How to Test a Harley Davidson Voltage Regulator : Weekend Wrenching

[@darknitethunder]

Love my Harley, Biker for Life, Wrenching for Eternity, No Regret. More Power to you Bro.

[@SebSar-ef4zj]

I've loved my 1992 FXR since the day I bought it in 1992, and guess what 1?? I love it even more as I get older with my bike. The new models unfortunately do not have the same character not the appeal to me.

[@billcarson1966]

My VR went bad last month in my Road King. I followed the troubleshooting steps in my service manual and in less than 30 minutes, I figured out the problem. My local HD dealer had a VR, so I was back in business in a day. Get a service manual folks! It pays for itself.

[@jercreason840]

You have clymer?

[@unclejohn6391]

Thank you for the plain English explanation

[@chrishunter5041]

Thanks for the how to, appreciate you putting them out.

[@MadMexism]

Its crazy you guys post this. I just got my 2020 softail standard back from the dealer just last month. Regulator took a shit, and at 3000 miles. glad it happened in the city, and not a long trip. YIKES. First symptoms were exactly that. Dash lights, blinkers, headlamp fluctuating until finally battery light indicator. keep up the great work guys.

[@MadMexism]

@Just J not gonna lie, i miss my Hondas reliability. 2017 Honda Rebel 500. I bought her brand new in 2017. Put 12000 no problem miles. I traded her in for my new 2020 Softail standard, and at 3000 miles, regulator goes out. What’s worse is the time it was at the shop. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jpcycles]

Sorry about your bad luck. 3k seems way early for a regulator to go bad. Glad it didn't leave you stranded.

[@bsur5775]

Should be a recall on VR's #1 issue with Harley charging according to most service techs

[@born2wrench]

You didn't show any testing on the regulator circuit . Need to know how to bench test the circuits on the regulator

[@raybrensike42]

I've had an ignition fuse problem all summer long. First it would die while riding. No spark. Ignition fuse blown. This would happen from time to time. Then I got a new ignition. I wired it from the ignition switch to power up the coil. Then it began blowing ignition fuses from time to time, but only when the motor was not running. If I powered up the coil the way it originally was, it would go back to blowing fuses from time to time while riding, so I went back to firing up the coil from the accessory wire from the ignition switch. Now that the weather is cooling down a bit, I'm not blowing the fuse like I used to, but on a hot day, it will begin blowing that ignition fuse again. I plan on putting a new rectifier into a parts cannon and pulling the trigger.

[@jamiegoroski9409]

kept popping fuses myself but was running at a constant 14.3 volts, at 4500 rpm i cought the volt meter barried and went back down. i cant believe it would be a once in a while deal but i guess it is! ordered new VR fingers crossed! 🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@gremlyn1439]

You can get adapter clamps for the terminals. When checking voltages, what's the best way to bypass the regulator, so you can diagnose further. Familiar with cars, but not a bikes. Thanx for all the positive info! Gremlyn, SE, Georgia

[@steadyeddie7453]

I too would like to know how to bypass the regulator to test the stator output, similar to full fielding a charging system on a something with 4 wheels.

[@kirklayman913]

I changed out my regulator 2016 Road Glide because it was over charging. The new one shows the same issue of over voltage over 14 volts up to 15 and down again to 14. Stator tested good. Battery cell maybe. Thanks.

[@steadyeddie7453]

Did you fix your charging issue from 9 months ago? What was the problem?

[@earnestbrown2643]

I did all that testing on a 2009 RK, another guy did as well. But the low voltage light and check engine still come on (sometime), I am figuring a ground, but I can't find any except the ground cable on the battery. Are there any grounds direct to the frame?

[@bsur5775]

Why is there no recall on Harley voltage regulators? It's the # 1 issue with harley charging systems. All service techs say this.

[@steadyeddie7453]

And I have a Dyna with 6K original miles that is on its 3rd OEM speedo sensor. I suppose they are having China make some of their parts and are putting the HD name on them.

[@lowrider_s_209]

I have a 2022 Lowrider S. I had a magnet come off the alternator rotor and was stuck to the stator. Would this burn out my stator I’m at work going to test when I get home. Thanks your videos are very informative

[@TheMenCaveTalk]

Been having an issue with my aprillia, its blowing up head lamps,engine ceasing at high RPM temp rising for a brief when that happens and its idling too high as well ,but funny the guy who checked said the voltage regulator is good

[@rustyclutch4496]

Straight to the point. Thanks.

