Intermittent Battery Light
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Central New York
Intermittent Battery Light
As I was at mile 5 of a 500 mile trip, the check engine and battery lights went on. I headed for the nearest dealer, but within a few miles both lights went out and stayed out for several days. I checked the codes, and it came back "Battery Voltage Low". Yesterday, after the bike had sat for about 40 hours, I started back home and the same lights went on. After a few miles, the lights went out again and did not re-appear. I made several stops, and the bike always re-started normally. I have not checked the battery, but with it continuing to start strong, I don't think that is the problem. I also don't think it it the stator or voltage regulator, since I have easily put on 500 miles since the lights first appeared, and the battery does not appear to be drained.
What would you do?
What would you do?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
take the battery out of the bike
put it on a real battery charger over night at a charge rate of 2 or 5 amps ( 10 amps is too much, too soon)...not a trickle charger/tender
take to an auto parts store like auto zone have load tested ( or dealer can do it)
IF the battery is on it's way out, it can stress the charging system to the point of failure which is $$$
mike
put it on a real battery charger over night at a charge rate of 2 or 5 amps ( 10 amps is too much, too soon)...not a trickle charger/tender
take to an auto parts store like auto zone have load tested ( or dealer can do it)
IF the battery is on it's way out, it can stress the charging system to the point of failure which is $$$
mike
You might want to do a load test on the battery, also check to make sure the connections are secure, if you still have it happening after that, I'd say the VR is starting to give signs.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Central New York
I suspect the battery is not holding a charge, and will check that tonight before I start out. My plan is to check the battery before, ride for a while, check it again and see if the voltage changes. Since it is only an intermittent fault, I am hoping that the system is working properly when the idiot lights are not lit. Does this make sense?
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
...as above;
IF the battery is on it's way out, it can stress the charging system to the point of failure which is $$$
so your little ride could get expensive
mike
IF the battery is on it's way out, it can stress the charging system to the point of failure which is $$$
so your little ride could get expensive
mike
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
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From: Everywhere
■Temperature compensated to ensure optimum charge voltage according to ambient temperature.
■Automatically switches from full charge to float charging mode.
■Battery TenderŽ at 1.25 amps will charge as fast or faster than any 3 amp charger available.
■Reverse Polarity Protection to ensure user safety. Red & Green Lights Alternately Flash in this condition.
■Complete 4-step charging program (Initialization, Bulk Charge, Absorption Mode, Float Mode).
■10 year Warranty!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Oklahoma
WHEN THIS HAPPENED TO ME on my 08 Road King I disconnected both plugs on the voltage regulator and cleaned the plugs and prongs as best I could, applied dielectric grease and put it all back together. Have not had a repeat since (about 6 weeks and 500 miles.)