Erratic voltage readout?

[Chrisk7]

I'm getting erratic voltage readouts from my Escort radar detector when it is on my 05 FJR. When it is in my other vehicles and bikes it reads a pretty steady voltage of around 13 to 14 volts like it should, but on the FJR it jumps all over the place from 10 to 14 volts and sometimes the low voltage alarm sounds.

I just put a new battery in the bike and as soon as I started it both high beams blew out. I replaced the bulbs and so far no problems other than the weird voltage readings.

Any ideas of what it is and how to check what may be causing this?

I'm thinking it is a voltage regulator, rectifier, or alternator problem.

 

[dcarver]

My 8500 in volts mode reads super steady on Wabs, my DL650. On my 2006 FJR it fluctuates at idle and running speed by about .8 to 1.2 volts. No low volts warning though, and no other issues. In my case I think it's just 'dirty' power. In your case, where you've had headlight problems too.. that may be very different.

Out of curiosity, where did you connect the 8500 to? Directly to battery with both leads or tapped from another wire/source?

I'd surely be getting a better, digital voltmeter out and measuring across the battery first to see if the observed 8500 behavior is repeatable on a good Fluke 87 or whatever..

 

[Warchild]

I'm getting erratic voltage readouts from my Escort radar detector when it is on my 05 FJR. When it is in my other vehicles and bikes it reads a pretty steady voltage of around 13 to 14 volts like it should, but on the FJR it jumps all over the place from 10 to 14 volts and sometimes the low voltage alarm sounds.
I just put a new battery in the bike and as soon as I started it both high beams blew out. I replaced the bulbs and so far no problems other than the weird voltage readings.

Any ideas of what it is and how to check what may be causing this?

I'm thinking it is a voltage regulator, rectifier, or alternator problem.

How many miles on this bike?

Are the power connections for the Escort truly rock-solid?

Can you duplicate these readings when putting a multimeter directly to the battery terminals with the engine running?

 

[dcarver]

I'm getting erratic voltage readouts from my Escort radar detector when it is on my 05 FJR. When it is in my other vehicles and bikes it reads a pretty steady voltage of around 13 to 14 volts like it should, but on the FJR it jumps all over the place from 10 to 14 volts and sometimes the low voltage alarm sounds.
I just put a new battery in the bike and as soon as I started it both high beams blew out. I replaced the bulbs and so far no problems other than the weird voltage readings.

Any ideas of what it is and how to check what may be causing this?

I'm thinking it is a voltage regulator, rectifier, or alternator problem.

How many miles on this bike?

Are the power connections for the Escort truly rock-solid?

Can you duplicate these readings when putting a multimeter directly to the battery terminals with the engine running?

Great minds think alike?

 

[Warchild]

Great minds think alike?

Yes.

 

[Chrisk7]

All is well, I checked it with a voltage meter and it shows normal voltage. Must just be the home made power cord to my detector on that particular bike.