[@BobbyKobold]

If the stator tests are good the only way to see if the DC volts are getting to your battery is to meter your batter while bike is running to check for proper charging from there it is a faulty voltage regulator if no rise on meter. Only way to troubleshoot a VR being there isn't a way to test it directly.

[@CarlosGarcia-ls4hn]

What if you have eliminated the coil as a source of a bike not starting (no spark), and you want to run a test of the voltage regulator in order to eliminate it as a problem source? Is there a test to check the voltage regulator when the bike does not run? Thx.

[@tonytravert9944]

I have a 2011 Sportster 883 and it doesn't have a tachometer therefore I'm guessing how many RPMs I'm testing at. When I tested and increased the RPMs, the voltage on the battery didn't go past 14. It was close but it stayed at a high 13.

[@rsbharley4766]

Great info, thanks for sharing.

[@levyyearwood5988]

Quick question... on a 08 street glide I've chased a over charge for a few parts now. The bike has a new stator we changed the rectifier new from Harley-Davidson at about 2500 the meter pegs at 16+ volts at the battery..... my question is will a bad battery cause an over charge?

[@stuckin2nd100]

Did you ever figure over charging at 16 volts? I'm having that issue on my 97 heritage Softail. Changed the stator and the regulator (regulator twice)

[@stevecastor4298]

Just installed new battery within a month or so, this morn bike was hard to start, thinking it was a lot cooler out, got it started but soon afterwards all dash lights & radio went black, tried again to start and notice voltage indicator moving to over 15 to 16 and again blackout, Now comes later and it seems to want to go to 16 but then dropped to 14, but when engaging throttle a few times it pegs the indicator?

[@jaybourbon8608]

83 FXSB 1340 brand new regulator putting out 14.58 fully revved. Is that gonna cook my agm battery?

[@toppnotch7263]

thank you simple and to the point

[@Mike-d9f8b]

Mine is blowing the fuse from the circuit breaker to the battery, so would it be the VR or the circuit breaker that is bad?

[@joesphschramm3754]

What causes them to go bad? Is it bad to jump your bike to get it started multiple times to ride?

[@adbyrd29]

What about 13.5 or 13.6 on a 2010 touring are those good voltages

[@shaungreenwell69]

I have a 2011 CVO Streetglide the following codes keep coming up even after getting the dealership to clear them, I’ve cleaned all earths as that came up as one possible problem the codes are p55ptb c0562 b1154 any suggestions would be greatly appreciated TIA 👍

[@midlymdad1293]

I do have the same problem bike runs great but after 4to5 rides each around two hr code will pop again P0563 , B1006 and B1007 many testing and all work as it should. Now I’m confused even the checked grounds but nothing to finds. 2014 Harley Vrod

[@airbrushinmotion]

I’ve noticed my voltage has spiked from 14.1 to 17.1 volts about three or four times now but only for a quick second. Probably a failing regulator?

[@anitabonghit266]

There are no tests for a regulator, only tests for a stator. If the stator passes and there are no wire issues, the regulator is the odd man out

[@jaybourbon8608]

If a voltage regulator is bad will it not output back to the battery at all? I'm not getting any charging. I tested my stator it passed.

[@anitabonghit266]

@@jaybourbon8608 yes. It can be shunting all the voltage back to ground and not allowing it to go to the battery.

[@lynskyrd]

there ARE indeed tests for a regulator that can be done with a multimeter with the regulator on or off the bike. But sure- doing the process of elimination- good stator + good battery + low charging voltage = bad regulator. But again- don't say there aren't any tests for the regulator. I do them all just for confirmation.

[@anitabonghit266]

@@lynskyrd no there isn’t but sure argue with the guy that has twenty years ofexperience

[@lynskyrd]

@@anitabonghit266 so I guess a forward and reverse BIAS test doesn't count?... won't tell you anything? Diodes don't matter? Never did any of these tests during those 20 years?

[@mikekuss8661]

Is there like a continuity test for the VR? I can't even start the bike to watch the volts.

