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Battery wont keep a charge and its pissing me off!

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by bobbytheblack, Oct 16, 2011.

  1. bobbytheblack

    bobbytheblack Member

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    So when I bought the bike it had trouble starting, so initially I bought a new battery, new spark plugs, made sure all the wiring was connected properly and blah, blah, blah; I charged up the new battery, I installed it... BINGO BANGO! :D

    I notcied it having a problem earlier, and then I went away for a month and now its dead. D-E-A-D! DEAD! :cry: I can jump it, but it'll die soon after. I installed my girls battery and BINGO BANGO! She's ALIVE! :eek:

    But sadly my GF, wants her battery back in her bike... selfish, just selfish. :roll:

    So I'm on my way to the Auto parts store to buy a battery charger, but can anyone help me with ideas as to why my battery is dying? :?
     
    bobbytheblack, Oct 16, 2011
    #1
  2. Kwiski

    Kwiski Member

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    Get a cheap 12 volt tester. Remove the Ground wire from battery. If light comes on and there is no key on you have short to ground. Pull fuses till light goes off. Then check the circuit that was keeping the light on. Fairly simple. Can also use multi-tester. Also check the battery levels as with mine I have used a car type charger & it boils off the acid inside battery ( thus lowering level). Best one to use is trickle type charger.
     
    Kwiski, Oct 16, 2011
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  3. zombiehouse

    zombiehouse Member

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    Check your alternator brushes to make sure they are in spec.
     
    zombiehouse, Oct 16, 2011
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  4. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Place a Meter on the battery Terminals.
    Check for Charging Current.
    +14.2 -to- +14.5V at 2000 rpm and above.

    Pull Alternator Cover.
    Measure Brushes.
    10mm or less = Replace.

    Inspect Alternator Rotor.
    Brush Orbit "Paths" should be free from Scorching and Arcing damage.

    Clean Orbit Paths with Typewriter-style Eraser.
    "Wheel and Brush-type" Eraser.

    http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/3070506
     
    RickCoMatic, Oct 16, 2011
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  5. bobbytheblack

    bobbytheblack Member

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    Since I am most definitely more computer geek than mechanic, could someone point out or show me a picture of the alternator...
     
    bobbytheblack, Oct 16, 2011
    #5
  6. MN-Maxims

    MN-Maxims St. Paul Minnesota

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    Left side of engine as your sitting on the bike. Big round cover about the size of a softball. Three phillips screws that hold it on. Thats the cover you need to take off to get at brushes.

    But before you do that... Look at the connector on the wire harness that comes from that cover up under the tank and see if its melted. I have had those three wire connectors fail on several bikes now.

    Let us know what you find.

    MN
     
    MN-Maxims, Oct 16, 2011
    #6

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