Nah, goes back to the dealer tomorrow. Not overly confident they will find the cause though, but its under warranty so make them work I say. Wonder what additional problems it will come back with this time ??
SOAP OPERA UPDATE
Well, got the bike back from the dealer who couldnt find anything wrong with the bike in the three days they had it. Seems since I left it with them on wednesday all the problems mysteriously disappeared. They had it connected to the computer but no leak detected and nothing in the history codes to suggest there has ever been a problem. They charged the battery and it held at 12.46v which they tell me is good (despite the manual telling me it should be at 12.9v). Told them in no uncertain terms that not happy I cant be given a reason for the problem, but they say what can they do if they cant detect any faults. So rode away thinking im going insane or something.
Gets home and noticed the red key light stayed on. Measured the voltage and around the 12.6 mark. Last night did another check and down to 11.86 and I could hear a little charging noise from somewhere around the air filter, plus red key light was still on (no keys anywhere to be seen). Had a race tuner fitted a few months back so this set me thinking. This morning voltage down to 7.86. Good news is im not insane. Bad news is bikes still fucked.
Now the dealer tells me to just keep taking it back if the problem re-occurs and they will try a process of elimination until resolved. Trouble is its a pain in the arse to get there and back every time so im thinking do i just tell them to get stuffed and take it somewhere else or persevere and just bite the bullet. Thing is few other dealers in the area get a good rap, so seems like im stuck between a rock and a hard place.
I live near Hornsby so you can probably guess which dealer Steamer.
They told me they checked the regulator and everything else they could check, but nothing found although there does seem to be an over reliance on the computer. There is obviously something causing an open circuit as last time it was the fuel pump which was being continually charged leading to the battery running down. The fact the problem has moved scares the shit out of me and is either as a result of something being done that I have not been told about, or a more sinister fault. No doubt it will mysteriously vanish again when I take it back.
hey blackadder
in your owners manual page 157 Fuses & Relays
1. system relay
2.start relay
i think these are your problem
sounds alot like what happened to mine - especially the murmer sound
was water damage - corrosion
hope this helps
Thanks guy
I already checked the relays and fuses and no corrosion. The relays actually had some grease or lube on them which raised an eyebrow at first, but then I realised it was just to help get them in/out. I did think there could be a problem with the relays themselves, but dealer ruled this out. Its back with them now and the problem (key light on and murmer) was still there so they cant say they found nothing this time. Fingers crossed eh, as I want to head out on the Oberon ride this sunday !
Looks like the fault is with the ECU. Seems there is no test for this (its a computer after all and they never go wrong ) and it was by chance they finally heard the murmer I was telling them about. This was a powering of the solenoid to one of the cylinders. Lets see how it goes when I get it back, but at least there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
LATEST
ECU replaced and the problem persisted, so left it with the dealer to continue investigation. They swapped bits out and continued to re-test until late last week they found moisture in some of the connections under the seat. Since then the battery has been holding charge and they continue to test. Looking to get the bike back later this week and will get them to point out the source and let you know.
Well it looks like the problem has finally been resolved.
HD got involved and recommended replacing the relays and since then (last two weeks) there has not been any signs of the old problem. Battery charge consistent, no strange murmur and no random warning lights. I even got caught in the heavy rains last week and still no blip or issues.
Multinut mentioned this as a possible cause in an earlier thread and although I passed this on to the dealer several times, only when HD told them did they act. Not knocking the dealer as their reputation was on the line and they tried everything they could and were really trying their damndest. These types of faults dont show up on the computer it seems, but it does show there is an over-reliance on what the computer says. To me such over reliance only has had the effect of diminishing the electrical skillset of the workshop. With HD seemingly looking to increase reliance on computer diagnostics to force riders to use main dealers (thread a couple of months ago from main discussion board) this problem is only likely to get worse and skills diminish further so watch out.
Anyway hope this helps anyone else who encounters such a problem and prevents them from going through the three months of grief I had. Faith is fully restored in the bike and I just hope the weather stays kind to me so I can catch up on all the summer riding I have missed.
thats good black adder good to here sorted by the way whats is a relay i know its electrical but what is it &whot does it do
good to hear blackadder - hope it all goes well for you - it hasnt changed my view on Harleys
I'm having this problem now all of a sudden. Have disconnected battery to see if its got charge in morning.
Listen for the murmer when its really quiet around. Sounds like circuits charging. Also, the alarm started acting up at the same time. Hopefully its nothing more than a battery issue, but if you spot the above, check the relays
Connected battery up in morning and it fired right up, something is draing it while off.
Relays wouldn't cost much would they? I might check for moisture in connections under seat as bike has seen plenty of rain
Well the wire off battery that doesn't go to starter is drawing enough currrent to spark when it touches battery when its off. Is the alarm meant to have a battery backup?
There are some capacitors which hold a charge to allow the alarm to work for a period when the battery is flat or disconnected.
As for the relays, not sure but seem to remember hearing they were around $30 each. I would check and dry all connections first before buying anything. Also, its probably worth going through some of the checks from the link earlier in the thread. Its a process of elimination i'm afraid, but if you hear the murmer I mentioned earlier you can nail it pretty quickly.
Haven't noticed a murmur but will check later at night when its quiter.
My alarm doesn't seem to do that cut power and its off.
Founds this service bulletin interesting although mine is an 08 I doubt any difference
Service Bulletin TT322 July 26, 2007 2007 XL Models with Discharged Batteries or Very Low Voltage Harley-Davidson has found some ’07 Sportsters where the batteries are going dead after a night of sitting. The root cause is water intrusion. Water can run down the harness, funnel into the fuse block area, and then bridge the system relay contacts. The system relay has constant power available on the 30 terminal. When the system relay is activated, power goes to the ECM, and then the ECM sends power out to the IAC. The IAC will then run until the battery is fully discharged. To prevent this issue, Electrical Contact Lubricant (p/n 99861-02) can be placed on the terminals and base of the system relay, and the receptacles at the fuse block. This will create a water barrier once the relay is installed into the fuse block. Motorcycles exhibiting this condition could also have corrosion present, and if necessary, should have the relay terminals and receptacles cleaned with a wire brush or replaced.
Have checked all fuses, relays and connections and cleaned them up. Draws same whether relays are in or not, the only thing that kills draw is removal of fuse number 10 - the 15A 'battery' fuse. But at least if I remove that fuse in short term in should stop overnight drains.
When power is connected the speedo needle moves a little and stays in position until power is cut. Is that normal?
If the 'murmur' you speak of is the same as the noise switching on off on switchblocks after fuel pump has primed, its doesn't do that.
Might be a job for auto elec I think.