[@robertbarger6439]

I just put on a new voltage regulator on my 2012 dyna fat bob ran find for a day then back to have the warning light come back on along with the battery light my sator is good what would cause this thanks

[@chuckrolus4184]

I had a strange question for you I have an 08 night rod it's fine riding it local but anytime I take it any kind of distance I'll come up to a stop sign when it's hot when it's warm it'll die on me I turn the ignition off turn the ignition back on and it starts right back up what do you think might be causing this thank you for your time

[@DerekGrammer]

I got a 2021 Street Bob was road 8 miles off the show room floor and guy got forced into a brick wall and it ripped a whole into the tank and sparks and gas were flying and the bike burnt up I've replaced almost everything including the Ecm and Bcm and have a fully charged new battery and I know they have to be programmed by a Tech at Harley but when I hooked everything up no power to the speedometer which is new as well so nothing is married to each other yet should my Speedo power up or not ?

[@dhiogjenjarazi8298]

hello. I am from Albania. I have an S & S engine (No. A09872) from 2000. I am looking for a catalog for installation instructions. can you suggest me where to look?

[@tomschawe2529]

i have a 1978 superglide fxe. it started missing and wouldn't idle i removed the voltage reg. and the bottom was burned out. replaced and ran good for about 50 mi.same problem checked stator running it went up to 17 checked battery running voltage went up and down from 3 to 15 i bought the bike new it has 13,000 mi. on it.

[@midlymdad1293]

I have over charging problem and one time low voltage bike runs great but after 4to5 rides each around two hr code will pop again P0563 , B1006 and B1007 many testing and all work as it should. Now I’m confused even the checked grounds but nothing to finds. 2014 Harley Vrod My question how to test Harley regulator three phase, only thing I see about wrong it doesn’t read quantity from (-) side to three pins back

[@mohsennazeriyeh4541]

I have the 2009 sportster XL1200C.i was a problem with the charging system.first thing : I replaced it's own regulator that was single phase with a 3phases,because I can't get the same at my country. next I measured the value but there 12.8 v at battery poles.i've checked every things such as: stator resistance,stator ground and even open the rotor to watch the stator but there is nothing.when I put the ac to regulator and it's disconnect of DC output(I mean unloaded) it just 7 to 8 volts of the output.. what's the problem you think?!

[@gummitarzan8545]

but did you actually test the regulator? seems to me you just checked that charging is ok..

[@ardiwiryantara8272]

Hi, I just bought RG 2010. When the engine cold everything is going normal. But, when I ride around 20 minutes the indicator battery suddenly on. And then I turn off the bike and turn it on again everything normal. The battery sign is off. But it happened again sometimes. Can I say that the regulator is in trouble?

[@tonytimmins8829]

How's it going, I've got a 2011 heritage soft tail, dash light on and it won't charge, alternator?

[@steadyeddie7453]

I am a car mech, but I wonder if proper grounding is as important on a bike as it is for a car or truck. Might want to verify good grounding. Chime in if I am wrong here.

[@gremlyn1439]

Yes, it is....also, many don't realize that your kickstand is attached to the frame and will slowly bleed the battery if not isolated.

[@canadian7494]

Great videos my man

[@candlebright100]

Good knowledge and easy to follow the advice

[@ATVRICK1]

I have put two new voltage regulators on my 2012 deluxe, they stop working after the first run, my stator is putting out 34 plus, the regulator is after mark

[@mykv4792]

My Infotainment system also flickers when meter spikes high

[@Witherkiller566]

My 2005 1200c spudders and pops when it gets warm , any suggestions

[@zippahead]

Can I wire the stator directly? It is charging but the two prong connector on the case is bad. 92 STC.

[@DevilZ-op9cr]

Hey man, I want to ask something. I have a 48 sportster which has a problem when I push the gas sometimes the headlights flicker and the engine feels like it drops and sometimes the engine suddenly stops. Usually what is the cause? Is it the stator, electricity or combustion? Please help me because I am very confused right now

[@robertriley1713]

Hello Patrick. Can I give you a call at the shop for guidance? I could really use your help.

[@raymondgarafano8604]

My Stator is good, puts out 65 volts around 2500 rpm. but the RR went out on me, I took it out of the circuit but I would like to know why the plug between the stator and reg or RR was so hot.would you have an idea why? Thank you very much.

