battery gremlins

This is for general posts and questions concerning only the Voyager XII (1200cc, Four-cylinder) Years 1986 thru 2003.

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feenixx613
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battery gremlins

Post by feenixx613 »

Hi all I know this maybe common but I cant figure it out! firstly...On my ride today I noticed the battery light flickering at idle and stay on when brake or signal applied. the bike started fine can ok lights where bright. When bike was running battery gauge was 13.8 to 14.0 volts when bike turned off was 12.8 volts.took the faux tank off removed the battery seems its between low and full mark when placed on flat surface.The sensor wire had a lot off corrosion inside on on the resister area.I believe my battery is ok right? I think that sensor light is the problem,any way I can bypass it? what if I just cut it off and taped it up ? any suggestions guys or gals? thanks Rob!
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Re: battery gremlins

Post by vxiirider »

The only purpose of the battery light is to let you know that the battery needs to have water added, it has nothing to do with the charge condition.
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Re: battery gremlins

Post by bikerking.biz »

It sounds like your sensor connection may be bad, or the sensor may need cleaned. You indicated that the water level is between low and full so the battery may be ok. If you want to bypass the level indicator (not the best with a lead acid battery), you can if you like by connecting the sensor wire to the orange wire on the turn signal flasher.
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Re: battery gremlins

Post by voyager55 »

Get a sealed battery & get rid if the sensor. Connect it to the + post and the low level light will go out.
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Re: battery gremlins

Post by feenixx613 »

thanks guys I decided to order a new sensor as this one actually looks burnt so I don't want to connect it to anything right now!
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ekap1200
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Re: battery gremlins

Post by ekap1200 »

feenixx613 wrote:thanks guys I decided to order a new sensor as this one actually looks burnt so I don't want to connect it to anything right now!
In time the batt acid will work its way up to the resistor and corrode the thin leads. Take a razor knife and slit the plastic, you may find its just corroded away. A trip to Radio shack for a new resistor and some heat shrink tubing is an easy fix.
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doug of so fla
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Re: battery gremlins

Post by doug of so fla »

Also the lead end of the sensor basically disolves and makes it shorter so it won't reach the water level. New sealed battery and connect wire to a + source or New sensor.
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Re: battery gremlins

Post by JHD »

Who would want to use a lead/acid battery these days? This sensor was great to have when it was designed in the 80's but we are in a new millennium now with battery technology that is leaps and bounds beyond the 80's. I have a glass battery case w/terminals from a model T sitting on a shelf as a piece of art from a gone by era. At one time it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. I'm not saying one should put their lead/acid battery on a shelf. Just don't put it on a shelf inside the house! :wnk2:
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Re: battery gremlins

Post by feenixx613 »

Thanks all! took all into consideration, Since the battery is good I just ordered a new sensor $18 but when the battery goes I will go maintenance free and connect sensor to positive when I brought some distilled water home my wife was scratching her head when I said it was for the bike! Lol. I did notice that the battery in these bikes are huge! almost like my car battery.
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Re: battery gremlins

Post by cushman eagle »

I bought a sealed glass mat battery, so I could install it on it's side, for my Cushman Eagle, and it lasted almost 340 mile before it failed :thk: .I was not impressed with that short a life, and the Interstate dealer would not even cover it. :cry2:
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Re: battery gremlins

Post by Mr Jensee »

The design of the AGM battery is not the problem. You most likely got a bad battery. I have a AGM battery in the Voyager that is probably 2 years old, gets put on the tender after each ride and it has never shown any signs of low voltage or failure. I had a AGM battery that come on the Kawasaki ZRX1100 I had and it lasted 8 years before I replaced it doing the same thing. Don't give up after one try. Save the warranty papers.
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Scott-(Altoona, PA)
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Re: battery gremlins

Post by Scott-(Altoona, PA) »

For what it's worth, my AGM battery is going on 3 years now and it starts my Voyager XII in temps below freezing. I only take it out of the bike when it's put away for the winter and trust me I had to defrost the windshield yesterday as it was 28*f and the bike started and ran just the same as if it was July. So the battery is only out of the bike for a few short months.
I did get a bad one but mine came with a 1 yr warranty, I contacted them at the 9 month mark and they advised that when I wanted (it was end of summer) the replacement to let them know. Since they're sent filled, sealed and charged I waited till April, emailed and 3 days later it was installed and bike running.
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