Intermittent charging issue

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Jun 28, 2018 | 09:38 PM

Spookers

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Stage I

Joined: Jun 2018

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From: wisconsin

Intermittent charging issue

On my 08 Flhtcu, while ridding my volt meter will drop down to 11v. This happens very sporadically I ride 30 miles to and from work and I can ride for a few weeks with no issues but then it happens. I have tested the battery, stator, and regulator as the service manual describes but all pass the test. I have retightened all connections. In my experience, the stator and the regulator are all or nothing. What would cause this random problem.

Jun 28, 2018 | 09:49 PM

Yamaharley

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2016

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From: Wayne County, PA

Did you check all the grounds. Sounds like an intermittent connection.

Jun 28, 2018 | 10:35 PM

ScottinAZ

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2017

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From: Globe AZ

check again for loose connections or a chafed wire.

Jun 28, 2018 | 11:01 PM

nytryder

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

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From: Central Fl

Had a similar problem on my '08 RG, regulator was bad.

Jun 29, 2018 | 05:24 AM

ohioflhs

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2009

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From: Ohio

That is exactly how the voltage regulator fails. Intermittent at first then a hard failure.

Jun 29, 2018 | 07:05 AM

whyrzwaldo

Tourer

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 377

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From: Buckeye Country

+ 1 on the Regulator. I have the same issue. Occasionally start the bike and not charging...a rap on the regulator with a wrench and it will start charging.

Jun 29, 2018 | 07:35 AM

ORradtech

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: May 2015

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From: Georgia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spookers

If you don't test it when it's showing low voltage then everything will test fine. That's what makes intermittent faults so hard to find.
To answer your question, it can be either the voltage regulator or the stator.
My voltage regulator failed giving me an overvoltage but at the same time I'd get a very occasional low voltage code. Had the regulator replaced and now I don't get overvoltage. I do still get an under voltage every couple months or so that goes away pretty quickly. I'm sure at some point it will get worse and I'll have to replace the stator. In the mean time I watch the guage and smell the primary fluid occasionally.