Good day, Riders.

While out riding this past week-end got a service engine light and battery warning light come on for the first time. A new HD battery was just installed.

Then noticed that the charging voltage varied from 12.5v at idle to 14.75 volts at 2500 rpm.

Shouldn't the output for the regulator be constant at 14.5V?

The manual says nothing about voltage o/p off the regulator.

The bike is a 2006 FLHTCUSE.

Thanks

Ride In Peace

 

06 had a voltage regulator recall, was yours affected and if so was it changed?

 

The job of the voltage regulator is to convert AC current to DC current, and provide constant output. I wouldn't assume the volt regulator is bad just from the undependable volt gauge. You can't really test the voltage regulator, but you can test the stator that goes into the volt regulator, and also test the volts and amps at the battery.

If you got 6 years out of a voltage regulator, that's a heck of a lot better than I have ever done.

 

No disrespect, but I have never had a voltage regulator go out on any vehicle. I have 67 Mustang with the oroginal, I just do not beleive they should replace every few years.

 

I have had to replace 6 on my Sporty. They are so subject to failure that I keep an extra on hand.

 

No.

At idle and low rpms, the stator is making about 16~20 Volts AC, ( in general a HD charging system will make 16 to 20 volts AC per 1000 rpms) as it is converted or rectified to DC the voltage drops.

I think you are seeing normal readings.



most common regulator fault is allowing over volt ( more than 15 VDC) to the battery, which will burn it out

regulators work by shedding excess power as heat, if they cannot easily exchange heat ( like a chrome cover!) they can burn up.

A dead battery or open//shorted wiring can also over stress the charging system, sometimes taking out the reg and/or stator


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the regulator in most cars is incorporated into the alternator- which has built in cooling fan, that is why they last longer.

I have all original Delcos in my 60's and 70's Caddys and Chevys.

i had one go in my '77 MK V once

Mike

 

It sounds like your charging system is working properly, you may however want to do a load test on the battery. It may be on it's way out and causing the voltage drop at idle.

 

Have it checked out, your readings should be between 14.2-14.5v.