So I decided to go for a 30, 40 mile ride today. About 5 miles into it I said forget it and turned around. Its dummy-hot in Texas

Ive got a 2005 Road King Classic EFI FLHRCI




Anyhoo... I stop and got gas and when I was done it would not start. It turned over... barely, like the battery was dead or dying. I let it sit 10 minutes and it started right up but in my excitement and hurry I stalled the bike

I pushed it home (thankfully just a few blocks) and still it doesnt wanna start. It just barely turns over. The headlights DO work fine. I checked with a meter and the battery read 12.23 or some such.

So... I dunno. Im hoping its something simple and cheap like spark plug wires. Im a so so parts changer but not much of a diagnostician. If yall could give me some pointers Id appreciate it. Also the battery seems to have some melting?? on it. Ill attach a pic. I moved the cables to the top post and hooked them up tight and still... it barely turns over and wont start so I dont think thats the issue. I dunno.

 

your battery is crap

 

12.2 is a weak battery, the voltage is only half the picture anyways, the amperage is the important part, that battery is bad even if it takes a charge because of the terminal damage. Also make sure the cable isn't also melted, heat comes from resistance which could be a simple as a loose terminal or corroded cable.

 

Ah... well thats good news. I was worried it was the starter or sonething difficult and expensive. Thanks for the help and quick replies.

Ill pick up a battery tomorrow and report back...

 

Just popped in a new battery and it fired right up!

Ya learn sumthin new everyday... I initially thought it was the battery but when I tested it I thought it was okay. I figured a 12 volt battery reading 12.2 was good... but you guys schooled me

Thanks!

 

You can look up a chart of battery voltage converted to percentage. 12.2 is about 50%. If it's already on it's last legs, it's not going to start. I found this out a few months ago off grid camping in our 4runner. It was a fun 5 hour journey back to civilization.

 

Hopefully you used the spacers that came with the battery so the cable ends are flush with the battery terminals. That is one of the leading causes of the damage of the terminals shown in your pictures.

 

I hope Ive got it hooked up right also... These are the only things I got with the battery... other than the 2 screws. I was able to get it to screw down tight and snug and flush without these items...

 

Take a picture of your battery posts and the cable ends and post it here. Those two copper washers usually go between the battery post and the cable ends to space the cable ends away from the battery. You may not need them but post a picture anyhow so we can see how the cables are hooked up. If the spacers are required and not on, it will cause the battery cables to loosen up over time.

 

Learn to check your battery terminals regularly.