with Electronics and Ham radio, W2HP is my Ham call, and I took out a Fluke 77 Digital Voltmeter. Its got a accuracy of + or - 0.1 volt. With the voltmeter on my bike indicating at or near 15 volts, I hooked up the Fluke DVM to the battery and saw 13.9 volts. Now thats OK. Also when a bike is hot and after sitting for a while and restarted the battery voltage will need to climb back to a full charge. My previous Ultras all exhibited this condition. The voltmeter in the dash is not overly accurate. Its mainly a relative indication of charging or discharging. Its normal to see the voltage drop somewhat at idle. But when you first click on the ignition and take notice of the voltmeter, then start the bike and after a few seconds take note of that voltage level, it should provide you with a relative indicator of charging system preformance. Peter

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Verdad Gallardo

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Verdad Gallardo

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Pouria Savadkouei

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Pouria Savadkouei

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

Verdad Gallardo

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

Verdad Gallardo

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Verdad Gallardo

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Verdad Gallardo

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Joe Kucinski

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Verdad Gallardo

Oct 19, 2005 | 09:35 PM

V2 Bagger

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 320

Likes: 0

From: Detroit

RE: Voltage Guage Reading

Quote:

ORIGINAL: bskubon

I also have an 05 Ultra. My voltage gauge is mostly around 14V.

How's your fuel guage? Mine has been in the shop three times trying to get is more accurate.

Surprised your dealer would even write up a fuel gage concern. After your off full they flop around till their empty. Trip meter is the real fuel gage. I wish I had your digital A B Trip meter.