need to get grounded

[canuck cruiser]

Hey,

I have been having charging problems with my XS and can't seem to figure it out. People keep mentioning that there may be a grounding issue. Keep in mind that I don't know alot about things electrical. How many grounds are on this bike and where could I find them. If I knew this I may be able to clean them up and see if this is the issue. I would really really appreciate the answer to this one. Summer is running out fast.

Thanks for everything so far and in the future, you guys are great.

Jason

[webbcraft2150]

If you were more specfic about your charging issues, we will be able to help more. You getting low charge, high charge, no charge? Check ALL connections at your battery first. Do not assume they look good. Take em apart, clean and reattach. Look at your cable condition also, replace if there even the slightest suspect. Clean the connections at your regulator/rectifier also. Is your battery good? If you can, measure voltage at the battery at idle and around 2k. Let us know what you find out.

[canuck cruiser]

Sorry,

I am getting no charge. I have some melted wiring behind the fuse block which I have to tackle as well. The battery is brand new and the battery connectors look good. Starts great and runs good just no charge, no head light, and no tach. I will clean up connectors you mention asap and see what happens, but also wanted to check all grounds to make sure no culprits.

Thanks,

Jason

[skids]

Tackle that mess behind the fuse block and back to us. There is a frame ground where the Volt/reg is screwed onto the frame. There is an engine-to-frame ground, a big strap, in front of the battery box. There is also that location where the negetive terminal attaches to the frame.

[canuck cruiser]

GUys,

It turns out that two of the three grounds were very rusted. See I told you I wasn't very bright, smart like dumptruck. I have cleaned up the mess behind the fuse block and am now tackling the rusted grounds. The two affected was the negative battery cable and the engine to frame strap. If these two were not getting a good ground would that cause the no charging issues and no headlight and tach? If I fix these and there is still no charging should I replace the regulator/rect. I hope this works though. I'll let you know.

Sorry to be a PITA.

Thanks again,

Jason

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Jason,

Poor grounds can cause all sorts of electrical gremlins, including poor charging! IF you're not charging once you get the connections all cleaned up, there is a troubleshooting tech tip in the Tips section for NOT CHARGING! Then post back here what you find according to your tests! Don't spend $$ until you know what's wrong!
T.C.