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Hey all!
So I have never heard of this happening.
My 02 ultra took an electrical crap on me yesterday. Its got around 30k on it so far.
i bought it several months ago at the beginning of the season. Since I bought it, the starts have been a little slow which can be indicative of an aging battery. Ive not had any other issues.
Yesterday I decided to go get dinner and took the bike. I noticed that as I was riding, my engine light was coming on and going off. I checked codes when I got to the restaurant and there were none.
I went in and ate. About 30 minutes. And when I came out and tried to start it, it sounded like a dead battery. (Starter clicking)
a few minutes later it started right up.
driving home, again the engine light came on.
Now here is the weird part. One by one the gauges shut off. Voltage, then radio, then odometer. The speed, tac and fuel still worked and I think my lights stayed on.
I was able to keep riding if I kept the rpm up. By the time I pulled in to my parking lot, it was sputtering and died when I got to my spot.
Today, when I turn the ignition switch on, the radio and odometer work and the lights are bright.
It sounds like a dead battery again.
1 no, I dont know how old the battery is.
2 I dont even know how to remove the seat.
Im a total newb and I just want to know if this sounds familiar to anyone. Thanks in advance.
Last edited by what do i do?; Jun 5, 2018 at 04:28 PM.
Reason: Spacing
Loose connections can cause some funkiness as well. That said, test the battery and the entire charging system appropriately....battery, voltage regulator and stator.
If you don’t have a service manual, you would do well to get one, order online if you can to save money - check eBay & amazon, I ordered mine on amazon for under $40.00, in very gently preowned condition.
This will help you get started - in taking the seat off, inspecting connections at the battery, looking for corrosion on the battery terminal and connections, and any additional troubleshooting you might do for your issue.
I agree with the above - check for loose connections at the battery, corrosion, loose ground wire connections, and the overall battery condition as well.
Unless you have a digital volt ohm meter take it somewhere to have it checked. If you do have one, with the bike not started the voltage should be around 12.7 volts, running about 14.5.
A bike that age could be many things but try the KISS method. Keep it simple stupid, just a saying so no insult directed at you. As mentioned it could be anything from a loose connection to a stator going bad but sounds like a voltage regulator. IDK.
Again. unless you have a meter have it checked, preferably by an Indy as opposed to a Harley dealer that will rape your wallet..
So the battery is good (tested) its less than a year old.
I tested the output of the stator and I got about 24v ac at about 2k rpm. No conductivity to ground.
I cant find the wiring harness to test the regulator is the cause. I sure would like to figure that out before I take it in to the shop.
anyone?
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