Dying Nomad

CheriAnn · 08-19-2008

Well, I know that this can't be solved on a forum board, so I am really just venting.....

Hubby's 07 Nomad developed a dead battery problem about 3 or 4 months ago. It's the WORST kind of problem though.....it doesn't happen all the time!!!!!!

He can go weeks with it starting up every time, then suddenly one day...BAM, dead battery!!!! It may only go days the next time before going dead. He replaced the battery before the PA Forum trip and thought maybe that solved it, but Sunday morning he went out to start it for work and it was dead. He had our local mechanic (whom we trust very highly) check over his wiring on things he has added himself (light bar, brake light modulator, etc.) and he didn't find any problems with the wiring.

So, here's something that I am wondering....since it doesn't do it all the time it will be hard for a dealer mechanic to pinpoint it, I'm sure. Should we trailer it in during a dead spell and NOT charge it? Could they possibly find the cause like that?

The bike, of course, is still under warranty, but this is the busy season. Hubby said for now he'll recharge and ride until winter sets in. It's just very frustrating

NCDave · 08-19-2008

Oh yeah....that's the worst. I don't know it taking it in at that point will help or not, but I guess it couldn't hurt. He's right to check the wiring, because a short someplace could be doing it. it could also be the regulator/rectifier, but with being intermittent, I wouldn't think that's bad.

Is there any indication of it going down? Does the bike start sluggish a few days before or anything like that? Or is it just overnight?

He might consider getting some type of volt meter or indicator to put on it to monitor the condition during running.

CheriAnn · 08-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCDave

He might consider getting some type of volt meter or indicator to put on it to monitor the condition during running.

DAVE!!!!! What a brilliant idea!!!!

That's why I just LOVE this place!!!! You can rattle off about stuff and somebody will have a suggestion you didn't think of!!! It's usually something simple that we overlook in the midst of frustration

There's NEVER any warning signs ahead of time. He'll just go out, turn the key, and dead! With a volt meter, maybe it would show some fluctuations or something when using certain things, like his light bar.

I called him at work and gave him your suggestion!
THANK YOU!

NCDave · 08-19-2008

What better way to post my 7,000th post than to say.....You're welcome!

Frenchy · 08-19-2008

I had a similar problem on another bike. It turns out the stator (altinator in a bike) had a bare wire that would arc and toast it, making it not charge the battery. It would die on me while riding sometimes though. Sometimes I would just hit the button, and nuttin.

CheriAnn · 08-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCDave

What better way to post my 7,000th post than to say.....You're welcome!

YOU POST WH@%&!!!!!!!!!!!

How dare you take this thread to other places!!!!

Just kidding!!!!!

Congratulations!!!! You're growing up to become quite a little young man now

CheriAnn · 08-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frenchy

I had a similar problem on another bike. It turns out the stator (altinator in a bike) had a bare wire that would arc and toast it, making it not charge the battery. It would die on me while riding sometimes though. Sometimes I would just hit the button, and nuttin.

Boy, then you understand the frustration!!!!!

I'm happy you finally got your problem resolved. I'm hoping he can get his resolved eventually..

A2rider · 08-19-2008

Do what Dave said and check to see if it's charging. If it is, them you've got a drainage problem going on when it's sitting. He may have to check each thing he added to see which one is being the leach. Just because the wiring looks fine, doesn't mean it's not slowly leaching the battery.

CheriAnn · 08-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by A2rider

Do what Dave said and check to see if it's charging. If it is, them you've got a drainage problem going on when it's sitting. He may have to check each thing he added to see which one is being the leach. Just because the wiring looks fine, doesn't mean it's not slowly leaching the battery.

Good idea! Do you mean disconnect something he added one at a time to see if there is a difference? Honestly, we think the problem started after he added the lightbar and brake modulator. Everything is connected correctly (as confirmed by our mechanic) so we didn't think that was the problem. So, I just learned something else new!!!! Thanks Tina!!!! It certainly does appear to have something leaching from it!!!

StarGate · 08-19-2008

Not sure how easy it is to disconnect a lead from the battery on that bike, and it would sure be a PITA to do it every time he parked it, but checking for a slight drain while the bike is parked is another possibility. Just disconnect one of the battery leads then connect a volt meter at the battery terminal and the disconnected cable end to see if there is any reading. Are you keeping a trickle charger connected when the bike is parked?

