How do you check your motorcycle charging system?
Go ahead and set the knob on your multi-meter to VDC (DC voltage). Place your black wire lead from the meter to the (-) negative terminal of the battery (try to touch the actual battery terminal, not the cable attached to it). At the same time, hold your red wire lead to the (+) positive terminal of your battery.
Why is my motorcycle battery not charging up?
If the Battery is defective, either dried out or has damaged cells from age or electrical faults, the Regulator will output the maximum it can trying to charge the Battery back up.
What happens if you charge your motorcycle too much?
Too much charge can cause overheating, meltdowns, explosions, and fires. To little charge will gradually kill your battery. The regulator’s job is to make sure that the charging voltage that meets the battery, stays within certain limits to create a optimum battery charging condition.
What should the voltage be on a motorcycle Charger?
The bottom line is that in order for this charging system check to be done effectively, the voltage from the battery should be above 12.4-volts in its resting state (12.6-12.78 is considered 100% charged and fully functional). So if it is below this reading, it’s a good time to put a charge on it for a couple of hours with a battery charger.
How to fully troubleshoot your motorcycles charging system?
Check for resistance or continuity through the stator’s windings: (The bike does not need to be running to do this test) • Set your multi-meter to the resistance (ohms Ω) setting. • Disconnect the stator’s wire harness connector.
How can I tell if my motorcycle battery is over charged?
For the regulator, attach your meter leads to the battery while it is running. It should not read higher than 14.5 volts and no lower than 13.5 volts. If it is higher, the battery will be over charged and if it is lower, the battery will continue to drain as the bike runs. If these tests do not check out, you will need a new regulator/rectifier.
What happens if I charge my bike with little charge?
To little charge will gradually kill your battery. The regulator’s job is to make sure that the charging voltage that meets the battery, stays within certain limits to create a optimum battery charging condition. The specific value of this number differentiates from bike to bike.
Can a bad battery cause a motorcycle to run poorly?
In both cases, something in the charging system needs to be fixed. It’s possible for your motorcycle to start and run with a bad battery, but that can create even more problems like causing the bike to run poorly and miss.
How to do a charging system check using simple tests?
Make a Visual Inspection of the Charging System 1. Check the charging system for warning indicators: 2. Check the alternator drive belt or serpentine belt: 3. Check your battery and battery terminals: 4. Now check the wires: 5. Check the alternator for unusual noises:
What causes a car charging system to fail?
On some models, problems with the alternator light circuit may cause the charging system to fail as well. So check the circuit, if necessary.
Why does my battery or check charging system?
If the voltage is low, your mechanic will likely replace your weak alternator with a new one. Battery problems – Your battery/check charging system light could be coming on because your battery is low and needs replacing. Take your vehicle to your mechanic and have them test your battery strength.
How to test the charging system on a Harley Davidson?
Charging System Voltage Test Start motorcycle, measure DC Volts across the battery terminals (you should have a reading of approximately 13.2-15 DC Volts). 3. Check Connections/Wires Inspect the regulator/stator plug, and check the battery terminals for connection/corrosion.
What makes up the charging system in a car?
What is the charging system? Made up of the alternator, battery, wiring and electronic control unit (ECU), your vehicle’s charging system keeps your battery charged. It also delivers the energy necessary to run the lights, radio and other electrical components while the engine is running
What happens when the check charging system light comes on?
What’s happening when the battery/check charging system light comes on? Whenever this light goes on, it means that the vehicle is running solely on battery power. If the problem continues and your charging system fails, the battery won’t be able to recharge and it will soon run down, leaving you with a dead battery.
What should the voltage reading be on a car charger?
Start the engine and repeat the check of the charging system. A constant voltage reading of 13 to 14 volts during the test indicates the problem was a dirty wire connector. Check the battery cable connections and the main circuit breaker that is located adjacent to the battery. If the main circuit breaker is good, proceed to the next step.