Could a power problem because of small battery be causing these problems? (motorcycle battery)

On start up the idle stays really low sometime dips down enough that the car stalls and turns itself right back on. Also happens when driving and I throw it in neutral and let the idle drop (when its falling it keeps falling shuts off and turns back on).. the battery has died a few times and I charged it up, jump started and then a week later it will die again. My alternator isnt anymore then a year old so I doubt its that. Other then it stalling and turning back on the car runs PERFECT. If this is the problem im just going to do the battery relocate.. Let me know what you guys think. -Eric

 

what voltage is the battery putting out while running and while off??

 

Not sure I don't have my commander hooked up to my PFC.

 

If you know the battery is bad (doesnt hold a charge) just change it and see if it cures your stalling issue.

 

I dont drive it that often I just wanna make sure thats the problem before I go through with the battery relocate.

 

I have a 380 amp battery and it would die every 1.5 weeks and then i bought a battery tender at harbor frieght and what do you know it works great, and only cost about $7.00.

Go to a parts house that checks chargeing system for free and have it checked. I doubt the stalling is the problem of the battery low voltage affects higher rpm more than low. It sounds like a tunning issue to me.

 

Just pull into an auto-electric shop and have them do an on the car test for your battery. Takes like 5 seconds once you start the car and they touch the voltage tester to the battery posts. Most offer free on car testing for little things like this.

Jump starting a battery is hard as hell on them, so doing it alot will shorten it's life, but you gotta do what you gotta do as its better than sitting there waiting for someone to bring a charger by and you sit stranded for hours while it charges.

My guess is you either have a short, or the battery is toast, and I would bet the battery is toast anyway, but have it checked first.

 

My main concern isnt the battery, although I appreciate you guys giving me info on how to get the batter tested. My main concern is whether or not the low power could be causing the stalling problems. I hope it is so I dont have to drive it all the way back to my tuner

 

Were not telling you to test the battery were telling you to check the battery and the charging system. The alternator should be putting out 13.8 volts if it is then you dont have a idle voltage problem as your engine runs off the alt. and batt. combination!

 

Im sorry I guess im not really making much sense, Ive had the flu the past few days . I wanna know if the power problem could be causing these issues because if it is I can take it down the street and get that stuff checked out, if Its tuning or another Issue I have to drive an hour away to take it back to my mechanic who just did my single turbo upgrade.

 

My mechanic emailed me saying this:

If the battery voltage is that low the fuel pressure could be lower making it run leaner, but this would only really show at idle when the battery has no reserve. I have had to jump start your car after it idled for too long before. I personally dislike those little battery’s, A lot.

 

What do you mean by "turning back on" - I assume you have to start it - it just doesn't start itself, does it?

Can you restart with just the battery in the car? If you can start it without a jump, it's not a battery problem. If it has enough power to start, it should definitely have enough power to keep it running. I'd suspect something with the ISC, etc., rather than the battery. If the alternator keeps it running for long runs, then that's working, too, and not likely to be the problem.

Dave

 

The idle will drop shutting the car off.. all the lights will come on like the key is in 2nd position.. then it turns right back on... (by itself) I charged the battery jumped it and it works for about a week or two then I have to charge/jump again...

 

If you have trouble when the car is running it's not likely a battery problem, any car should be able to run without a battery once started.

 

Wow - never heard of anything like this.

If it is totally stopping (engine dead) and then restarting itself, that sounds like an ignition switch problem - shorted internally?

Are you sure it is completely stopping, and not just getting to REALLY low RPM's and then speeding back up?

Dave

 

It happens so quick its hard to tell, next time I drive ill take a better look.. But im pretty sure its turning off, all the lights come on when the batter dies or w/e then it turns back on

 

1. It's not the battery or alternator - it wouldn't catch again after the drop in RPM.
2. I'm pretty sure it is not completely stopping and restarting itself - that defies logic.

Therefore, I would be looking for idle speed control problems, as I first suggested.

Dave

 

what the hell is a battery tender?

 

you put it on when storing the car it keeps the battery charged