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81 650 Maxim sudden total electrical failure, help!

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by owlcore, Dec 5, 2016.

  1. owlcore

    owlcore New Member

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    My 81 650 Maxim had a sudden electical failure and I really don't know where to start. It was running in the driveway just about to head out on a ride when the engine stalled. I went to restart it and suddenly lost all electrical, no lights or anything. The battery seems to have been damaged by whatever failed. All the fuses were still ok. We tried hooking up a jump box, no difference. I gave the battery a full charge and tested it in another bike, it's dead. I have no idea what failed and killed the battery and really don't want to buy a new one just to have it ruined too, so I'm hoping someone might have a suggestion what may have failed. is there a voltage regulator or a relay that may be to blame? Thanks!
     
  2. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

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    What is the age of the battery? I can't think of anything that would create a surge to layout a battery . . . . although me and electricity - :rolleyes:
    Do the fuses look good or did they test good?
    When is the last time you verified that ALL of your ground connections are clean and solid?
     
  3. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Well-Known Member

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    start with meter to check all ground and power wires to solenoid and ignition box(TCI) and both sides of fuse box they may look ok but may test bad.
    And make sure power through ignition switch as well
     
  4. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Sounds like your battery had previously been dead, you were running off of a residual top-charge, and since it wasn't charging at all, you literally ran out of juice. No amount of recharging will give life to a battery like that. You can try jumping a 100% dead battery, and you won't get anywhere as a lot of boosters can sense a totally-gone battery and will not allow a charge to build.

    personally, I'dget a new battery (which means "NEW, and KNOWN-GOOD)and install it correctly, then see what happens. If all the fuses are are really good, then the R/R won't be the problem. If you're overcharging so much that it blows the battery, you would have blown all the fuses, and most, if not all, of the light bulb filaments, too.----been there done that.

    I"m gonna go with just a terribly bad battery at this point------
     
  5. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    you can ohm out your charging system and also test the voltage regulator with a meter just as good practice and to set your mind at ease.
    read this link
    The Ultimate Relay, Switch, Sensor, and Diodes Guide
    following info from link

    Checking Alternator Stators:

    Measure the resistance across each pair (white1 to white2, white1 to white3, and white2 to white3) of the three white wires (white1, white2, and white3) at the connector; the specifications should be:
    0.46 ohms +/- 10% for all XJ650, all XJ700, all XJ750, and XJ900RK models.

    Checking Alternator Rotors:

    Measure the resistance across the two lead wires (usually brown and green) at the connector; the specifications should be:.
    4.0 ohms +/- 10% for all XJ650, all XJ700, all XJ750, XJ900RK, and XJ1100 models.

    Note that worn, dirty, or damaged alternator brushes can affect these readings, as can "dirty" copper commutator rings on the rotor face (where the brushes contact the rotor):

    to test voltage regulator
    vr.JPG

    test diodes from each white wire to black and each white to red wire
    test in both directions by switching probes
    you should get a reading in one direction and no reading when you switch the probes

    read this thread
    Page 218 of Haynes manual rectifier test

    read my first post in the thread
     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2016
  6. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

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    Also, do the fuse clips show continuity. I had a 'complete' electrical shut down on my XJ550 on two occasions. Fuses tested good. However, the fuse clips on main passed current intermittently. Replaced with inline fuses, problem never reoccurred.
     
  7. owlcore

    owlcore New Member

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    Hopefully it's just a super dead battery, I'll poke around and check everything out. Thanks so much!
     
  8. Jetfixer

    Jetfixer Well-Known Member

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    ^^^^+1 Bad Battery ...did you check electrolyte level? was it serviced with distilled water? since temps have dropped marginal battery issues start showing up . Also possible your charging system has issues ( brushes worn in alternator. ) and charging at idle may not be giving a lot of charge .
     
  9. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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