7-34 2003 Buell XB9S: Electrical
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BATTERY TESTING
Voltmeter Test
See Tabl e 7-13. The voltmeter test provides a general
indicator of battery condition. Check the voltage of the battery
to verify that it is in a 100% fully charged condition. 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 load test.
Load Test
The load test measures battery performance under full
current load and is the best indicator of battery condition. To
load test the battery, proceed as follows:
CAUTION
Load testing a discharged battery can result in perma-
nent battery damage.
1. Always fully charge the battery before testing or test
readings will be incorrect. See BATTERY INSTALLA-
TION AND CONNECTION. Load testing a discharged
battery can also result in permanent battery damage.
2. After charging, allow battery to stand for at least one
hour before testing.
1WARNING1WARNING
Always turn the battery load tester OFF before connect-
ing the tester cables to the battery terminals. Connecting
tester cables with the load tester ON could cause a spark
resulting in a battery explosion which could result in
death or serious injury.
3. Connect tester leads to battery posts and place induction
pickup over negative (black) cable. See Figure 7-41.
CAUTION
To avoid load tester and/or battery damage, do not leave
the load tester switch turned ON for more than 20 sec-
onds.
4. See Table 7-14. 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).
1WARNING1WARNING
Always turn the battery load tester OFF before discon-
necting the tester cables from the battery terminals. Dis-
connecting tester cables with the load tester ON could
cause a spark resulting in a battery explosion which
could result in death or serious injury.
5. Install the battery on the motorcycle. See BATTERY
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION.
Table 7-13. Voltmeter Test
BATTERY CHARGE CONDITIONS
12.8 100%
12.6 75%
12.3 50%
12.0 25%
11.8 0%
Figure 7-40. Load Test
Table 7-14. Battery Load Test
COLD CRANKING
AMPERAGE (CCA)
100% 50%
XB9S 200 100
Load
Tester
Induction
Pickup
b1098x7x
12 VDC
Battery
VOLTS
AMPS
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