Intermittent electric cutoff issue

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by Deez, Sep 27, 2020.

  1. Deez

    Deez New Member

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    Hello, being on my 1999 for over 1 year, put 2000 miles on it. Bike currently has ~12.5k on Odo, everything runs good until a couple of week ago, I was doing some low speed drills and bike was hot, I cut off the power and had a short break, the bike was reluctant to start afterwards, as if the battery terminal contact was marginally loose, it eventually started after a few attempts and I noticed the clock and trip meter were reset.

    Same issue happened twice a few days ago in the same scenario, again bike was turned off hot and had issue re-starting in a short while.

    Today the symptom was a bit different, went out home and as I was approaching the first stop sign the bike stalled from shifting 2nd to 1st, the gauges went blank for a few seconds and back on again.

    Please help diagnosing this issue. I guess some electrical parts started to go out after 21 years. Thanks
     
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  2. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    H Deez and welcome to the Madhouse:Welcome:

    When you get time please swing by the introductions forum and say Hi to the rest of folks on here - tell us a bit about you and your riding history and perhaps a photo or two of your VFR as the folks on here really like photos - its easy click the "upload a file" link and follow the prompts to select and upload photos.

    As for the problem with you 5th Gen from the other side of the planet inevitably any advice is going to have caveats but it sounds like you are yet another VFR owner suffering from charging system problems.

    Rather than repeating stuff I suspect the answer is in the following 21 page thread - but I would start by reading post #9. and go from there.

    https://vfrworld.com/threads/how-to-fix-common-regulator-stator-failures.39277/


    If you need help interpreting test results just post up in the mechanics garage.

    Stay safe ATGATT



    SkiMad
     
  3. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    Connect a multimeter on DC volts across the battery terminals and rev the engine to 5k. You should be seeing something in the 13.5-14.5V range to be healthy. If that is OK then I'd suggest you simply need a new battery. Not starting easily especially when hot, and the clock resetting are standard clues for that. If the voltage is much less than 13.5V then a charging system fault is likely (i.e. not keeping the battery charged).
     
  4. jfrahm

    jfrahm New Member

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    Clock going out is generally a loose battery cable.
     
  5. Deez

    Deez New Member

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    Thank you for your reply, I posted an new thread in introduction forum. I heard about the charging system issue as well, if it can't charge my battery sufficiently then I should slowly lose charge and won't be able to start the bike at some point. My sympton is a bit different, as I press the ignition botton, the starter stuttered and the dash went on/off, eventually it started after a few quick cycles, and then behaved normally for the rest of the day, I don't feel weak battery, actually it's replaced last year and holds charge very well.
     
  6. Deez

    Deez New Member

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    Thanks for you reply, the battery is about a year old and holds charge very well previously. It happened only once at each day and I don't feel weak battery afterwards, is it possible that the charging system is working intermittently and I had low charge from time to time?
     
  7. Deez

    Deez New Member

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    Two out of three times the clock went out only when I press the start button, as if the starter drained all the battery power. Tha last time was kinda unique, bike just stalled and lost all display, but came back on after a few seconds, it does feel like a loose battery cable
     
  8. jfrahm

    jfrahm New Member

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    I had that exact problem after fitting a battery tender cable with oversized loop connectors on it, that reduced the surface area of the connection in the stack of cables on the battery terminals.
     
    Deez likes this.
  9. Deez

    Deez New Member

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    I hear you, I think I'm in the same situation, I have a bettery tender usb charger cable and camera power cable connected to the negative post. One loop connector over and one under the battery cable connector, I'll move both on the top. Thanks for the info
     
  10. mello dude

    mello dude Administrator

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    Another one (among hundreds) with weird electrical problems... typically on 5th gens....my money is on the R/R is dying......
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2020
  11. jfrahm

    jfrahm New Member

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    Sounds like the problem. I suggest the cables go on and then a washer that's not oversized in the ID, then any connectors on top of that, also ideally not with an oversized ID. The void in my stack caused my issue, same presentation as yours.
     
  12. fink

    fink Member

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    Check your charging system 14-14.5v at 5k revs with lights on main beam .
     
  13. complex.technician

    complex.technician New Member

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    I definitely concur with Mello Dude -- you should check the regulator/rectifier -- or R/R.

    Remove the seat, then stand on the left side and look down at the tail sub-frame.

    Mounted to the side of the frame part-way back -- that is the R/R -- there should be a number on that R/R.

    If it's not the SH847 or FH020AA -- replace it with the SH847 right now.

    It does NOT matter how many miles on that bike, either -- replace it now.

    Make sure your battery is good and staying charged.

    CHECK THE STATOR OUTPUT.

    With that done, the bike will be bulletproof.

    If you don't know HOW ... there is already a walk-thru guide for that.
     
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  14. Deez

    Deez New Member

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    Thanks for the info, I might need it one day, for now, I guess it’s mostly just a battery contact issue as jfrahm suggested. I rode the bike a few times after that and tried turn on/off the bike at ~220F water temp and no issue so far.

    One important reason that made me suspect the contact rather than the charging system was right after it happened, the battery was not flat, I can turn it off immediately and restart without issue. Only intermittently the power cuts off when pressing the start bottom
     
  15. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    ^^ best to check stator output in AC volts b4 replacing r/r.
     
  16. RodRides&Wrenches

    RodRides&Wrenches New Member

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    Improper installation of a battery tender lead can result in poor connectivity and the battery cables working loose. Also, if not installed properly, battery cables can degrade. Is your battery tender cable and motorcycle leads installed properly?

     
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