CheriAnn · 08-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarGate

Not sure how easy it is to disconnect a lead from the battery on that bike, and it would sure be a PITA to do it every time he parked it, but checking for a slight drain while the bike is parked is another possibility. Just disconnect one of the battery leads then connect a volt meter at the battery terminal and the disconnected cable end to see if there is any reading. Are you keeping a trickle charger connected when the bike is parked?

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
I am welcoming ALL suggestions!!!! I am printing all this out for him to try!!!!
You all are the best!!!!

CheriAnn · 08-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarGate

Are you keeping a trickle charger connected when the bike is parked?

Whoops! Forgot to answer this....no. He thought about getting one, but I encouraged him not to until he finds the culprit. He rides the bike alot, so it really doesn't sit for very long at a time in between rides. Maybe 2 days at the most....

*jukief* · 08-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by CheriAnn

Whoops! Forgot to answer this....no. He thought about getting one, but I encouraged him not to until he finds the culprit. He rides the bike alot, so it really doesn't sit for very long at a time in between rides. Maybe 2 days at the most....

Cheri, I feel your pain. my battery died while we were on our trip last week. It was a giant PITA because we couldn't push-start it (we tried) and had to have it towed to a Yamaha dealer (the only motorcycle shop in miles and miles). The mechanic there told me that these batteries can really have problems holding a charge, and he recommended keeping a trickle charger on it ALL THE TIME! I've never used one, not even during the winter when the bike can sit in the cold garage without being started for a month at a time. I'm not so sure what I think about his advice, but that darned battery cost me so much that I'm going to take care of it.

StarGate · 08-19-2008

IMO a trickle charger that has the float function is a great investment to prolong battery life. I use mine any time I park my bike that I'm not sure how long it will be until my next ride. With the quick connect coupler, it only takes me about 5 seconds to hook it up and even less to disconnect it.

skewterdewd · 08-19-2008

I would start by testing the modulator circuit again. It's possible that the circuit isn't closing/functioning correctly, causing the battery to draw slowly down.

If the lightbar has a remote thumb switch make sure the contacts are clean secure, and dry. Check the wire termination for strays and breaks.

Don't overlook the obvious- are the battery terminals and ground solid?

These problems blow, but be patient and you will prevail.

Jake '53 · 08-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarGate

IMO a trickle charger that has the float function is a great investment to prolong battery life. I use mine any time I park my bike that I'm not sure how long it will be until my next ride. With the quick connect coupler, it only takes me about 5 seconds to hook it up and even less to disconnect it.

It will do all of the above and then leave you stranded on a 3 day road trip because you didn't find out there was a problem with your charging circuit.

StarGate · 08-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake '53

It will do all of the above

Not sure what you mean by this and a trickle charger should never be considered as a fix for an electrical problem, whether it be with the charging system, battery, or wiring. It will help you get the maximum life out of your battery and ensure your battery is at peak voltage when you leave on a ride.

Jake '53 · 08-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarGate

Not sure what you mean by this and a trickle charger should never be considered as a fix for an electrical problem, whether it be with the charging system, battery, or wiring. It will help you get the maximum life out of your battery and ensure your battery is at peak voltage when you leave on a ride.

I agree that a trickle charger shouldn't be used as a fix, but it can mask high resistance shorts or problems with the charging circuit that might not show up until the battery has been off of the charger for a couple of days worth of riding.

cbh303 · 08-19-2008

Just my 2 cents worth but I would not wait until the Winter. The constant up and down will eventually kill the battery.

I had the same problem on a brand new bike, '07 900 Classic. It would be fine for a few days and then it would just one day be dead. It turned out it was an bad ECU. The mech at the shop had to have the Kaw rep ship him a new one. Since then all has been good.

*jukief* · 08-19-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarGate

With the quick connect coupler, it only takes me about 5 seconds to hook it up and even less to disconnect it.

That's what I need--a quick connect coupler! It's a PITA to take that seat on and off.

