i put a meter to the battery, 12.6v with or without key on, running i have 12.2v - 12.3v.... also my gear indicator lights are not working right, N hardly ever works unless high beam lights are on, and occasionally when you put it in gear the heat light comes on... i have looked high and low for a rub some where on the harness, can't find one.. this could be 2 seperate issues (battery not charging, and the indicator lights).. any help and or ideas would be very helpful...
by the way:: cat 2004 300 4x4... thanks

 

Sounds like two issues. The indicator lights are probably one or both of the connectors bellow the insturment pod. Usually plugging then and plugging back in cures it. The battery not charging is either the charging coils in the stator or the rectifier/regulator. There is a possibility that the battery is causing the charge problem.

 

i already changed out the battery.. and it will hold a charge provided i don't run the bike much... on a full charge it will last me a few days as long as i don't use the head lights....

 

is there a way to test the voltage regulator, and/or the stator???

 

There are test proceedures in the service manual. If you can't find one, hard copy or CD, I could send youthe test proceedure via e-mail.

 

thanks for your help Bear, i bought a service manual should be here in a couple of days.

 

If a new fully chagred battery goes dead in a couple of days just sitting there then you may have a short some place draining the battery, and/or a charging problem.

I have found the service manuals test procedures to be very helpful and sequential but they alway seem to stress "using their AC volt multi-meter" you should get... Which you do not want to buy.

SJ

 

thanks again for all of your help, i will repost after i get my service manual and test everything out... i am still looking for shorts in the mean time... i just about have the entire bike tore down now.. funny how that works isn't it...

 

Yes it is. Once you take the plastic fenders off and the racks the ole cat looks a little bare.

While you have the plastic off it would be a good time to inspect the frame for rust spots and such and touch it up with a little paint.

SJ