[@sandsthirtytwo7852]

My stator puts out 16-20 v ac at idle and up to 50 v ac revved up.. My battery is only getting 10.2 volts while running, regardless of rpm.. I put a new regulator on, but i guess it's faulty

[@mnhuntnnfishn2833]

My stator is putting out just under 20 volts AC out of 2 of the phases but one phase is only 8 volts AC at idle and the volts out of the regulator is only 3 to 4 volts DC. Is the stator bad or regulator? Brand new stator and stator rotor from drag specialties. I thought all 3 phases should be equal on voltage?

[@alanwenzel5504]

mines sometimes bounces between 10 to 12 then once its warm charges fine. I am a journeyman Electronic tech. Am i wrong thinking diodes and capacitors either work or they dont? I just put a brand new harley regulator on last year this is getting flustrating

[@lennyboucher7842]

So I did the tests and it tested bad... The next morning I checked one last time before I bought the part and it went right up to 13.8 .... So I took a ride.....good all day, started up next morning....bout 2 hours later broke down.... Now I'm not showing a charge...12.4 .,.. And declining.... Bout 2 minutes of bike idling....it went up to 14.3....….3 minutes later... Jumped down to 12.2 and declining again..... Not I can't get it to show a charge again..... Is it possible for a voltage regulator to work a couple times after going bad

[@steadyeddie7453]

Could be a heat related failure. Some electronics will shut down when they get too hot, then start working after they cool down. Anyone who owned a Ford in the 70's -80's know about this. If you can get it to act up when parked, try hosing it down with cold water. Or did you resolve the problem already?

[@midlymdad1293]

What was the issue mate my bike doing exactly the same runs great for 4-5 rides than codes P0563, B1006 and B1007 come back over charging. Test it many times all good even all ground cable good, only thought regulator works sometimes and sometimes not but I want to be sure.

[@christianpelayo909]

How many volts should it be at resting on at idle

[@massimorossetti2751]

Hello!!! I have a 2018 harley davidson breakout M8. I burned the regulator. what I would like to ask you is: how much current must come out of the stator ??? measuring at minimum I give 20 V in alternating current, but accelerating it rises above 70/80 V. is this normal ???? Thanks in advance.

[@Backyardchopper22]

I need help so bad I’m having a charging problem. I have replaced the generator and the voltage regulator it’s killing me.

[@michealpeek411]

Ran codes on my 2011 street glide first one popped up P1353 second one popped up no rsP . Motor turns over but want start

[@user-qs8lv7wp2c]

On the 3 prong plug is there a specific way it goes. I unplugged it with out marking it🤦🏻‍♂️ all help will be appreciated.

[@canelocaramelo9895]

My bike won’t pass 13.9 what would be your suggestion

[@LonesomeNomad137]

I have a 1993 FLHS. It wasn’t starting. I had been out riding the night before. I parked it in my garage. Next day I went to start it and I got nothing but a click. I called my mechanic and he was super busy. So I watched some videos and wound up ordering a new starter relay. I also ordered a new starter cover with manual bypass-starter button. I did bring the battery, which I had recently changed just a couple weeks before. The battery wouldn’t charge so they gave me a new one. I replaced the above mentioned parts and the bike has been running and starting although sometimes there’s a slight hesitation, which finally brings me to my question. I don’t want to deal with the bike not starting, especially further away from home. Is it worth upgrading to a high performance starter kit? Is it something that a rookie mechanic can handle ? I’m gonna check out the other charging system videos you have. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@jpcycles]

Starter replacement is fairly easy. You can do it in the garage with no lift and hand tools

[@LonesomeNomad137]

@@jpcycles I need to figure out if it needs a new starter or if it’s not charging.

[@scottmoore7191]

Having a over charge issue on a 2017 Milwaukee, eight 117 stator test good and the regulator is good replacement just to rule out, battery test good, voltage is 14.5 at 12000 rpm? What can I check next?

[@svkettlebelle1653]

Sounds like the tachometer.

[@alexbenitez6792]

Thank you J&P

[@josephlangley5842]

I bought an aftermarket led headlight I switched to high beam and it shuts off

[@dwaynec4761]

my voltage is 11 volts at idle riding goes high 14s can hear motor noise though radio voltage reg ?

[@Grunt49]

Thank you!

