Cruiser battery dead after a week: parasitic drain test
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Applies to: Indian Chief and other cruisers with alarms, radios and accessories
Symptoms
- Battery flat after sitting a week
- Charges and rides fine
- Started after adding an accessory
Why it happens
Alarms, GPS units, USB chargers or a sticking relay draw current with the key off.
How to fix it
- Fully charge the battery.
- With the key off, put an ammeter between the negative terminal and cable.
- Pull fuses one at a time until the draw drops.
- Check that circuit and accessory wiring; use a battery tender for storage.
Tools and parts
- Multimeter with amp range
- Battery tender
What the factory service manual covers
Electrical: fuse chart, wiring diagrams, battery spec. The full procedure, specs and wiring diagrams are in the factory service manual for your machine.