Voltage Reading
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 1
From: Jefferson City, Mo
Voltage Reading
I purchased a 2011 Ultra Classic late last summer, so I'm a little unsure whether this is a problem or not. When the engine is running and in Neutral the "Volts" gauge reads around 14, however, when if I'm on the highway the gauge reads around 15. The highway reading seems a little strong. Should I be concerned?
Thanks!
RLJ
Thanks!
RLJ
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
The volt/air/oil/fuel gauges are there just to fill the holes in the inner fairing. They weren't meant to be accurate.
However..... if your volts, oil, or fuel read ZERO, you might have a problem.
If your air gauge reads ZERO, you might have big nads.
However..... if your volts, oil, or fuel read ZERO, you might have a problem.
If your air gauge reads ZERO, you might have big nads.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
the voltage regulator should keep the voltage to the battery below 14.7 volts ( no matter what rpm)- higher voltages will damage the battery...and possibly components.
the in dash meter is not accurate, so as suggested above testing with a real voltmeter at the battery will give a 'real reading'
from there you can use the dash voltmeter as a "coarse" measure.
most in dash meters read a little low, and this varies greatly by model and installed accessories.
mike
the in dash meter is not accurate, so as suggested above testing with a real voltmeter at the battery will give a 'real reading'
from there you can use the dash voltmeter as a "coarse" measure.
most in dash meters read a little low, and this varies greatly by model and installed accessories.
mike
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 500
Likes: 2
From: Springfield Ohio
the voltage regulator should keep the voltage to the battery below 14.7 volts ( no matter what rpm)- higher voltages will damage the battery...and possibly components.
the in dash meter is not accurate, so as suggested above testing with a real voltmeter at the battery will give a 'real reading'
from there you can use the dash voltmeter as a "coarse" measure.
most in dash meters read a little low, and this varies greatly by model and installed accessories.
mike
the in dash meter is not accurate, so as suggested above testing with a real voltmeter at the battery will give a 'real reading'
from there you can use the dash voltmeter as a "coarse" measure.
most in dash meters read a little low, and this varies greatly by model and installed accessories.
mike
My 2012 reads 16v rock steady no matter what. A good Fluke DVOM shows 14.8v at the battery. There were some issues with voltage regulators over and under charging the system, so I would recommend testing it regardless of what the HD meter reads.
Last edited by basselope; Apr 8, 2013 at 05:37 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,456
Likes: 2,860
From: SW FL-Jersey Shore Emigre
One cannot depend on factory installed gauges to be accurate, although they may be precise. 14.7 V is normal across a battery with the engine running. Just check it with a $20 RadioShack VOM for peace of mind.
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: State College, PA
Just picked up a 2010 Street Glide and have the same issue; dash meter never drops below 14.5 ~ 15 volts. Personal voltmeter on battery drops to 13.5 at idle after warmed up, immediately goes up to 14.5 with any throttle applied. Sound OK? Anybody??
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TennesseeEG
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