08-19-2008	#1 (permalink)
CheriAnn October MOM 07 Forum Supporter Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 12,478	Dying Nomad Well, I know that this can't be solved on a forum board, so I am really just venting..... Hubby's 07 Nomad developed a dead battery problem about 3 or 4 months ago. It's the WORST kind of problem though.....it doesn't happen all the time!!!!!! He can go weeks with it starting up every time, then suddenly one day...BAM, dead battery!!!! It may only go days the next time before going dead. He replaced the battery before the PA Forum trip and thought maybe that solved it, but Sunday morning he went out to start it for work and it was dead. He had our local mechanic (whom we trust very highly) check over his wiring on things he has added himself (light bar, brake light modulator, etc.) and he didn't find any problems with the wiring. So, here's something that I am wondering....since it doesn't do it all the time it will be hard for a dealer mechanic to pinpoint it, I'm sure. Should we trailer it in during a dead spell and NOT charge it? Could they possibly find the cause like that? The bike, of course, is still under warranty, but this is the busy season. Hubby said for now he'll recharge and ride until winter sets in. It's just very frustrating

08-19-2008	#2 (permalink)
NCDave Clark Grizwald Trainee BTK Expert Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 9,757	Oh yeah....that's the worst. I don't know it taking it in at that point will help or not, but I guess it couldn't hurt. He's right to check the wiring, because a short someplace could be doing it. it could also be the regulator/rectifier, but with being intermittent, I wouldn't think that's bad. Is there any indication of it going down? Does the bike start sluggish a few days before or anything like that? Or is it just overnight? He might consider getting some type of volt meter or indicator to put on it to monitor the condition during running. __________________ NCDave Don't Blame Me, I Voted For The Hot Chick http://www.bikepics.com/members/ncdave

08-19-2008	#4 (permalink)
NCDave Clark Grizwald Trainee BTK Expert Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 9,757	What better way to post my 7,000th post than to say.....You're welcome! __________________ NCDave Don't Blame Me, I Voted For The Hot Chick http://www.bikepics.com/members/ncdave

08-19-2008	#5 (permalink)
Frenchy Needs A Real Job BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Location: Lincoln, RI Posts: 2,759	I had a similar problem on another bike. It turns out the stator (altinator in a bike) had a bare wire that would arc and toast it, making it not charge the battery. It would die on me while riding sometimes though. Sometimes I would just hit the button, and nuttin. __________________ Frenchy '05 Nomad 1600 AD/HD: Attention Deficit in High Definition

08-19-2008	#10 (permalink)
StarGate Navy Vet S.A.R. crew BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NE Arkansas Posts: 5,030	Not sure how easy it is to disconnect a lead from the battery on that bike, and it would sure be a PITA to do it every time he parked it, but checking for a slight drain while the bike is parked is another possibility. Just disconnect one of the battery leads then connect a volt meter at the battery terminal and the disconnected cable end to see if there is any reading. Are you keeping a trickle charger connected when the bike is parked? __________________ Mike Original Owner 1981 KZ1000-K1 LTD 2000 Suzuki King Quad Photos

08-19-2008	#8 (permalink)
A2rider Banned BTK Expert Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: KCK Posts: 19,729	Do what Dave said and check to see if it's charging. If it is, them you've got a drainage problem going on when it's sitting. He may have to check each thing he added to see which one is being the leach. Just because the wiring looks fine, doesn't mean it's not slowly leaching the battery.

08-19-2008	#14 (permalink)
StarGate Navy Vet S.A.R. crew BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NE Arkansas Posts: 5,030	IMO a trickle charger that has the float function is a great investment to prolong battery life. I use mine any time I park my bike that I'm not sure how long it will be until my next ride. With the quick connect coupler, it only takes me about 5 seconds to hook it up and even less to disconnect it. __________________ Mike Original Owner 1981 KZ1000-K1 LTD 2000 Suzuki King Quad Photos

08-19-2008	#15 (permalink)
skewterdewd Team Zissou BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 1,552	I would start by testing the modulator circuit again. It's possible that the circuit isn't closing/functioning correctly, causing the battery to draw slowly down. If the lightbar has a remote thumb switch make sure the contacts are clean secure, and dry. Check the wire termination for strays and breaks. Don't overlook the obvious- are the battery terminals and ground solid? These problems blow, but be patient and you will prevail.

08-19-2008	#19 (permalink)
cbh303 Still On The Kickstand BTK Beginner Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Woodbridge, Va Posts: 43	Just my 2 cents worth but I would not wait until the Winter. The constant up and down will eventually kill the battery. I had the same problem on a brand new bike, '07 900 Classic. It would be fine for a few days and then it would just one day be dead. It turned out it was an bad ECU. The mech at the shop had to have the Kaw rep ship him a new one. Since then all has been good.

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