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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.