Grafton Slimshady
Newbie
I've recently purchased an 04 RX1 LE, which had been used very little over the last few years (1700 miles). On the maiden voyage, the battery depleted and I lost the gauge package and it would not re-start after shutting it off. I foolishly put in a new battery before load / charge testing.
Next trip just got further back in the woods and same thing -- battery depleted enough to lose gauges and no start.
Upon testing with the multi-meter, discovered the voltage regulator was toast, so ordered a new one and battery is charging great.
Took sled out again and within 5 mins, the warning indicator started flashing 5 pulses (it had not done this before)- which tells me there is a wrong condition with the voltage system.
I've checked the battery (at the jumper cables) and it is reading within spec at an idle, and doesn't exceed 14.5 V, even when I rev the engine.
When riding and I shut the machine off and re-start, the warning indicator stops until I reach speeds greater than say 40 or 50 mph (or so it appears to me).
I'm suspicious that the stator is acting up when the rpms reach a certain level. I'm concerned the regulator will get damaged and fail again, if this is the case.
Does this make sense, and are there some tests I can do with the multi-meter to pin point this better ?
PS - very impressed with this forum. Lots of great info. I'm a former doo man. Never had a resource like this...
Thanks in advance,
GSS
Next trip just got further back in the woods and same thing -- battery depleted enough to lose gauges and no start.
Upon testing with the multi-meter, discovered the voltage regulator was toast, so ordered a new one and battery is charging great.
Took sled out again and within 5 mins, the warning indicator started flashing 5 pulses (it had not done this before)- which tells me there is a wrong condition with the voltage system.
I've checked the battery (at the jumper cables) and it is reading within spec at an idle, and doesn't exceed 14.5 V, even when I rev the engine.
When riding and I shut the machine off and re-start, the warning indicator stops until I reach speeds greater than say 40 or 50 mph (or so it appears to me).
I'm suspicious that the stator is acting up when the rpms reach a certain level. I'm concerned the regulator will get damaged and fail again, if this is the case.
Does this make sense, and are there some tests I can do with the multi-meter to pin point this better ?
PS - very impressed with this forum. Lots of great info. I'm a former doo man. Never had a resource like this...
Thanks in advance,
GSS
Like you already know, 5 pulses on the light means the computer is seeing the wrong voltage:
I would start by testing the battery while charging it with an amp meter and check the voltage of the battery when the sled is off. Wait at least 5 minutes after shutting off the sled to check the battery voltage.
Next I would take the battery cable connections and voltage regulator connections and clean them and re-tighten them. Pay special attention to the grounds, a bad ground can cause erratic problems.
Lastly, I would test the voltage regulator. I have purchased brand new electronic parts like regulators and relays only to find out they are bad.
Good luck!
I would start by testing the battery while charging it with an amp meter and check the voltage of the battery when the sled is off. Wait at least 5 minutes after shutting off the sled to check the battery voltage.
Next I would take the battery cable connections and voltage regulator connections and clean them and re-tighten them. Pay special attention to the grounds, a bad ground can cause erratic problems.
Lastly, I would test the voltage regulator. I have purchased brand new electronic parts like regulators and relays only to find out they are bad.
Good luck!
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you did check the wires in the nose cone under the beer holder while you where in there right? could be a rubthrough.
Grafton Slimshady
Newbie
Thanks for the suggestions. I did check the wiring harnesses that pass through the frame opening in the nose. I did notice the grnd from the regulator to the battery showed some heat damage. I'll clean that better and re-check.
