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Drained the battery

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by clhannah, Dec 7, 2008.

  1. clhannah

    clhannah Member

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    Hey y'all, just call me noob moron. I rode to a meeting at my boss's place, which is 1000 ft higher at least and cold as hell. Great ride, but I couldn't wait to get inside and warm my hands. Well, I thumbed the engine off and left the key in and "on". Three hours later the battery was completely dead.

    81 XJ 550, two people confirmed the headlight was not on. Is it normal for the battery to be completely dead (no indicator lights) in that short a time? Jump stared right up on his charger / jumper.

    Thanks!
     
    clhannah, Dec 7, 2008
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  2. wizard

    wizard Active Member

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    Does your bike have a parking light?
     
    wizard, Dec 7, 2008
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  3. clhannah

    clhannah Member

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    well, am I a dumm-f! To answer your question, I went out and started her up, then thumbed the kill. Yup, the headlight stayed on (I bet about all 37 of y'all reading this thread knew that!). Sheesh. Three of us would have sworn before a judge it was off!
    thanks
     
    clhannah, Dec 8, 2008
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  4. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Be aware of the other little XJ "trap." The "park" position of the ign switch has TWO positions, one locks the forks, the FURTHER one locks the forks and LEAVES THE TAIL LIGHT ON. Whenever I lock my forks I go fully to the park/light position and then BACK so I'm sure I don't do it to myself again.
     
    bigfitz52, Dec 8, 2008
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  5. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    for your question, yea 3 hours should kill a battery
    i never use the kill switch, unless i forget where the high beams are :(
     
    Polock, Dec 8, 2008
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  6. clhannah

    clhannah Member

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    bigfitz52 -- yeah I caught that one last week on the xj750 when I was shuttling bikes during my move. Still had enough juice to run her into the garage, but wouldn't start after that. Funny thing -- that's exactly why I was on the xj550!

    Polock -- I think I will take up that advice. The safety class said always use the switch, but I couldn't see a reason why. Now I see a reason why not.

    thanks guys
     
    clhannah, Dec 8, 2008
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