electrical issues ***please help***

[colt45]

I am new to this motorcycle and have very limited knowledge about it. Today after work I went to start my 03' Firebolt and had a dead battery. The bike had been sitting for about 8 hours and I hadn't left any lights on. I push started the bike and began riding home only to notice that my lights would dim as the RPMs went over 2000. If I pulled in the clutch and let the RPMs go back down the lights would get bright again. I rode this way for about 5 miles at about 15mph until I found a safe place to stop. During the slow ride as the lights would dim, if I kept the RPMs up, the check engine lamp would illuminate red. If I pulled in the clutch and let the RPMs drop the headlights would get bright again and the check engine lamp would turn off. I also noticed a rough idle during the ride. After stopping I shut the bike off and tried to start it again only to get a fast clicking sound indicating (I think) a dead battery. Could this be as simple as a bad battery? If so, why would the lights dim as the RPMs went up? Any ideas? Has anybody else had anything like this happen?

 

[ocgreenmachine]

Have you tested the battery to see if it is bad? If it isn't bad, perhaps you have something wrong with your stator/regulator?

 

[colt45]

I haven't tried anything yet. Unfortunately I limped the bike to a friends house who lives 45min away from me and the parts I bring next time will have to be what I try first. Im thinking I'll try the battery and stator first.

 

[mrlogix]

go to buellmods.com and download the manual for your bike. The manual will have a charging system diagnostic section. Follow it step by step. If you don't own a multi-meter, go buy one. You can get a decent little one for around $20.

 

[user_deleted]

your statement about letting the revs drop and then seeing the lights brighten is typically indicative of a battery with a dead short/dead cell. i would do this and keep in mind XB's are hell on batteries:
1-remove battery and front sprocket cover.
2-charge battery @ 6 amps for at least 1/2 hour then get it load tested. any auto parts joint or battery shop does for free.
3-check both cables at their respective mounting points. carefully check the ground cable where it affixes to frame lug. known problem area. clean both terminal ends thoroughly
4- look below and behind front sprocket with cover removed. see large plug that is fed from harness coming from front of bike? pull the connector apart and examine for cleanliness and any arcing. if it looks ok plug back together and replace cover. if suspect report back and we'll walk you thru the remedy.
with known good or new battery start the bike and check across the battery terminals with volt meter. you want to see aprox. 13.2-14.5 volts DC @ approx. 2500rmp. if not report back.

 

[user_deleted]

additionally....if you resolve the problem and bike runs ok but CEL light continues to be illuminated or randomly on and off you have code #16 stored. it should be cleared out by either running diagnostics and removing....or 50 clean run cycles with no further battery problems will eventually remove it.