Know Why is Your Motorcycle Battery Not Charging and How to Fix it

Posted on: Jul 6, 2022 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Know Why is Your Motorcycle Battery Not Charging and How to Fix it

How to fix battery charging problem in bike

Every time the bike meets with an accident or stops working, we send for repairs and worry about making a claim under our bike insurance policy. The battery of a bike is one of the most important parts and this is what helps in starting the bike and gives the energy to the other parts of the bike when needed. A battery not working can be a problem for the bike owner. There are ways in which a motorcycle will work without a battery but doing so can damage the bike.

All bikes come with a battery and there is a reason why they are there and why they are important for the adequate working of the bike. The principle behind the working of a battery and a bike is that when current is released by the battery, there is a chemical reaction. The current is restored when the battery charges and the bike and the process continues without any disruption.

The main issue is when the battery stops charging. Before announcing that the battery is not working and needs to be replaced and for which you will need to take a claim in your bike insurance, it is important to know why the battery is not charging and what can be done to fix this problem. When a battery does not charge, it affects the working of the motorcycle and this leads to several issues in the bike. This is why it is important to know the reasons why the battery of the bike is not charging and what can be done to fix this issue.

1. Dead Battery

The battery has a life and after which it does not work. The main reason which can be a possibility of the battery not charging is when the battery is dead. A dead battery will not charge properly. Apart from the age, another reason for the battery being dead is if it has not been used for a long time. Other probable causes of a dead battery are corrosion of the battery terminal and a bad ground connection. Other important reasons which can also damage other parts of the bike are excessive heat and vibration.

Some ways to find if a battery is dead are:

● Look for a bulge on the battery that is caused by the electrolyte fluid heat in the battery

● Using a voltmeter to check the voltage in the battery after it finishes charging

● If the horn indicator is soft after installing the battery

● If the turn signal loudly flashes after installing the battery in the motor.

If the battery is dead, there is not much that can be done. For a wet battery, the fluid can be refilled and checked but for a dry battery, the only way out is to replace the same. Your bike insurance might pay for the replacement of the battery and you should check your policy and inclusions for the same.

2. Rectifier Regulator

A damaged rectifier regulator can be another cause for a battery not charging. This component of the bike converts the AC to a DC current which is then sent to the battery where it is stored. Thus, if this important part of the bike stops functioning, there is no current conversion and as nothing is sent to the battery it does not get charged. Another function of this part is stabilising the bike's current when it is sent to all the other electrical parts.

Some signs you can look out for to know if the rectifier regulator is damaged are:

● Motorcycle crashes often

● It is hard to start the bike

● The light of the headlights is dim and not too bright like they usually are

If you notice any of these signs, it is an indicator to know that the rectifier regulator is damaged. If you want to know the reason for this damage, you should know that this can happen due to overheating or high-speed driving.

Repairing the rectifier regulator is usually not an option. This is one of the most critical parts which is responsible for the electrical system and thus, it is advisable to get it replaced.

3. Alternator

The bike and the charging system have a very important part known as the alternator. This is because this part changes the mechanical and motion energy into electrical energy which charges the battery of the bike. When the alternator stops working or is faulty, it is not able to charge the battery. Due to this, the power of the battery is used and when this finishes the battery runs out and also gets damaged. The alternator can be repaired and a motorcycle repair shop can confirm if the same can be done or not. As there is a possibility to get this part fixed, any signs you notice of it not working should not be neglected. This will reduce expenses and replacing parts under your bike insurance policy will not be needed.

4. Wiring in the Charging Circuit

Another reason that the battery is not charging could be damaged or loose wiring in the charging circuit of the battery. There are several circuit breakers in most bikes to protect the wiring of the motorbike. All these breakers reset on their own and return steady power automatically to the circuit when there is an electrical fault. Any fault which is not diagnosed and not rectified will result in an erratic working of the bike and due to this, it will lose the charge. Thus, an expert should check the wiring and fix it immediately to avoid damage.

Conclusion

When the battery of the bike does not charge, the above are some of the reasons which can cause this and also easy ways to fix it. Checking the hook cable and the bolt which helps in charging the battery is important. As stated above, the battery is an important part of the bike and it should be checked regularly to ensure the bike works smoothly and for a long time. Damage and repair of a bike can be covered in the bike insurance policy but paying attention to the battery every two weeks is important. Maintenance checks and taking care of the bike are important to ensure it runs for a long time.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

How to Save the Battery of Your EV from Excessive Heat?

Ten Ways to Extend Your Two-Wheeler’s Battery Life

Reasons to Kick-start Your Two Wheeler or Bike Every Morning

Technologies That Aim to Make Bike Riding Safer

Why Do Two Wheelers Use Petrol Engines?