Battery issues

[T.C.L.]

Hi All,

I have done a search and I have not found an exact match for my issue...so I post.

Yesterday, I was riding home and the battery indicator light came on. The top-most light. Later, the bike died. Upon consulting with a fellow S owner, I was advised to change the battery.

I just installed a brand-new, charged, Interstate battery and the indicator light is not turning off when I rev it up. Also, the ABS lights are flashing on and off in an oscillating fashion...which means low battery, as far as I know.

What am I doing wrong? Or, do I have a different problem?

Thanks,

PT

[sgoodwin]

You're running a total loss system.

[T.C.L.]

Huh...okay...so 2 questions:

1. How does that happen?
2. How does one fix it?

[wswartzwel]

Check to see what the voltage is with the engine running, if you have a volt meter. or remove front engine cover to see if alternator belt is still in one piece.

[T.C.L.]

I will have to buy a voltage meter...but if memory serves, it should register at 12.5 at idle then 16.5 under throttle, yes?

I admit, I am not versed in electrical, but I assume I can test the voltage from the positive battery post, yes?

[Psychopath]

Originally Posted by sgoodwin

You're running a total loss system.

LOL!


And yeah check the belt for the alternator.

[T.C.L.]

Also, granted it is a 1999, it only has 32K miles on it...would the belt really go bad?

I know there is only one way to know for sure, but I would hate to get that deep into it if I do not have to...

[wswartzwel]

Originally Posted by T.C.L.

I will have to buy a voltage meter...but if memory serves, it should register at 12.5 at idle then 16.5 under throttle, yes?

I admit, I am not versed in electrical, but I assume I can test the voltage from the positive battery post, yes?

13.5 - 14 is what you should see. At the battery or really anywhere, You could even check it at the tail light.
Pulling the front cover would be easiest though, and probably will show you the problem... 4 screws on the front will remove the black plastic cover.

[Guest24]

Bad belt or bad diode in alternator.

[T.C.L.]

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

13.5 - 14 is what you should see. At the battery or really anywhere, You could even check it at the tail light.
Pulling the front cover would be easiest though, and probably will show you the problem... 4 screws on the front will remove the black plastic cover.

Yeaaahhh....so that was it...I just took the cover off and several pieces of rubber fell out...awesome. Wasted.

Is the something that I can fix myself in the garage with basic tools, or is this a shop fix?

Thank you, btw...

[sgoodwin]

I say why let someone else f' it up when you can do it yourself. Be sure to use metric adjustable wrenches not S.A.E.

[Guest24]

If you can put a serpentine belt on a cage, you can do this.

[T.C.L.]

With all do respect, this is Undiscovered Country for me...

What does a repair like this look like? Can I fix it as it sits, or do I have to disassemble the whole damn S to fix it?

[T.C.L.]

Originally Posted by Nail24

If you can put a serpentine belt on a cage, you can do this.

Please clarify...?

Thanks

[wiggledbits]

Belt with teeth on a car. Search for a link on here to the PDF manual. You can do it.

[sgoodwin]

Mine doesn't have any teeth but it sure will try to bite you if you slip.

[PFFOG]

Easy fix, about as basic as it gets.

[AntonLargiader]

Remove the four 4mm allen bolts that hold the black cover onto the front of the motor. Allow the cover to fall off the front of the motor. Take a picture of what you see underneath and post it here.

[T.C.L.]

Originally Posted by AntonLargiader

Remove the four 4mm allen bolts that hold the black cover onto the front of the motor. Allow the cover to fall off the front of the motor. Take a picture of what you see underneath and post it here.

[T.C.L.]

Originally Posted by AntonLargiader

Remove the four 4mm allen bolts that hold the black cover onto the front of the motor. Allow the cover to fall off the front of the motor. Take a picture of what you see underneath and post it here.