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View Full Version : new and unusual battery Q!


26667
11-16-2009, 08:23 AM
Ok i admit I was just trying to get your attention. It's probably "the age-old" battery Q. But here it is:

After a ride of about 50 mi on my R1100 RT I MAY have left the key in the far Left position and run the battery down. maybe not. When i tried to start about 6 hrs later. Just the clicking sound. Plugged the Battery Tender into the panel socket and the next day the light was solid green indicating full charge. Still no start.
So I took the battery (lead acid 19 ah BMW) out figuring I'd have to replace it. But thought, "what the heck, why not try everything." so after removal I reattached the charger directly to the battery. (Tender showed blinking greeen indicating "charging")Left it plugged in two days while I was working out of town. Came home last nite and the tender light was solid green again. UN plugged the Battery Tender. When i put the tester on this morning it reads 11.6. In an hour when i have time I'll try putting it in and starting the bike.

I think all i need to connect is the battery itself and the air sensor plug on the top of the air filter box, yes? Of course I'll leave all the body work off.

Could it be a bad accessory plug? i suppose I'll learn a lot more when i try to start it again. But if it starts, should i trust it at 11.6 or is that "close enough" to twelve to say it's the Pep Boys tester that's inaccurate?...and just STFU and buy a battery!
thoughts?

Motor31
11-16-2009, 09:35 AM
Sounds like you have a dead cell in the battery. If the battery does not come up to over 12 volts not all cells are accepting charge. At full charge it should be 13.2+ volts.

26667
11-16-2009, 09:49 AM
just called the shop and they're charging one up right now.

and thanx for the lesson in the black arts of electrizity!:wow

kantuckid
11-17-2009, 08:06 AM
Sounds as though you are on top of the issue, but I'll add that electricity is not a "black art" & yes, the accessory plugs do need cleaned-the brass will turn green after a bit. Just disconnect from power and stick a wad of 0000 steel wool in there and twist for a bit, then blow it out.