trickle charger - wtf?!?
#1
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So I have one of those HD battery tender things....which I never really used until my battery won't start the bike
Stupid...I know. So I took a friend's suggestion....I had the wire/connector permanently attached so that I could just always plug it in after every ride.
This was after my (second battery...I think) was pretty much dead. So last fall, I got a new battery...it's not an HD battery...they only had Yusa batteries at the dealer...and I keep it connected to the charger all the time. Up until a week or so ago, after a ride, the charger would blink green for a little while, and then go back to solid green (indicating full charge). However, after the last time I was out riding, I plugged it back in and since then, it just continues to blink green (according to the manual, it's at least 80 or 85 percent charged)...it won't go back to solid green. So I'm wondering if you guys think it's the battery tender that's got a problem, or could I have a battery that's already dead/dying after less than a year? If it is the battery, I have to say...I think I've been ripped off. I mean, older batteries have lasted at least a few years. This one...8 months..and continually kept on a charger, even during winter while not riding much.
What do you think? I appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks!
Todd
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This was after my (second battery...I think) was pretty much dead. So last fall, I got a new battery...it's not an HD battery...they only had Yusa batteries at the dealer...and I keep it connected to the charger all the time. Up until a week or so ago, after a ride, the charger would blink green for a little while, and then go back to solid green (indicating full charge). However, after the last time I was out riding, I plugged it back in and since then, it just continues to blink green (according to the manual, it's at least 80 or 85 percent charged)...it won't go back to solid green. So I'm wondering if you guys think it's the battery tender that's got a problem, or could I have a battery that's already dead/dying after less than a year? If it is the battery, I have to say...I think I've been ripped off. I mean, older batteries have lasted at least a few years. This one...8 months..and continually kept on a charger, even during winter while not riding much.
What do you think? I appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks!
Todd
#3
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The Deltran battery tender isn't really a charger it's a battery maintainer, it's intended for AGM type batteries, is the Yuasa battery you installed an AGM or lead acid battery? One of my battery tenders sometimes won't switch from flashing to solid a green LED, if I unplug the maintainer and plug it back in it stops flashing and goes solid green.
Tech23
Tech23
#4
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I have the cheap wally world battery maintainer and it will do the same thing at times. I just unplug it from the tender and plug it back in. I suspect it has something to do with the ability or inability of the tender to read the battery state correctly.
#5
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I have 2 Deltran charger/maintainers. Never a problem I switch them around on my different bikes in the winter and my batteries last a long time. Acid batteries use alot of water in hot weather [ quite hot this year] keep them topped off often.
The slow low drain from keeping memory in computers/clocks slowly drains your battery.
I ride all mine often so I don't need the tenders much in summer except when away for a couple weeks -then I put the newer [computer ] bikes on while away.
The slow low drain from keeping memory in computers/clocks slowly drains your battery.
I ride all mine often so I don't need the tenders much in summer except when away for a couple weeks -then I put the newer [computer ] bikes on while away.
#6
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From my experience, I don't completely trust the solid green light. I've had a battery which was bad, show solid green on the tender.
That said, I still plug both bikes into a tender after rides, as I figure it can't hurt.
In your case it might be the battery as some just die early, or it's possible the tender took a dump. Go for a ride and give it another try, maybe it will show green. Regardless, don't trust it 100%.
That said, I still plug both bikes into a tender after rides, as I figure it can't hurt.
In your case it might be the battery as some just die early, or it's possible the tender took a dump. Go for a ride and give it another try, maybe it will show green. Regardless, don't trust it 100%.
#7
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Sometimes it makes a difference if it gets plugged into the wall or the bike first. It's like the little computer chip in there gets confused. Try unplugging it ALL for a few minutes and try again.
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#8
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I only use the the battery tender if I will be off the bike for more than a week, and I try to never let that happen until the snow flys. I have had the blinking green light issue and always thought it was a connection issue. Just like everyone else. Ulplug everything, wait and try again. It always seems to work.
#9
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I've had a battery tender from WalMart, for 3 or 4 years now, and haven't seen the blinking green yet. I keep mine plugged into the wall at all times, and plug it into the pigtail after every ride. I'd try a new battery tender for $35 before I'd get a battery, to see if THAT works.
#10
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One thing you need to think about is get that replacement battery a week or so early if you can, put it on a trickle charger for that week then put it into service.
I've got our 04 original battery in a ATV mower still going strong with no problem, that was after it was in the bike for six years with no starting or charging problems.
The day our bike came into the dealer we had them put pull the battery and put it on a charger while they did engine upgrades and other goodies.
I've got our 04 original battery in a ATV mower still going strong with no problem, that was after it was in the bike for six years with no starting or charging problems.
The day our bike came into the dealer we had them put pull the battery and put it on a charger while they did engine upgrades and other goodies.