Loss of power

[YammyRX1]

I have a friend with an 03 RX1 who only made it three miles Saturday before losing power. I wasn't there but they said they couldn't get the RPM's up and there was very little or no power to the gauges. Does this sound like it was running on battery only until it died (magneto problem?). I don't have many details beyond that but where should he start looking?

 

[grader]

dead or very low battery causes problems like that. charge or replace, check all connections.

 

[LazyBastard]

Could be a couple of problems, but I suspect that it is the nose-wire problem.

If the engine will still crank strong when you turn the key, then the battery and magneto are fine.

Possibility 1: (I list this one first because it is the easiest to check -- does it crank strong? If yes, go on to possibility 2)... power problem [A] dead battery: Could be caused by a bad battery, unlikely though, since it started the engine and should continue charging after running, stuck starter relay or switch: the starter uses more power than the magneto will deliver, so having the starter stuck on will drain the battery and ultimately cause it to stop running. [C] anything between the battery and the magneto (requires inspection).

Possibility 2: The 03's were notorious for this.... if you find that the battery is NOT dead, then you need to remove the tool kit and beer can holder out of the nose of the sled. You will find the voltage regulator and related components under there. There are a pair of VERY THIN WHITE WIRES plugged into the voltage regulator, and they typically will RUB against a piece of sharp metal in there. I don't think I need to tell you what to do with those.... or why the thing won't run right when they are grounded out.

 

[maxdlx]

Do what LB says but while your at it have the battery checked. A dead or shorted cell can draw alot of amps and cause this same problem sometimes. Most autoparts stores can load test a battery. Maxdlx