Voltage Regulator Failure
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 235
From: Texas
The start/charge system is a balanced system. A problem with one of the 5 main components (starter, battery, voltage regulator, stator, and wiring) can manifest itself as a problem with one of the other components. I have chased many problems with charging system issues that were caused by a worn starter or bad battery cable or a high compression engine pulling too many cranking amps that strains the voltage regulator and stator/alternator under the recharge inrush when the engine starts. Usually this shows up as battery problems first followed by a failed voltage regulator and eventually the stator/alternator may fail if the problem isn't rectified.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 293
Likes: 58
From: Loganville, PA
After replacing my voltage regulator with the cycle electric version I notice that when hot at idle my voltmeter can read as low as 12 volts. As soon as the rpm's come off idle it immediately increases to 14.5 volts.
Is this typical?
Is this typical?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 267
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
Ya got that right!
HD electrical components are sub-standard and that's all there is to say. For dependability, I try to find clone replacement parts from Quality manufacurers anytime I have a HD part failure. It is very sad that HD continues to rape loyal BIG MONEY spending patrons, via their "mutitude of failure prone electrical and mechanical components". Other manufacturers have proven for years that, dependable parts can be used in vehicles as desired. This is no more than HD pounding the colons of their loyal and often unwarey followers.
Exactly right in all respects! The electrical system or charging system(s) have failed at one point or other on EVERY H-D I've ever owned, other than the '15 Limited that I recently sold just before it got a chance to.
It DID fail to start when the guy came to pick it up due to the half assed "security system" being confused by radio interference at the airport where it was stored in a hangar, but I guess that doesn't technically-count since I'd already sold the thing - thank God! We had to push it to a place where the interference wasn't as bad to get it to start. Good thing the buyer had a sense of humor and understood Harley's bullshit electronics etc.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 12
Likes: 15
From: TX
I want to know
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,863
Likes: 7,981
From: poway
Sounds like the battery is getting weak.. Generally after starting it will take a while for the battery voltage to get to 14.5. They typically hit about 13.5-13.7V and after a couple minutes go to 14.5.
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 6
From: OH
I'll have to try this with my 2000 FatBoy. I seem to be having the same issue with my charge after I changed the voltage regulator, and I may have to change the stator. That bike has been sitting a long time (I haven't gotten around to troubleshooting the rest of it) b/c I'm riding my other bike (my 2001 FatBoy) whenever I do trips.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,143
Likes: 6,165
From: SE Michigan
I'll have to try this with my 2000 FatBoy. I seem to be having the same issue with my charge after I changed the voltage regulator, and I may have to change the stator. That bike has been sitting a long time (I haven't gotten around to troubleshooting the rest of it) b/c I'm riding my other bike (my 2001 FatBoy) whenever I do trips.
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4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 6
From: OH
You got me! Just posting my thoughts on my same/similar situation. Probably no questions till I clean my contacts for my voltage regulator and make sure there's the proper voltage on the battery when I start the bike... I had thought I'd have to take things apart and check the stator connection & ohm response before I tear into it. I have a second bike that does not have a charging problem, so I'll compare the two.
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