Brand New Motorcycle Battery Won't Hold Charge
Having a brand new motorcycle battery that won't hold a charge can be frustrating and confusing. You may have thought that buying a new battery would solve your problems, but unfortunately, that's not always the case. There are several reasons why a new battery may not hold a charge and it's important to troubleshoot the issue before you spend more money on a new battery.
Reasons Why a Brand New Motorcycle Battery Won't Hold Charge
There are several reasons why a brand new motorcycle battery won't hold a charge. Here are a few of the most common reasons:
Battery Acid Leakage
If you notice that your brand new motorcycle battery is leaking acid, this could be the reason why it's not holding a charge. Battery acid can corrode the battery terminals and prevent it from holding a charge. If you notice any signs of battery acid leakage, you should replace the battery immediately.
Dead Cell
If one of the cells in your brand new motorcycle battery is dead, it will not hold a charge. You can test the battery cells with a multimeter to see if they are functioning properly. If you find that one of the cells is dead, you will need to replace the battery.
Incorrect Battery Size
If you purchased the wrong size battery for your motorcycle, it may not hold a charge. It's important to check your motorcycle's owner's manual to ensure that you purchase the correct size battery. If you have the wrong size battery, you will need to replace it with the correct size.
Overcharging the Battery
If you overcharge your brand new motorcycle battery, it can cause the battery to not hold a charge. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging the battery and to not overcharge it. If you suspect that you have overcharged your battery, you should have it tested to see if it is still functioning properly.
How to Troubleshoot a Brand New Motorcycle Battery That Won't Hold Charge
If you are experiencing issues with your brand new motorcycle battery not holding a charge, there are several steps that you can take to troubleshoot the issue:
Check Battery Connections
Make sure that the battery connections are clean and tight. If there is any corrosion or rust on the battery terminals, clean them with a wire brush. Tighten the battery connections to ensure that there is a good connection.
Charge the Battery
Charge the battery with a battery charger. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging the battery. Do not overcharge the battery, as this can cause it to not hold a charge.
Test the Battery
You can test the battery with a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the voltage setting and touch the positive and negative terminals with the multimeter leads. If the battery is functioning properly, the multimeter should read between 12-13 volts. If the battery is not functioning properly, it may need to be replaced.
Conclusion
If you have a brand new motorcycle battery that won't hold a charge, it can be frustrating. However, there are several reasons why this may be happening and it's important to troubleshoot the issue before you spend more money on a new battery. Check the battery connections, charge the battery properly, and test the battery with a multimeter. If you find that the battery is not functioning properly, you may need to replace it.
