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Volt Meter shows discharge voltage

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Lars:
Went riding with buddy's yesterday on my 2013 SEUC that has 59K miles on it. I have the tour pack removed and wiring curled up under the seat.
It was running great when I noticed the volt meter only showing 6 volts +/- and the battery light came on. The voltage gradually went back to 14 volts and battery light went out. It did this several times before I got back home. It never did make any unusual noises and seemed to run just fine.
I removed the seat and checked to see if there were any signs of hot wires or any burnt wires. None were evident. The battery connections were tight and all seemed well. The only thing I noticed was the cord for the battery tender didn't have the cap in place and the bare lead was touching the exhaust pipe but I don't think that should have had anything to do with the problem, should it?? Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Lars

Twolanerider:
If properly wired the exposed point on a battery tender plug is negative so should not affect anything if it touches a metal surface. What you're describing is probably regulator. Diagnosis for anything like this is always the same though. Hook a voltmeter the battery to see what is actually being produced and also there by check the stock gauge. Also check for loose battery cable connections.

grc:

--- Quote from: Lars on November 02, 2019, 05:12:00 PM ---Went riding with buddy's yesterday on my 2013 SEUC that has 59K miles on it. I have the tour pack removed and wiring curled up under the seat.
It was running great when I noticed the volt meter only showing 6 volts +/- and the battery light came on. The voltage gradually went back to 14 volts and battery light went out. It did this several times before I got back home. It never did make any unusual noises and seemed to run just fine.
I removed the seat and checked to see if there were any signs of hot wires or any burnt wires. None were evident. The battery connections were tight and all seemed well. The only thing I noticed was the cord for the battery tender didn't have the cap in place and the bare lead was touching the exhaust pipe but I don't think that should have had anything to do with the problem, should it?? Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Lars

--- End quote ---

The exposed male terminal at the connector on the bike half of the tender harness is connected to the ground terminal on the battery, so it will not cause a short if it contacts a grounded part.  So no, that wouldn't have caused your battery voltage warning light and gauge.  If the battery cables are clean and tight at the battery terminals, the next thing you should check is the ground wire for the voltage regulator.  It attaches to a bolt for the rear exhaust system bracket, located at the right side cover of the transmission.  Verify with a meter that you have no voltage drop between the negative battery terminal and the voltage regulator ground wire, and make sure connection of the ground wire is clean and tight to the exhaust bracket bolt.  If everything up to that point checks good, there's a good chance you have a failing voltage regulator. 

Jerry

I must type too slow, Twolane beat me to the punch again. ;D

Twolanerider:

--- Quote from: grc on November 02, 2019, 05:52:33 PM ---
I must type too slow, Twolane beat me to the punch again. ;D

--- End quote ---

Jerry I think that just means he's good to go when his other bike has a similar problem someday 👍

Lars:
I'll do the checks that you all suggest and see what I find.
Twolane is probably right about the good to go part.
I'll let you know what I find.
Thanks.

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