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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Meighan on April 29, 2004, 02:22:49 PM

Title: Diagnosing a battery/charging problem – Help!!
Post by: Meighan on April 29, 2004, 02:22:49 PM
Title: Diagnosing a battery/charging problem – Help!!
Post by: Kerry on April 29, 2004, 02:53:39 PM
I don't claim to understand how the charging system works as a whole, but if you're handy with a meter you can try some of the component tests described and/or linked to in the old thread Charging system (http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4770).

You might also try some searches for words like "rectifier", "regulator" and "stator".
Title: Diagnosing a battery/charging problem – Help!!
Post by: JLKasper on April 29, 2004, 04:48:49 PM
I'd check for corroded or loose battery terminals and connectors first.  Then, I'd take a long hard look at the battery.  Has the water level been maintained (with distilled, hopefully)?  Two years is about when battery troubles begin.  You can buy a inexpensive battery tester (with the little colored balls inside the  tube) for a coupla bucks.  

  The direct replacement battery for a GS (YB10L-B2) is often pricey; if you're willing to reroute the vent hose from the right side to the left (while still having it drain on the right--  important!), you can buy one with the same capacity (YB10L-A2) for about $30.00 at Walmart.
Title: Diagnosing a battery/charging problem – Help!!
Post by: werase643 on April 29, 2004, 06:53:25 PM
buy a cheap digital voltage meter...radio shack $5-10 bucks
before starting the bike test voltage of the battery...should be 12.5-12.9 volts
leave seat off
start bike and check voltage....should be 13.5-14.5 volts
when you rev the engine...volts should go up a little

the battery condition.... sounds like its time for a new one.

and remember jump start with a car....do NOT start the car!!!!!!!
it will blow the volt regulator

hope this helps