[@lennyboucher7842]

Is it possib for a voltage regulator to work sometimes ? Im getting 12.4 reading while the bike is running, I disconnect the voltage regulator and move it around and the vintage jumps up to 14 ...I know the obvious ( a loose connection ) but I can't find one... No broken wires ....??? I'm lost...I thought it was bad.... Right before I went to buy one ..I checked it again and it was good so I took a ride and broke down.... Brought it home, fucked around with it and it's reading good again

[@markmasoner2250]

Might be a bad ground Hard to see

[@stlchuckhd]

Thank you 🇺🇸

[@MrGhalemin]

Good explanation

[@Wesley-hp1fr]

I turn my switch on dash light comes on but that's all , where do I go from here

[@tonytimmins8829]

Cheers, thanks guys

[@Backyardchopper22]

Seriously I need help I have a Ironhead sportster it is not made with a Stater, voltage regulator, and the generator on you some reason I cannot get it to charge it please help

[@saleemahmedkhan2419]

Good information 👍

[@joeparga1070]

So from 14.18 at idle 14.28 at 3k rpm is normal ?

[@MikeCarr-t3h]

What if can't get your harley to start

[@garymarskellmarskell6018]

Thank you for a welth of info

[@aubreywinston5708]

How to find a short.battery install hook up leads and theirs short nothing on switch is off

[@aubreywinston5708]

It's a 2003 ultra classic

[@kelvinhernandez1612]

Up Bro Thanks

[@shivermetimbers4102]

Thank you

[@bruceprigge5212]

Thanks!

[@rodrigomedina6177]

I have a 2020 iron 883 with 680 miles on it and the battery light won’t go off. Even after installing a new battery

[@jpcycles]

you probably have another charging system issue that needs to be diagnosed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHjInHpsisabpMk

[@rodrigomedina6177]

@@jpcycles thank you I appreciate it!

[@rayswauger865]

Testing voltage regulator 2000 spotster

[@robetbrown4737]

Problem is my bike won't start so I can't check the voltage regulator

[@curtisrobinson8624]

Charge it up and if it still wont start you have bigger issues

[@samheninger505]

Voltage needs to be more than 12v DC and less than 14.7dc .at 14.7 bad things start to happen on 12v systems

[@marvinlemond8456]

Can anyone help me with this a problem I a 2013 road king riding down the highway at 75 and bike goes completely dead. I turned switches off and before I can stopped , my alarm light will start flashing and I know I start up and go again .... I say dead I mean dead it loses all power engine shut off all electrical shut down ... but with in a minute or so it’s like it reboots and starts back up ... I change the ignition switch and it worked fine , but the other day it did it again ! Has anyone ever heard of this happening ... I’ve been chasing wires help please

[@marvinlemond8456]

My vr tests good

[@KTMGUY95]

Your content is so good.. it's shocking!...(see what I did there... "shocking"...)

[@bertoldriesenteil1430]

So "if your bike isn't starting you could have a problem with the voltage regulator". So far so good. "The following is the best way to test it. Start up your bike and rev it up.....etc,etc." Do you see the problem here guys? Do you actually watch your videos and check them for consistency before you upload them?

[@aaronkostiuk1315]

What’s the first step in the other video…make sure you have a charged battery first

[@CNSTAdventures]

With a multi meter on it . To be fair the title is how to test a voltage regulator and the video achieved that

[@bertoldriesenteil1430]

@@CNSTAdventures It the bike "isn't starting" you can't "start it up" to test something or other. Basic logic.

[@creepingdeath864]

​@bertoldriesenteil1430 Charge your battery, or boost it off literally any other working vehicle and leave the leads connected so it doesn't shut off. Both free and easy. Do you actually review your comments and check them for the trivial solutions before before you post them?

[@bertoldriesenteil1430]

@@creepingdeath864 l am not interested in "trivial solutions". They have nothing to do with my comment which still stands.

[@benderbender1233]

🤘😎🤘

[@glennross7016]

why can't i hear the video

[@Supercombos1]

If the bike wont even start or get power to gauges then wtfff !??? No help video

[@DEATHMETALCYCLE]

2:18

[@tigerward88]

Ugly harley need to bring back some old pre 90 style

[@glennross7016]

i don't have any volume

[@glennross7016]

why cant i get help

[@robertotlo1286]

What would cause the speedometer to drop to 0 and go back up while riding

[@Jeff82556]

Thumbs down for NOT responding to anyone's questions below! Do you think we ask questions hoping the tooth fairy would leave a reply under our pillow? Why make a video page if you're too lazy to reply back to customers?

[@derek483612]

Big Thanks