Battery Problem, or something else going on?
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Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,697
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From: San Angelo, Texas
Battery Problem, or something else going on?
I've noticed the voltage meter reading high, like over 15, while riding my 2012 ElectraGlide Ultra. The meter used to stay just under 14 with the same load (spots, iPhone plugged in the cig lighter, cruise, factory head unit with sat radio) and shedding load doesn't seem to effect the reading.
Bike seems to hesitate just a split second on the first start of the day, but after that is fine. No dimming of the lights at lower RPM, either.
My first thought is the battery, but thought I'd throw it out there to see if anyone had any other suggestions before I start checking it out.
Thanks in advance!
Bike seems to hesitate just a split second on the first start of the day, but after that is fine. No dimming of the lights at lower RPM, either.
My first thought is the battery, but thought I'd throw it out there to see if anyone had any other suggestions before I start checking it out.
Thanks in advance!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
yes, a real voltmeter at the battery.
the job of the voltage regulator is to convert the AC power from the stator to DC, and to regulate the voltage BELOW about 14.8 volts.
Voltage higher than that can burn up your battery.
so if you are seeing more than 14.8 volts at the battery with the "real" voltmeter- time for a new VR
the VR converts excess power to heat which has to dissipate to the air via the cooling fins, chrome covers for the VR ( which HD did sell) are a really stupid idea, akin to chrome cover for the windscreen.
mike
the job of the voltage regulator is to convert the AC power from the stator to DC, and to regulate the voltage BELOW about 14.8 volts.
Voltage higher than that can burn up your battery.
so if you are seeing more than 14.8 volts at the battery with the "real" voltmeter- time for a new VR
the VR converts excess power to heat which has to dissipate to the air via the cooling fins, chrome covers for the VR ( which HD did sell) are a really stupid idea, akin to chrome cover for the windscreen.
mike
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,173
From: Oxford, Nc
The volt meter is dependent on the additional wiring pulling power (headlights etc,) in the fairing too. My HID's headlights are turned on after the bike starts and the headlight draw with the lights off reads 14 volts and then around 13 volts when they're on.
A check at the battery however indicates a true 13.8 volts with a multimeter, all the time. That's the only measurement that counts.
I use the volt meter as only a general indicator of voltage. (Any shop will tell you how much they vary too.)
A check at the battery however indicates a true 13.8 volts with a multimeter, all the time. That's the only measurement that counts.
I use the volt meter as only a general indicator of voltage. (Any shop will tell you how much they vary too.)
Last edited by Stiggy; Jan 25, 2014 at 04:41 AM.
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From: Bedford UK
To check your charging circuit there are a couple of helpful Stickies in the DIY Electrical section. They will help identify any problems. 
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,566
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From: Londonderry, NH
I've noticed the voltage meter reading high, like over 15, while riding my 2012 ElectraGlide Ultra. The meter used to stay just under 14 with the same load (spots, iPhone plugged in the cig lighter, cruise, factory head unit with sat radio) and shedding load doesn't seem to effect the reading.
Bike seems to hesitate just a split second on the first start of the day, but after that is fine. No dimming of the lights at lower RPM, either.
My first thought is the battery, but thought I'd throw it out there to see if anyone had any other suggestions before I start checking it out.
Thanks in advance!
Bike seems to hesitate just a split second on the first start of the day, but after that is fine. No dimming of the lights at lower RPM, either.
My first thought is the battery, but thought I'd throw it out there to see if anyone had any other suggestions before I start checking it out.
Thanks in advance!
A bad battery will read low voltage, it can't go to a higher voltage.
Verify the reading with a real voltmeter(VOM) to eliminate the possibility of a bad voltmeter. If it's really that high you're on borrowed time, The battery won't tolerate the overvoltage for long. Use the stickies grbrown referenced to troubleshoot and identify the bad component and replace. All you need is a VOM.
Last edited by nhrider1; Jan 25, 2014 at 08:16 AM. Reason: spelling