| Author | Message | ||
     Tankhead |
On my way to south Ohio. Battery dead. Not holding a charge. Was running fine stopped for coffee. Now dead. Should I remove heated gear connection to battery? Adventures fun times. | ||
| Hootowl |
Log in and you'll be able to see the BRAN section. Find someone close and call them. | ||
| Tankhead |
Got it started by jumping. Called Frederick Harley. They have four in stock. Heading there now. BTW it is hailing. Fun times | ||
| Prowler |
Hey, before you buy a new battery, check to make sure that your alternator is functioning correctly. If it is, might just be that you had too much stuff plugged in and your alternator couldn't keep up. | ||
| Reepicheep |
This is an XB, right? Have them pop apart the 77 connector under the sprocket cover (5 screws to get at). Disconnect the connector, start the bike, and measure the output from the stator side of that connector (measure on the AC setting of the meter, not DC). It should be like 25 VAC at idle, and climb quite a bit as you rev. If you see that, your stator isn't dead. If you don't, you need a new stator. If that connector is melted and charred, well, you know what the problem is. Cutting it up, soldering the connection, and taping isn't a crazy solution even at home in the garage... and if it happens on the road it's even less unreasonable. I don't know how far an XB will go with a fully charged battery, and the headlight and heated gear disconnected. The battery has to run the fuel pump, ecm, signals, brake light, etc. So if the stator is dead, a "limp home" scenario isn't a good one. I'm off I-71 right before you get to Kings Island, and there is a HD dealer there as well, if that is of any help. I have a used but OK battery in the garage, let me know if you want me to go toss it on the charger and top it off. | ||
| Tankhead |
OK. I went to the Frederick HD dealer. I shut the bike off when I pulled in. I immediately restarted the bike and it fired right back up. Shut it down. Went in to service. I spoke with the gentleman I spoke with on the phone. He said "you need a battery right?" I said, "Well before that could you guys test my battery and see if it is charged?" He said we have to charge you a half an hour labor." I said the bike still starts right up so I don't want to buy a battery if that is not the problem and I really don't have a lot of time. He said that was the best he could do. So I thanked him for his time and left. The bike fired right up. I made it to Grantsville Md. and am now in a hotel. The bike is running strong. The bike fired up at the last two gas stops. I just dont get it. My plan was to go as far as Wheeling WV and start the first of three 200+ mile loops fresh in the morning, but it began snowing (like blizzard conditions) and I had to pull off of the highway and get safe. Anyway, I will keep this thread updated during this trip for those who are interested. To those who responded I am grateful for you. Thanks guys, I appreciate it. | ||
| Etennuly |
Check the battery cables for tightness. If you can grip them with your hand and force it to turn it is too loose. That could cause the problem you had. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Might also be worth finding a harbor freight or a Radio Shack and buying a super cheap DVM, setting it on DC Volts, and duck taping it somewhere you can see it. Check your voltage before you start the bike, that's the battery voltage. Start the bike. If the voltage is higher than that, it's charging. +1 on the terminals, easy check and easy fix. | ||
| Darth_villar |
FYI, I had the SAME thing happen to me. Dying Voltage Regulator due to the #77 connector. It would work, then fail, then I would jump it and it would work again. First check the battery cables as Etennuly suggested, but keep in mind these symptoms are synonymous with the VR dying. Ride safe | ||
| Tankhead |
In an 09? I thought it was an 06 issue? Tanks again. | ||
| Ratbuell |
Google or mapquest Cascade MD. I just saw the thread, but if you aren't too far away send me a PM. We can pull you in the garage, check your charging system and your battery, and go from there. FWIW I'm about 30 min NW of Frederick. | ||
| Griffmeister |
Tankhead, I just replaced the VR on my 08 for the second time. First one was warranty, second one on me. 08 and up have the updated (heavy duty) 77 connector. Unfortunately, the tech that replaced the first VR didn't believe in dielectric grease so when I go to install the new one I found that the terminals were green. Probably contributed to the VR failure. Just goes to show you, nothing is foolproof. Also, I think the newer bikes all have the connector behind the left air scoop. Hope it stops snowing on you. |
