voltage gauge question
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 696
Likes: 13
From: Creston, Ohio
my 2013 Street Glide runs what I think is "high" also, always 15 or a tad more, I haven't checked it with a multi meter yet, but I bet it will show the gauge is off.
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Texas
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
The charging system "should" supply 14.7* volts to the battery at motor speeds above 2000 rpms or so.
14.7 is enough to recharge the battery and keep everything running.
Voltage above 15 volts will burn up the battery in time, leading to failure.
The voltage regulator does 2 things.
1.) converts the AC voltage from the stator to DC
B.) limits the DC voltage to below 14.7
High voltage reading may indicate the VR is failing.
The dash "instrument" is not finely calibrated and the wiring to it may show "voltage drop". Confirm readings with a real voltmeter ( as in the post above).
Riders can get an idea of what is "normal" on their bike- and pay attention if readings are higher or lower than the usual observed range
Mike
* or 14.8 volts, either is acceptable
14.7 is enough to recharge the battery and keep everything running.
Voltage above 15 volts will burn up the battery in time, leading to failure.
The voltage regulator does 2 things.
1.) converts the AC voltage from the stator to DC
B.) limits the DC voltage to below 14.7
High voltage reading may indicate the VR is failing.
The dash "instrument" is not finely calibrated and the wiring to it may show "voltage drop". Confirm readings with a real voltmeter ( as in the post above).
Riders can get an idea of what is "normal" on their bike- and pay attention if readings are higher or lower than the usual observed range
Mike
* or 14.8 volts, either is acceptable
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 5, 2013 at 12:14 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 212
Likes: 1
From: Florida Space Coast
My '12SG always pegs the meter out. Idid check the system with a multi-meter and it charges around 14.2 or so.
As said before, get to know the meter and if it acts differently, there may be a potiontial problem lurking.
Roger
As said before, get to know the meter and if it acts differently, there may be a potiontial problem lurking.
Roger