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Installing killswitch to prevent battery drain XJ Maxim 550

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by camelCase, Nov 8, 2018.

  1. camelCase

    camelCase Member

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    I think there's a short somewhere on my XJ Maxim 550 that's causing the battery to die. I'm going to install a killswitch to prevent this. What's a good brand to buy?
     
  2. Franz

    Franz Well-Known Member

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    If your connect a test light between the negative battery terminal and the negative battery lead with the ignition switch off and it lights you have a battery drain situation. Pull each fuse and replace it one at a time. When the light goes out that is the circuit the problem is in. Then check all the wiring in that circuit for damage. Better to find the cause of the problem and rectify it. You will need a wiring diagram too.
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2018
  3. Fuller56

    Fuller56 Well-Known Member

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    Where in Raleigh are you? I just got back to Cary (because it is almost winter). Maybe you can bring your bike by and we can figure out where the problem is. Without fixing it correctly it will eventually let the Magic Smoke out of your electrical system and leave you stranded somewhere.
    John
     
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  4. mlew

    mlew Well-Known Member

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    Spend some time and find the problem before installing a "kill" switch. If everything is in order your bike should be able to sit for several months and be able to start. Mine does. We should team up and get it fixed. Voltage regulator is the first place I would look

    I am in Apex guys, right next door. We should get together sometime. I am working with a friend to ride vintage bikes in the Four Oaks Christmas parade on December 1st if anyone is interested. We could use more
     
  5. camelCase

    camelCase Member

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    Sure thing I'm down to work on these bikes. I've got time this weekend. I've PM'd both of you.
     
  6. camelCase

    camelCase Member

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    @Fuller56 and @mlew if you're alright with it, PM me your gmails and I'll setup a google hangouts so we can bypass the conversation participant limits here.
     
  7. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    you all ready have one it is called the ignition key.

    battery runs to main fuse then up to the key when key is off the only other connection being made is to the voltage regulator.

    sounds like a bad battery. how old is your battery?

    you could have a faulty ignition switch or are you turning it to park instead of off . park leaves the tail light on



    Clean and lube the ignition switch
     
  8. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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  9. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    pull out your battery give it a full charge then let it sit over night and measure the voltage.
    you should have 12.6 volts in the morning
    check acid level before charging .
    top off with distilled water if needed.
     
    Last edited: Nov 8, 2018
  10. camelCase

    camelCase Member

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    My bad with the threads.

    I'm charging it right now, I'll check after work.
    Thanks for the help.
     
  11. Colin 85 700

    Colin 85 700 Active Member

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    If you need one a Pollock brand cut off is the best.
    However,I would find and fix the issue, or it will likley come back and bite you in the ass. Or you bike will light on fire.
    Mine sits all winter and starts in the spring.
     
  12. camelCase

    camelCase Member

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    Think I fixed the problem. Needed new battery and ground wire. I rode it around this weekend. I took it off the tender and will check the resting voltage after work today to make sure there's no drain.
     
  13. lostboy

    lostboy Well-Known Member

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    Isn't that feeling you get deep down inside great when you fix something. That is why we fix stuff.
     
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  14. Fuller56

    Fuller56 Well-Known Member

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    MLEW & I were wondering how you made out Saturday. The pic of the ground cable was pretty bad. It looked like battery acid had eaten at it for a long time. Congrats on the fix. The fuse panel is still something you will appreciate when you replace it with the blade type ATC panel. I thought I had a new bike when I did mine.
    John
     
  15. camelCase

    camelCase Member

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    100% !
     
  16. camelCase

    camelCase Member

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    Haha yeah I couldn't even get it up to you guys; wouldn't start. Thanks for the help though. Glad she's firing up again. I'm going to see about that fuse box next.
     

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