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Tourer
Posts: 411
Dallas, Texas | I have noticed over the last week or so, the low battery "idiot" light is staying on a little longer than usual, after I start the engine. It does finally go out, and stay out. So, am I safe to assume that a new battery is in the near future? |
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | Well, I wouldn't necessarily say that, but if it is the original battery I would change it anyways. I don't think the two are related and it could be a sign of the regulator going. You are just talking about start-up idle, right? What is the voltage display read at idle/at speed? |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | are the battery terms tight? |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | I was working on my 08 the other day and found one of the terminals of the battery only finger tight. Like Arkainzeye asked, "are the battery terms tight?"
Ride Safe |
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Tourer
Posts: 411
Dallas, Texas | Ok...I'll check the terminal connections. Also I'll check the voltage guage as well, and report some numbers. Thanks, y'all. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| If you care go to the hardware store back in the nuts and bolts are the little bins. Look for start washers you want 1/4" size. Buy one for each terminal. Now the cables will stay tight.
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | john frey - 2011-09-07 11:46 AM
If you care go to the hardware store back in the nuts and bolts are the little bins. Look for start washers you want 1/4" size. Buy one for each terminal. Now the cables will stay tight.
you must be makin' a killin' off of the stock in star washers...  |
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Cruiser
Posts: 72
Chino Valley, AZ | Get some Ignition and Battery Sealer along with some electric parts cleaner. disconnect your cables and make sure there is no corrosion, spray clean with the part cleaner, allow them to dry. Reassemble the cables and spray liberally with the sealer. While you're at it spray any electrical connections that are readily available. Do not spray the sealer on before reassembly. |
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Tourer
Posts: 411
Dallas, Texas | Ok, just to update. Connections are good. The meter reads slightly above 12 at idle, and then moves between 12 and 14 under a load. The light doesn't stay on for long, nor does it come on for a longer time, every time. I am beginning to think that this light really is designed to give us a "heads up" that the battery is a bit low, based on the way, and when it appears.
Edited by iluvink 2011-09-08 7:22 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 1359
New Bohemia, Va | Just a personal preference, I replace the battery on my motorcycle around the 3 to 4 year mark, despite the fact folks go a lot longer with no issues. Why? Because a low battery voltage can wreck havoc on the motorcycle electronics, which is why you never run a bike without a battery, on the charging system alone. At least that is what I understand. I would rather drop $70.00 on a new battery when in doubt and rule it out, then to pay hundreds of $$$$ and mega down-time because I thought I was saving a buck on a new battery. Again, just me. |
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| Cap'n Nemo
Hey Cap'n star washers are 35 cent a peace and yes thing about retiring off them.
If Vic would change there cable to a welder style cable they would not come loose. But there old guys that thing old school so we suffer.
Hope your high and dry for the most part. |
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