charging problems

mqo233 · 08-17-2012, 08:49 AM

to all those guys out there

on an 05, 1200GS, this morning the battery light did not go off, the battery is fully charged, as I checked it with a volt meter, when running at idle, the voltage is 11.98 VDC, and at higher RPM, it drops to 11.96 VDC, most likely as the electrical load increases, so, I pulled the cover to check the belt, which is good, I ran the motorcycle with the cover removed and everything looks normal,

so, any ideas before I order an alternator?

James
Lafayette, Louisiana

mqo233 · 08-17-2012, 10:23 AM

new alternator $675, and there is the overload wire???

any ideas?

where is John when you need another video?

JimVonBaden · 08-17-2012, 10:33 AM

Pull the cables and clean then completely. Then start the bike and recheck. I assume you verified that the alternator belt is still there, right?

Jim

mqo233 · 08-17-2012, 03:34 PM

yes I did verify the belt,

the cable to be cleaned, I assume you mean that hook to the alternator?

thanks

James

Mrmerlin · 08-17-2012, 04:09 PM

not sure about this but if the regulator can be removed,
then you may have a worn brush that could be swapped out ,
if not then maybe just install a fresh regulator.
of course it could be a loose wire as the alternator isnt charging,
you should see 13.5 or higher up to 14.4

JimVonBaden · 08-17-2012, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mqo233

yes I did verify the belt,

the cable to be cleaned, I assume you mean that hook to the alternator?

thanks

James

Battery cables, starter cables, and check the alt cable.

Merlin,

This is an alternator like a car.

Jim

def · 08-17-2012, 04:55 PM

Once you have exhausted other simple things like loose connections or corroded cables as Jim Von Baden was suggesting, you're likely going to have to remove the alternator eventually. I would remove it and take it to a starter/alternator service and have it repaired. It is rare that an
alternator needs replacement on a BMW.

08-17-2012, 08:49 AM	#1
mqo233 ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Oddometer: 347	charging problems to all those guys out there on an 05, 1200GS, this morning the battery light did not go off, the battery is fully charged, as I checked it with a volt meter, when running at idle, the voltage is 11.98 VDC, and at higher RPM, it drops to 11.96 VDC, most likely as the electrical load increases, so, I pulled the cover to check the belt, which is good, I ran the motorcycle with the cover removed and everything looks normal, so, any ideas before I order an alternator? James Lafayette, Louisiana

08-17-2012, 10:33 AM	#3
JimVonBaden "Cool" Aid! Joined: Feb 2005 Location: Alexandria, VA Oddometer: 41,494	Pull the cables and clean then completely. Then start the bike and recheck. I assume you verified that the alternator belt is still there, right? Jim __________________ Click here for BMW Maintenance and Repair DVDs and Corrections. "Combo-Order Discounts!"

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08-17-2012, 10:23 AM	#2
mqo233 ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Oddometer: 347	new alternator $675, and there is the overload wire??? any ideas? where is John when you need another video?

08-17-2012, 03:34 PM	#4
mqo233 ^OP Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Lafayette, Louisiana Oddometer: 347	yes I did verify the belt, the cable to be cleaned, I assume you mean that hook to the alternator? thanks James

08-17-2012, 04:09 PM	#5
Mrmerlin 1150GS/Modded Joined: Oct 2009 Location: Aurora CO Oddometer: 247	not sure about this but if the regulator can be removed, then you may have a worn brush that could be swapped out , if not then maybe just install a fresh regulator. of course it could be a loose wire as the alternator isnt charging, you should see 13.5 or higher up to 14.4

08-17-2012, 04:55 PM	#7
def I have little to say Joined: Feb 2004 Location: The woods and mountains of Alabama Oddometer: 6,336	Once you have exhausted other simple things like loose connections or corroded cables as Jim Von Baden was suggesting, you're likely going to have to remove the alternator eventually. I would remove it and take it to a starter/alternator service and have it repaired. It is rare that an alternator needs replacement on a BMW.