Hey folks,

I have a charging issue that has left me stumped.

I thought id put all the information out there and see if any of the more talented minds out there than myself can figure out what the issue is.

BIKE:

2004 CB250 Nighthawk - Upgrade coming soon ! Wink

ISSUE:

Bike not charging, only getting 12.6v max at the battery when running.

After a bunch of tests i replaced the RR incase it was limiting the output too much, but that didnt make a difference.

I checked the VAC output of the Stator and found it was only around 12VAC @ 1000rpm, 30VAC@ 3000rpm, and 40VAC @ 5000rpm. I'm of the opinion this if far to low? As it should roughly double every 1000rpm

Otherwise all the tests for the stator checked out (resistance and connectivity)

I decided to buy a replacement, hoping that would do the trick, but received it today and after install the VAC output of the stator is still same as before (too low to charge).

Any ideas would be much appreciated as im lost as to where to look now.


Thanks in advanced.


Lucas

 

Find a wiring diagram for the bike and go through everything that is connected to the charging circuit. Look at all fuses before doing any of my suggestions check to make sure there is no charring or calcium erosion on the fuses or connectors. I have just one question does the battery have the power to turn the bike over or is it wimpy? if it does then you MIGHT have a bad battery lead, let me know when you test it.

I would say the main things to check is the wire resistance, in between the alternator and battery test the wires with a multimeter set to resistance/ Ohm symbol then see if any of the wires have excessive resistance usually anywhere above 3-4ohms is when you need to replace it, make sure to only test the wires, no components, fuses are fine. (pay attention to the decimal location on the multimeter also).

The second being the rectifier the device that converts your AC from the alternator to DC to charge that battery (if you did not know) see if you can find some info on testing it, if not, it is something that would be performed if there is no other option but just gotta buy a new one if you decide so.

Last your battery and battery leads check to see if the big leads or bad both pos and neg leads, then check the battery if it is serviceable the top should have a long thin strip that you can pull up and reveals holes if the liquid is low then get distilled water and fill them up. if not then it is a sealed battery and you'd have to get a new one.