When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
sounds exactly like a regulator issue to me or even more likely the connection to it can be a little loose with some corrosion on it.
To check the connection the next time the gauge goes low keep the bike running and wiggle the connection on the regulator,,,,,,,,,, I bet it starts charging....
To fix, take the connector loose, clean it with brake cleaner, let dry, use dielectric grease on it then plug back in. walla
My first thought. This man is almost certainly correct.
I replaced the regulator and am still having this problem. I didn't clean the connectors, and after re-reading this thread, I think I may need to do that. I'll also use some dielectric grease as recommended. Any other suggestions before I start looking into a heavier duty stator??
I replaced the regulator and am still having this problem. I didn't clean the connectors, and after re-reading this thread, I think I may need to do that. I'll also use some dielectric grease as recommended. Any other suggestions before I start looking into a heavier duty stator??
1. Check, clean, tighten all connections and grounds.
2. Check, clean, tighten all connections and grounds again.
3. Ohm Check Stator
4. Volt Check Stator.
If the above all passes for good, the problem is most likely bad battery or regulator.
[QUOTE=Joltergeist;11843729]I'm pretty sure there's a problem...
The dealer has told me both times I've warranty replaced a battery in less than 2000 miles that it's due to a charging system problem... QUOTE]
OP, since you replied to this old thread.
Hold on, you had the battery replaced on warranty two times? HD warranty?
The dealer said it is a charging problem? did not know the battery was a warranty item, but was the bike under warranty at the time, why did the dealer then not repair the charging system.
The dealer has told me both times I've warranty replaced a battery in less than 2000 miles that it's due to a charging system problem... QUOTE]
OP, since you replied to this old thread.
Hold on, you had the battery replaced on warranty two times? HD warranty?
The dealer said it is a charging problem? did not know the battery was a warranty item, but was the bike under warranty at the time, why did the dealer then not repair the charging system.
meanwhile clean the terminals
The bike is/was under warranty both times the battery was replaced. I am not sure why they didn't check the charging system.
I need to confirm there isn't a short or frayed wire under the seat. And also test the connections to the regulator. I will double check and clean the battery terminals and have to check and clean the regulator connectors too.
The second time the battery was replaced, they said the draw was too much for the charging system to handle. Really the only thing causing any serious draw would be a 2-channel amp I put in, but I don't see that being an issue unless there's a bad connection someplace.
I might take it in to have them tell me what the actual problem is if I can't easily find it and then decide if I can fix or if they have to...
If the dealer says it is a charging system problem and under warranty then they should be trouble shooting and fixing.
On the other hand you have placed a load on the system with the goodies. at idle it drops to 12v. I get similar with two heated vests running but if I turn one off it stays at 14.
sounds more like it is only a problem that shows at idle. the overall draw 'may' be too much for the system to maintain 'plus' charge the battery. The solution may be to remove some goodies from the draw on resources.
If the dealer says it is a charging system problem and under warranty then they should be trouble shooting and fixing.
On the other hand you have placed a load on the system with the goodies. at idle it drops to 12v. I get similar with two heated vests running but if I turn one off it stays at 14.
sounds more like it is only a problem that shows at idle. the overall draw 'may' be too much for the system to maintain 'plus' charge the battery. The solution may be to remove some goodies from the draw on resources.
The only goodie that has any draw that would be that significant is the amp, and I still see the problem if the amp is powered off and I'm using the spot lights, or other stock equipment. I think when the dealer opens tomorrow I'll run up there to have them troubleshoot...
I don't think this will help with your problem, but part of the reason I went with LED headlight and passing lamps was to decrease the draw. I run motolights that are 50 watt each (100 watt total) and heated gear, stock headlight is 55/60 watts, LED Phase 7 is 25/50 watt, passing lamps are 28? watt (56 total) and the LED are 11 watt each (22 total).
added: when I sat at lights and all my equipment on I would watch the volt meter drop, I no longer have that issue, if it was an issue at all; I never had a problem with the bike starting.
Last edited by EricD10563; Mar 31, 2014 at 12:18 PM.
I fought with my dealer for a long time to get a new regulator when I was having charging problems. Eventually went to another who replaced it under warantee.
But I did learn a bad stator makes the primary smell like burnt electronics, fairly easy to tell if that's the problem. Joe
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.