TROUBLESHOOTING
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4. If aftermarket accessories have been added to the motorcycle, disconnect them and repeat Step 2. If the current draw is now within the specification, the problem is with the additional accessories. 5. If no accessories have been added to the motorcycle, a short circuit may be causing the battery to discharge.
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Charging System Output Test
Load tester
This test requires a load tester. 1. To perform this test, the battery must be fully charged. NOTE When using a load tester, read and follow its manufacturer’s instructions. To prevent tester damage from overheating, do not leave the load switch ON for more than 20 seconds at a time.
To circuit breaker (DC output)
(OE) installed on the motorcycle. If aftermarket accessories have been installed, the increased current demand may exceed the charging systems capacity and result in a discharged battery. NOTE When using a load tester, read and follow its manufacturer’s instructions. To prevent tester damage from overheating, do not leave the load switch ON for more than 20 seconds at a time. 1. Connect a load tester to the battery as shown in Figure 31. 2. Turn the ignition switch ON (but do not start the engine). Then turn on all electrical accessories and switch the headlight beam to HIGH. 3. Read the ampere reading (current draw) on the load tester and compare it to the test results obtained in the Charging System Output Test in this chapter. The charging system output test results (current reading) must exceed the current draw by 3.5 amps for the battery to remain sufficiently charged.
2. Connect the load tester negative and positive leads to the battery terminals. Then place the load tester’s induction pickup over the wire connecting the 30 amp circuit breaker to the voltage regulator (Figure 32). 3. Start the engine and slowly bring the speed up to 2000 rpm while reading the load tester scale. With the engine running at 3000 rpm, operate the load tester switch until the voltage scale reads 13.0 volts. The tester must show an alternator current output reading of 26-32 amps. 4. With the engine still running at 3000 rpm, turn the load switch off and read the load tester voltage scale. Battery voltage must not exceed 15 volts. Turn the engine off and disconnect the load tester from the motorcycle. 5. Perform the Stator Test described in this chapter. If the stator tests acceptable a defective voltage regulator/rectifier (Figure 28) or a wiring short circuit is indicated. Make sure to eliminate the possibility of a poor connection or damaged wiring before replacing the voltage regulator/rectifier. Stator Test 1. With the ignition switch turned OFF, disconnect the regulator/rectifier connector from the crankcase (Figure 29).
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