BATT LOW VOLT

[Questions]

Just picked up my '09 SE5, rode it for about 25 miles and the battery symbol light on the left panel came on and a message "BATT LOW VOLT" scrolls across the screen. Talked to my local BRP tech (sadly they do not sell the spyder(atv & skidoo only), had to go 200miles to dealer who does) and he advised to test terminals, with a volt meter while running, to see if bike is charging the battery. He said I should see 13-14 volt while running. Read 12.04 even when reving. He said probable a wire not connected on the alternator. Anyone have this problem? Any advice? Really do not what to return 200miles to purchasing dealer. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Big Arm]

Hi canam4mewelcome

[BajaRon]

I would say most any decent mechanic would be able to troubleshoot that for you and be able to tell you if it is the alternator not putting out or just bad wiring or connection.

Trouble is, if it's not a Can-Am Spyder dealer warranty won't cover the work.

Tough choice.

If it's just a loose wire then it's not worth the 200 mile trip. If it needs a new alternator or other expensive components then I guess 200 miles looks better. A local mechanic should be able to tell you which it is.

I'd sure get a good charge on that battery before I went very far though.

[bone crusher]

Good luck with getting it fixed...the hassle might be going back to the dealer but that warranty is important to keep...BTW, pay the $1000 and get the BEST warranty...5 year coverage with roadside assistance...esp. with the SE5, you'll wanna have the piece of mind!

[bjt]

Welcome to SpyderLovers canam4me. Sorry to hear of your issue. Any chance you can check the battery terminals to be sure the wires are tight there and then follow them back to be sure they are tight other places that they connect? If you're able to do that, it can save you trailering 200 miles back to the dealer or risking that long ride possibly running out of juice. If you do decide to check for loose wires on your own, disconnect the battery to avoid any potential shorting of your wrench to the bike.

[Firefly]

Just picked up my '09 SE5, rode it for about 25 miles and the battery symbol light on the left panel came on and a message "BATT LOW VOLT" scrolls across the screen. Talked to my local BRP tech (sadly they do not sell the spyder(atv & skidoo only), had to go 200miles to dealer who does) and he advised to test terminals, with a volt meter while running, to see if bike is charging the battery. He said I should see 13-14 volt while running. Read 12.04 even when reving. He said probable a wire not connected on the alternator. Anyone have this problem? Any advice? Really do not what to return 200miles to purchasing dealer. Thanks in advance for any help.

I would wonder if the battery was prepped properly. Used to be the dealers would prep the batteries - but I think they started shipping them prepped from the factory.

You could put a battery tender on it overnight and see if the problem goes away.

[ataDude]

...to tell you if it is the alternator not putting out or just bad wiring or connection...

We have a magneto, Ron. However, out of all the things that can happen on our Can Bus roadster, this should be one of the easiest to find. Magneto, regulator, wiring, fuse or battery seem to be the choices.

And, I have yet to see any mention of a magneto or regulator going south on the Spyder.

I'll bet on the 50 amp main fuse that the magneto/regulator flows through.

.

[Lamonster]

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=10403

[dltang]

Sorry for the early issues but you will get great suggestions and advice on this forum. You will also get bits and pieces of unsolicited advice you don't really want but it is few and far between. Most important though is welcome!!

[BajaRon]

We have a magneto, Ron. However, out of all the things that can happen on our Can Bus roadster, this should be one of the easiest to find. Magneto, regulator, wiring, fuse or battery seem to be the choices.

And, I have yet to see any mention of a magneto or regulator going south on the Spyder.

I'll bet on the 50 amp main fuse that the magneto/regulator flows through.

.

Ok, I stand corrected, was guessing on the Alternator aspect. And good advise on the check sequence.

Hope he can avoid that long trip to the dealer.

[Questions]

You guys are awesome It was a blown fuse. They had the 20amp & 50amp fuses reversed. The rectifier obvoiusly blew the 20amp. Thanks for all the input and help.

[ataDude]

Glad it was easy and cheap.
.

You guys are awesome It was a blown fuse. They had the 20amp & 50amp fuses reversed. The rectifier obvoiusly blew the 20amp. Thanks for all the input and help.

[ataDude]

That's OK... I was also wishing for a 1,200 watt alternator but... all I got was this low-powered 500 watt one (isn't that a t-shirt slogan?)

That's something they need to upgrade on any tourer models... 700-800 watts should do it.
.

Ok, I stand corrected, was guessing on the Alternator aspect. And good advise on the check sequence.

Hope he can avoid that long trip to the dealer.