Battery Testing; General; Voltmeter Test; Installation - Buell 2008 XB SERIES Electrical Diagnostics Manual

BATTERY TESTING

GENERAL

Three different procedures may be performed to provide a
good indicator of battery condition: a voltage test, a conduct-
ance test, or a load test.
A battery may be tested, whether fully charged or not, via
conductance test. In order to perform a load test, however, the
battery must be fully charged.

VOLTMETER TEST

The voltmeter test provides a general indicator of battery con-
dition. Check the voltage of the battery to verify that it is fully
charged. Refer to Table 1-11.
If the open circuit (disconnected) voltage reading is below
12.6V, charge the battery and then recheck the voltage after
the battery has set for one to two hours. If the voltage reading
is 12.8V or above, perform the
Test described in this section.
Table 1-11. Voltmeter Test For Battery Charge Conditions
VOLTAGE (OCV)
12.7
12.6
12.3
12.0
11.8

INSTALLATION

PART NUMBER
HD-48053 ADVANCED BATTERY CONDUCT-
ANCE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ANALYZER
Test the battery using the ADVANCED BATTERY CONDUCT-
ANCE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ANALYZER (Part No. HD-
48053). Perform a battery test as follows:
1. Connect the HD-48053 analyzer leads to the vehicle's
battery.
2. Follow the instructions in the analyzer's instruction manual
to perform a battery test.
The test results will include a decision on the battery's condi-
tion, the measured state of charge and the measured CCA.
See Figure 1-26. The analyzer's printer will provide you with
a printout including one of five possible test results:
GOOD BATTERY - Return the battery to service.
GOOD-RECHARGE - Fully charge the battery and return
to service.
CHARGE & RETEST - Fully charge the battery and retest.
REPLACE BATTERY - Replace the battery and retest.
BAD CELL-REPLACE - Replace the battery and retest.
1.10 BATTERY TESTING, Load
STATE OF CHARGE
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
TOOL NAME
A REPLACE BATTERY test result may also mean a poor
connection between the battery cables and the vehicle. After
disconnecting the battery cables from the battery, retest the
battery using the out-of-vehicle test before replacing.
ed02811
Figure 1-26. Battery Test Results Printout

LOAD TEST

To load test the battery, proceed as follows:
Disconnect negative (-) battery cable first. If positive (+)
cable should contact ground with negative (-) cable con-
nected, the resulting sparks can cause a battery explosion,
which could result in death or serious injury. (00049a)
1. Remove battery from motorcycle.
2. Always fully charge the battery before testing or test
readings will be incorrect. Load testing a discharged bat-
tery can also result in permanent battery damage.
3. After charging, allow battery to stand for at least one hour
before testing.
Turn battery load tester OFF before connecting tester
cables to battery terminals. Connecting tester cables with
load tester ON can cause a spark and battery explosion,
which could result in death or serious injury. (00252a)
4. See Figure 1-27. Connect tester leads to battery posts
and place induction pickup over negative (black) cable.
5. Refer to Table 1-12. To avoid load tester and/or battery
damage, do not leave the load tester switch turned ON
for more than 20 seconds. Load battery at 50% of CCA
rating using the load tester. Voltage reading after 15
seconds should be 9.6V or more at 70°F (21°C).
2008 Buell XB Diagnostics: Starting / Charging 1-33
1.10
NOTE