Author Topic: Starting issue (Read 4645 times)

reesedp · « **on:** November 09, 2011, 06:51:36 PM »

So, came out of the music store on this beautiful day. Pushed the stove knob in. Got the lights. Then I didnt got the lights. I got nothing. Repeated the process and got the same thing. Ended up pulling the battery out in the parking lot and wrenching connections. I didnt get much if anything, but it fixed the problem. Watched voltage on the way home and it went from 14.1 up to 14.5 then back down to 14.1.

I stopped by and talked to the dealer about it, and he showed me their book, which told them to remove the battery and fully charge it prior to testing anything (1 hour of labor), so wrench those connections well prior to doing anything else.

I had noticed a slower cranking in the cold weather lately, so will pay close attention in the morning to see if there is a noticeable difference.

DenverC-14 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 09, 2011, 07:22:04 PM »

How old is the battery? Corrosion on the terminals? I lost complete electrical power, while riding, one time because of a slightly loose connection. Didn't have any issues after I made sure it was all tight. Sounds like that might be the case here. I replaced my 2(or 3) y.o. battery this year mainly for piece of mind. When I pulled the stocker out, the neg side has some pretty serious corrosion on it. My bike is an '08 bought new in apr '10.

So Cal Joe · « **Reply #2 on:** November 09, 2011, 08:30:14 PM »

I know most won't replace a good battery but a good rule of thumb is you should replace it every 3 to 4 years to be on the safe side. Especially if your going on a trip and will be in the middle of no where

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #3 on:** November 10, 2011, 04:04:21 AM »

It doesn't take much of a loose/corroded connection for this bike not to start. Probably isn't a bad idea to check these connections at least once a riding season or even more depending on conditions. Also, make sure that the battery is correctly installed. The early bikes typically had them in backwards. The positive terminal should be facing outward towards the left side.

Conrad · « **Reply #4 on:** November 10, 2011, 04:48:10 AM »

Quote from: VirginiaJim on November 10, 2011, 04:04:21 AM

It doesn't take much of a loose/corroded connection for this bike not to start. Probably isn't a bad idea to check these connections at least once a riding season or even more depending on conditions. Also, make sure that the battery is correctly installed. The early bikes typically had them in backwards. The positive terminal should be facing outward towards the left side.

We haven't heard anything about the newer bikes having the batteries installed backwards, did the dealers finally 'get it'?

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #5 on:** November 10, 2011, 04:54:57 AM »

I would hope so...

reesedp · « **Reply #6 on:** November 11, 2011, 06:34:18 AM »

Quote from: DenverC-14 on November 09, 2011, 07:22:04 PM

How old is the battery? Corrosion on the terminals? I lost complete electrical power, while riding, one time because of a slightly loose connection. Didn't have any issues after I made sure it was all tight. Sounds like that might be the case here. I replaced my 2(or 3) y.o. battery this year mainly for piece of mind. When I pulled the stocker out, the neg side has some pretty serious corrosion on it. My bike is an '08 bought new in apr '10.

The battery is about 18 months old, and I ride pretty much every day. No corrosion anywhere.

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #7 on:** November 11, 2011, 06:58:42 AM »

Sometimes corrosion/degradation on these terminals isn't visible. Even though you can't see anything visible you should still clean them up every so often. This also includes where the negative terminal cable attaches to the frame.

Motor Head · « **Reply #8 on:** November 11, 2011, 07:13:38 AM »

Have you checked the Electrolyte level in the cells? Also an inexpensive Hydrometer will tell you specific gravity of each cell.
Or you can pull it out, and take to Any decent Auto Parts store. They will test it for Freeeeee!! But saying that, they will also want to sell you a battery, so having a good idea that the battery is the issue first might be a good Idea.

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #9 on:** November 11, 2011, 07:16:37 AM »

I don't think we can check that level as our batteries are sealed, at least the OEM was and so is the replacement that I have. I remember that I had to do that on my C10, though. It's rather nice not having to worry about that.

Motor Head · « **Reply #10 on:** November 11, 2011, 07:23:21 AM »

Yes they are probably sold as a Maintenance free Battery, sealed. But the check for the level of fluid, can it still be seen through the plastic? Also the so called Regulating Valve at the top of the battery Can be removed. This is where it was filled from the Battery Factory.
But the Auto Parts Store with a newer Electronic tester, will give a printout of the capacity. Doesn't need to be fully charged even, it will test it. At worst it May ask to be re-charged for further testing.
Most likely a bad cell.

B.D.F. · « **Reply #11 on:** November 11, 2011, 09:48:42 AM »

Maybe but it would not cause hard starting just because the battery was in backwards. Owner frustration maybe but not hard starting.

Brian

Quote from: Conrad on November 10, 2011, 04:48:10 AM

We haven't heard anything about the newer bikes having the batteries installed backwards, did the dealers finally 'get it'?

ernie4110 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 14, 2011, 01:37:47 PM »

I have always had good luck with battery life. I always keep the bikes on a battery tender and this seems to work for me.
Goldwing is 9 years old with the same battery. The monitor shows 65% life still in it. I just ordered a new battery for it for Xmas present. I never had a battery last more than 10 years. My BMW battery in the car lasted 10 years and always on a tender. 09 Concours battery going strong and showing 85% life on the Battery Bug.

Rash

Conrad · « **Reply #13 on:** November 14, 2011, 01:49:16 PM »

Quote from: B.D.F. on November 11, 2011, 09:48:42 AM

Maybe but it would not cause hard starting just because the battery was in backwards. Owner frustration maybe but not hard starting.

Brian

I know that, thank you Brian. I didn't mean to suggest that a backwards installed battery would cause hard starting.

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #14 on:** November 14, 2011, 01:50:57 PM »

Yes it would. The starter would go the wrong direction...

Conrad · « **Reply #15 on:** November 14, 2011, 01:59:23 PM »

Quote from: VirginiaJim on November 14, 2011, 01:50:57 PM

Yes it would. The starter would go the wrong direction...

Well then just turn the bike around to face the other direction, duh!

VirginiaJim · « **Reply #16 on:** November 14, 2011, 02:04:28 PM »

Remarkably simple solution....I like that.

stevewfl · « **Reply #17 on:** November 14, 2011, 03:40:07 PM »

Too simple for even KiPass to resolve

maxtog · « **Reply #18 on:** November 14, 2011, 03:46:10 PM »

Quote from: ernie4110 on November 14, 2011, 01:37:47 PM

I have always had good luck with battery life. I always keep the bikes on a battery tender and this seems to work for me.
Goldwing is 9 years old with the same battery. The monitor shows 65% life still in it. I just ordered a new battery for it for Xmas present. I never had a battery last more than 10 years. My BMW battery in the car lasted 10 years and always on a tender. 09 Concours battery going strong and showing 85% life on the Battery Bug.

Yep, I think that using a quality battery tender (that will never overcharge) will greatly extend the life of most people's lead acid batteries. LA just really do NOT like being left in a less-than-near-fully-charged state. I wish I had one

It is on my to-do list.

gPink · « **Reply #19 on:** November 14, 2011, 04:24:42 PM »

Quote from: VirginiaJim on November 14, 2011, 01:50:57 PM

Yes it would. The starter would go the wrong direction...

Would we have six speeds in reverse then?

News:

Author Topic: Starting issue (Read 4645 times)