Power Commander causing a battery drain?

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by suse, Jun 9, 2012.

  1. suse

    suse New Member

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    Does anyone know if a Power Commander can cause a battery drain when the power is off? I'm just curious because after a few days it seems like I'm getting a voltage drop to the point where it won't start. It's not the battery. I installed a new one and the old battery was actually good. I can jump start it and it fires up just fine. I've also had a few incidents where I've been riding for a couple hours, stop and have the starter turn over a couple times and then nothing. But then again I can ride it for a 40 mile round trip for several weeks and it starts just fine. The starting issues seems sort of random.
     
  2. pjvtec

    pjvtec New Member

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    Remove the power commander for awhile, and see if it duplicates. I worked on a bike once that the customer installed the p/c incorrectly. He put the pigtail eyelet to the wrong battery post. I can't remember which one.
     
  3. suse

    suse New Member

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    I guess it's not the PC. I've checked the voltage on the battery every day for the last 3 days. It is a rock solid 12.83V.
     
  4. kennybobby

    kennybobby New Member

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    Dirt or corrosion around the battery terminals, the starter relay, the connection at the starter, the contacts in the starter switch, etc. Battery is okay but poor conductivity implies wiring/terminals/contacts issue.
     
  5. CharlesW

    CharlesW New Member

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    Similar symptoms.
    Dealer checked charging system, replaced stator, problem corrected.
     
  6. suse

    suse New Member

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    I've had a few times when it would not start. But I didn't have a voltmeter with me. But, with a jump start it was off and running. And I might not have the problem for a month. If and when it happens again I'll have a voltmeter on hand. My guess is that I have a loose connection somewhere that's not allowing full power to the starter. When it won't start it makes a constant clicking sound that you hear on a car with a dead battery.
     
  7. pjvtec

    pjvtec New Member

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    That clicking is huge. That's the starter solenoid closing. I'd pull that starter motor. Bench test it. Just hook your battery up to it with jumper cables. Be careful...it has a ton of torque.
     
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