2005 Ultra: Voltage meter bouncing all over
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Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Boston
2005 Ultra: Voltage meter bouncing all over
During a long group ride last Saturday, I noticed my voltage gauge bouncing around between 12 and 14 1/2. A couple times it went lower and the engine light came on. Then it crept back above 12 and the engine light went away. For some portions of the ride it was steady at a little over 14 (normal).
This is an early warning to replace the regulator, right?
whats a good brand to use if not genuine HD?
This is an early warning to replace the regulator, right?
whats a good brand to use if not genuine HD?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,770
Likes: 1,803
From: Newnan, GA
During a long group ride last Saturday, I noticed my voltage gauge bouncing around between 12 and 14 1/2. A couple times it went lower and the engine light came on. Then it crept back above 12 and the engine light went away. For some portions of the ride it was steady at a little over 14 (normal).
This is an early warning to replace the regulator, right?
whats a good brand to use if not genuine HD?
This is an early warning to replace the regulator, right?
whats a good brand to use if not genuine HD?
Batteries should measure at 12.6 volts or above. When the engine is running, this measurement should be 13.7 to 14.7 volts at 1500 to 2500 rpm. If the battery is ok then you will need to trouble shoot the stator and regulator.
Last edited by Mongo1958; Sep 14, 2021 at 02:00 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,158
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From: San Diego, CA
While the regulator is a good guess...... It could be the gauge, wiring (like a ground), the battery, the stator, and/or the regulator.....
There a tutorials and youtube videos that show how to check the voltage regulator and stator... I would disconnect the battery and check it with a load tester...
Don't wait too long..... Concerning the triangle of battery, stator, regulator.... if one goes bad, it can damage one or both of the other two.
If you should need a stator or regulator, I suggest you get a Cycle Electric replacement rather than OEM... Cycle Electric has a great reputation and makes excellent products..
http://cycleelectricinc.com
Good luck with the diagnosis and repair...
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 354
Likes: 119
From: Penna.
If you need a regulator, I'd certainly recommend Cycle Electric. I've put two of them on different bikes over the years and they're still working well. American made and cheaper than the HD equivalent which is foreign made.
One of them I put on my 2012 Limited which came with a faulty regulator which crapped out at 11,000 miles. Harley replaced them for a year after they identified the problem but mine failed outside that year. I was happier with the Cycle Electric anyway.
One of them I put on my 2012 Limited which came with a faulty regulator which crapped out at 11,000 miles. Harley replaced them for a year after they identified the problem but mine failed outside that year. I was happier with the Cycle Electric anyway.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
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From: Canada Flats
These two threads should help you diagnose what the issue might be , good luck .
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/elect...sting-1-a.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/elect...sting-2-a.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/elect...sting-1-a.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/elect...sting-2-a.html
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,568
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From: Long Island, New York
Your battery terminals are loose. Pull the seat and tighten the bolts to the battery, also check the ground to the frame. Good luck.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Raleigh NC
COULD be something as simple as a loose battery terminal
take the seat off, and make sure they are tight.
Check the battery, and make sure it's good, then test for Sator/regulator
When done, add some loc-tite to the battery connections
take the seat off, and make sure they are tight.
Check the battery, and make sure it's good, then test for Sator/regulator
When done, add some loc-tite to the battery connections
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Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Boston
I'm actually looking forward to getting to the bottom of this.
One other thing I forgot to mention.. at idle I've noticed the right side of my batwing shaking pretty good. I think the first thing I'll do is take the outer fairing off and inspect everything behind the gauge. My brother had an '07 FLHTP that shook really bad and there were broken brackets.
One other thing I forgot to mention.. at idle I've noticed the right side of my batwing shaking pretty good. I think the first thing I'll do is take the outer fairing off and inspect everything behind the gauge. My brother had an '07 FLHTP that shook really bad and there were broken brackets.