Battery issue??

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Jul 10, 2014 | 06:16 PM

00copglide

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Cruiser

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 235

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From: ma.

Battery issue??

Hi all, I have a 2000 flhtpi and have been having starting problems recently(Battery, so I thought) when I let it sit for a few days i get just a click and it wont turn over, put it on the tender for an hour or so and it fires rite up. sometimes when i ride to work and use the spots on the way in it wont start at the end of the day, hit the start button a couple times and it will start. so I put a new battery in last night figuring it will cure all but I still get the click and then it fires up. How many volts should show on the volt meter when u turn the key on? I get 10-11 and thats what I got with the old battery, same thing. Also when im running the spots and come to a stop sign the volt meter goes down to about 12 or so but comes back up when I take off, never noticed that before. Was wondering if I have a part of the charging system beginning to fail?? I thought it was the battery but now IDK! Also I cleaned the battery terminals, also at the starter, and ground at the motor. Any thoughts or suggestions??

Thanx, Mike

Jul 10, 2014 | 07:04 PM

LA VIC

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 843

Likes: 43

From: Louisiana

[QUOTE=00copglide;12971961]Hi all, I have a 2000 flhtpi and have been having starting problems recently(Battery, so I thought) when I let it sit for a few days i get just a click and it wont turn over, put it on the tender for an hour or so and it fires rite up. sometimes when i ride to work and use the spots on the way in it wont start at the end of the day, hit the start button a couple times and it will start. so I put a new battery in last night figuring it will cure all but I still get the click and then it fires up. How many volts should show on the volt meter when u turn the key on? I get 10-11 and thats what I got with the old battery, same thing. Also when im running the spots and come to a stop sign the volt meter goes down to about 12 or so but comes back up when I take off, never noticed that before. Was wondering if I have a part of the charging system beginning to fail?? I thought it was the battery but now IDK! Also I cleaned the battery terminals, also at the starter, and ground at the motor. Any thoughts or suggestions??

I wouldn't rely on the bikes volt meter for accuracy but a fully charged battery should be around 12.8V. Little higher if it's just come off a charger. Sounds like your charging system isn't working correctly and the bikes running off the battery instead of the alternator. Charge the battery again and start it up. Using a multimeter at the battery posts check the voltage @ 2000 rpm. You should see around 14V. Even at idle it should be well above 12.8V or the battery won't charge. If that's good you've likely got a bum battery cable.

Jul 10, 2014 | 07:31 PM

Lowcountry Joe

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 4,928

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From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC

Stator is failing.

Jul 10, 2014 | 08:43 PM

jmn1960

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 892

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From: rio rancho n.m.

did u charge the battery before , or after putting it in??? it needs to be charged all the way or it wont work right,, even if new i allways charge mine after putting in the bike,, who knows how long it has been sitting on the shelf at the store

Jul 11, 2014 | 05:11 AM

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

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From: Bedford UK

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmn1960

Agree entirely! New batteries are often described as 'fully charged', but they ain't! If installed and then ridden a decent distance, the bike will charge them, but shorter trips won't achieve that.

Having done that, if you are still having problems refer to the two Stickies in the Tech Electrical section, which will guide you through testing your charging system. That way you will identify if you have a problem and what it is. You will need a multimeter.

Jul 11, 2014 | 07:59 AM

E8USMCRET

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 15,363

Likes: 24,232

From: NC, USA

I think you should be pulling at least 14 on the meter. If your idling around 12 like I was then start looking at your Voltage Regulator or Stator. I just replaced both of mine and I was idling out at 12.