xb9sx 2009 electrical problems

[moodybuells]

Hi, Im a first time owner of a 2009 XB9SX Buell with 11k miles with electrical problems. I got a good deal on it so i cant really complain. It runs great with no issues.

I noticed that the original battery was to hot to touch after the 30 minute ride home . It was really really hot. I got it load tested and it was bad, so i bought a new one.. The brand new battery is still to hot to touch after a 30 minute ride...

The stock headlight was replaced with a lawnmower light by the previous owner.(it worked perfectly but was not bright enough) The guy gave me the original headlight. I threw the lawnmower light in the trash and put the original light back on. It blew the stock h7 headlight bulbs as soon as i turned them on. sooo . I bought a 55 watt hid kit and now the headlights will work at idle, but as soon as you get around 10mph they turn off and wont come back on until i turn the bike off, and back on.
Ive checked the connectors and the grounds and they all look good.

I tested the stator output at idle and it was 39-40ac volts.<(does this seem high?) The stator isnt grounding itself out. I get 14.1 volts at idle at the battery. I don't have a way to check what happens to the voltage when im riding around.. Ive seen the tail light and dash lights dim/flicker right before the headlights go out... Im not sure on how to check the voltage regulator.

How would low voltage make the battery hot?

Should i just go ahead and buy a new regulator and stator and get it over with? Or does this sound like a voltage regulator issue?

 

[Chicknstripn]

Sounds like the voltage regulator to me. But I'm not an electrical expert.
I'm sure someone with more electrical expertise will chime in.
Have you done a Google search of "Buell XB voltage regulator tests" or "issues"?
That will probably lead to some good info.
Go to buellmods.com and download a service manual. That should be helpful.
Almost forgot to mention: check the connectors behind your front pulley cover. The number 77 connector is known to cause charging issues. Once again, if you're not familiar, Google is your friend.
Good luck

 

[user_deleted]

1-lawnmower light? seriously? carefully check all the wiring behind the flyscreen particularly the headlight wiring as in all likelihood things have been screwed with by the lawnmower afficionado and potential problems lurk.
2-a battery hot to the touch on any bike caused by one thing and one thing only: defective VR. replace it.
3-blown bulbs particularly headlight bulbs """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
4-47-51 AC volts @ 2500rpm is proper stator output.
5- 13.2-14.7 DC volts @2500rpm proper charging system output.
6-your charging system connectors are behind your factory left front air intake cooling scoop on your 2009 cityX
7-never ever leave home on an XB without one of these as per below link. mounts atop left handlebar switch-gear, wires into orange headlight wire.....cost of admission priceless.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-24V-Dig...ash=item2ebfe07730:g:njMAAOxyeglTbcM-&vxp=mtr

 

[moodybuells]

You guys are awesome!... Thanks for the help..

I'm going to order the voltage regulator and voltage meter tonight...

Ive already replaced the faulty ignition switch and changed the engine and primary oil... spark plugs are next..

I also found the way to test the voltage regulator. Multi-meter to diode check. it should beep one way, then reverse the probes and i should not get a beep. I didn't get anything when i tested it. no beep. no reading at all...

 

[TPEHAK]

Connector 77 and connector 46 are under the left side scoop on 2008-2010 Buell XB.
14.1 volts at 1200 RPM idle on the battery looks too high. Charge the battery and try to accelerate the engine up to 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500 RPM and see the voltage on the battery terminals, the voltage should stay almost the same, about 14-14.7 volts at any RPM higher than 2000. If the voltage are raising it might be bad voltage regulator.

 

[Chicknstripn]

Sorry if I mislead you on the connector location.
My mindset is always stuck on 03-07 models.
I knew the brainiacs of the forum would get you straight!

Keep us posted

 

[moodybuells]

Its all good chickenstrip...

Thanks tpehak..i will check it out.

I bought one of those Bluetooth ecm readers and downloaded ecmdroid. It had 3 codes in the history.
1- rear o2 sensor
2- low voltage
3- high voltage

I cleaned both 77 ,46 plugs and it still has no change. The headlight still goes out if you rev the engine.
Ive ordered the vr from surdyke harley for 104 shipped. The harley dealership near me wanted 135.00 and they didnt stock it.. couldn't believe they didnt have it already.. :shakes head::...

 

[moodybuells]

I got the new voltage regulator installed and it fixed the problems the bike had. No more hot battery, and the headlight stays on now... Ive cleared all the engine codes and rode it to work yesterday without any problems... :excitement::excitement:

Now i can move on to some of the cosmetic things the bike needs...

Big thanks to you guys.. This forum is awesome! :up:

 

[vicenzajay]

Great to hear - ride it in good health!

 

[Chicknstripn]

Awesome.
I love it when a thread sees its way through to fruition!
Be safe and enjoy your ride!