Stop buying parts! Here's how to properly test your Harley-Davidson’s charging system

Are you experiencing charging issues with your motorcycle? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Hi, I'm Seth from Throttle Addiction, and in this video we discuss how to test your motorcycle's entire charging system to diagnose any issues you may be having. We recently picked up a 2004 Sportster the previous owner claimed had an issue with the stator. Instead of throwing components at the issue, we developed a cheat sheet to help you test the battery, stator, and regulator in the right order. This testing method let's you cut straight to the root of the problem and purchase only the parts you need. Charging issues are one of the most common complaints we see in our service shop, but with our guide, you can easily diagnose and fix the problem yourself. Watch our How-To video to learn how to test your motorcycle's charging system step-by-step, using affordable tools.

[tovartexas]

Watch 3 other videos and too much talking, not enough diagnostics. I love your checklist. It's easy to follow. Didn't even mind the plug-ins. Thank you for posting this.

[greggwest]

Good tutorial. A half century of ridin HDs and yet I didn't know the right specs and steps to take. I needed answers, and you provided them, and consequently, my friend's Sporty is diagnosed! Thanks.

[Chris-]

Excellent video, brother. No endless talking, no bullshit. Straight to the point! Thank you!

[timothymix]

So instead of "out of limits" ie .0L it's better to say "open line" or just "open" to me if you told me it was "out if limits" it would've failed....but I guess that is the aircraft mechanic in me lol....otherwise a very detailed and systematic video!

[The_M-An-M]

Im impressed. Best thought out and executed video on this, period. Cheat sheet was an excellent idea as well. New Canadian subscriber. Hopefully i dont need to watch many more of your videos but if i do...I know where to look anyway 😂 Much appreciated!

[PatrickSchmidt]

Wow great video. I'm having the exact same problem you described. I'm going to walk through all these steps this weekend. Thanks a lot!

[brianjohnson]

OUTSTANDING video! Thanks for the sheet!

[carlosalvarez]

Excellent and clear information! The check-off list is a fantastic idea. Thanks!

[CarlosAnthonyLopez]

Great video. Thanks for sharing and for the diagnostic sheet!

[doctorengel]

These values ​​ work for an HD FLHTK 2013. great video. Thanks for sharing.

[RobertHenson]

Thank you, got this very problem and will check tomorrow.

[bryanweller]

Helped me diagnose my charging issue. Thanks

[LyndonJulien-Sehl]

Awesome video, very clear. I appreciate the diode test, the book has you test the regulator differently. I'm having an issue where the bike isn't charging, I get ~12.8VDC at idle. Everything checks out per your testing. Only anomaly is the regulator (and other grounds) show 0Ω with ignition off, and ~24Ω with ignition on... which is very mysterious. Anyone else ever run across an issue like this?

[christopherpratt]

Great video I can fix my dyna now I already added a few parts it’ll be great but I’m sure some wasn’t necessary 😅 thank you!

[aox]

Best instructions ever. Thank you so much.

[juliorivera]

Very good video!!!! I was able to check my 2021 ultra limited without any problems.

[verbat]

Couldn't make a better video. Great job.

[pauldimarco]

OL… is actually “open line” meaning no continuity… or in the case of stator coil test to ground, no short.

[thatboringsinger]

This video was very helpful, thank you very much!

[jeffryan]

Your videos are very informative! Probably a dumb question but if my ac output 1 is at .5dcv but the ac output 2 is at 1.1dcv, that means my regulator is toast right? Been trying to diagnose why my battery won't recharge and my mechanic couldn't find the issue...