Odyssey battery problem

[shugie]

Having used one on my 1150 I bought an Odyssey battery from NN and fitted it a few weeks ago, all seemed fine. I've been away, so the bikes been connected up to a Ctek charger for the last fortnight.

Started up this morning, got a low battery warning, and front light failure when the HID wouldn't start, due, I presume, to low voltage. Restarted and no further problems, went along the motorway for 40 miles, stopped and restarted, again, no problems. Then I stopped to get some petrol, and on restarting I got front light failure and a red triangle for the brakes. With the battery warning as well and at one point EWS. Nice I thought, I'll be here for a while waiting for BMW then.

Tried turning off, then starting, and fired up first time, brake failure light went out after a few yards and normal servo braking functioned.

If I'd not just replaced the battery, I'd be inclined to say the battery was cream-crackered. The battery takes charge, under an amp but it should be fully charged, which is what the voltage shows.

I be puzzled.

 

[wessie]

Your symptoms sound very much like they are caused by a loose connection.

One problem some have experience with the Odyssey battery is a break in the connection from the battery terminal to the internal power rail. The battery is shipped without posts as it is used in marine applications sealed in tight fitting compartments.

Apparently, if you over-tighten the retaining bolt, or use a bolt that is too long, then the internal connection can come loose. Buying or fabricating a couple of posts may ameliorate the issue.

 

[cookie]

if it's not a loose connection, i'd say the battery is defective.

have you still got the old one, and how well was it working? might be worth a swap back.

or ask a garage with a drop tester to check the battery. i have one if you're down this way. i could post it, but it's not much* more to buy one in machine mart


*actually, i think they're £23.48, so that is a fair bit more

 

[Fredb51]

Have you used the CTEK for a while? I'm not convinced they're all they're cracked up to be, and maybe your battery is not actually getting properly charged, although the alternator should make up for it on a run.

 

[shugie]

Have you used the CTEK for a while? I'm not convinced they're all they're cracked up to be, and maybe your battery is not actually getting properly charged, although the alternator should make up for it on a run.

Ctek was charging, albeit at .5A, but the problems occurred even after a motorway run that should have seen the battery properly charged.

Will make a drop tester with my voltmeter and a 55W fog lamp this afternoon, so what's what. Could be a duff connection, could be a duff battery.