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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: SonOfAnakin on June 06, 2021, 12:58:13 AM

Title: Help with charging issue
Post by: SonOfAnakin on June 06, 2021, 12:58:13 AM
2021 SR - No charge tank.

Onboard charger started acting up. Starts and stops repeatedly and shows a different length of time to charge each time. Videos linked below of mobile app view and instrument view.

Any idea what is wrong?  Or how to fix it?

Thanks.

https://imgur.com/gallery/p0WYaNk
Title: Re: Help with charging issue
Post by: DonTom on June 06, 2021, 06:12:15 AM
2021 SR - No charge tank.

Onboard charger started acting up. Starts and stops repeatedly and shows a different length of time to charge each time. Videos linked below of mobile app view and instrument view.

Any idea what is wrong?  Or how to fix it?

Thanks.

https://imgur.com/gallery/p0WYaNk (https://imgur.com/gallery/p0WYaNk)
The charge time varies because the output of the OBC is varyingUnfortunately, you will most likely have to replace the OBC. No reasonable way to get inside them for repair. More than likely, it will totally crap out soon anyway. Something could be arcing inside and will soon burn itelf out.


-Don-
Title: Re: Help with charging issue
Post by: SonOfAnakin on June 06, 2021, 09:05:16 PM
Why would it be doing that?  Is it faulty?  Or is this what cell balancing looks like? Just overheating on a hot day?  Something else??

Title: Re: Help with charging issue
Post by: DonTom on June 07, 2021, 05:46:44 AM
Why would it be doing that?  Is it faulty?  Or is this what cell balancing looks like? Just overheating on a hot day?  Something else??
My previous message had a forum bug with the font.


"Unfortunately, you will most likely have to replace the OBC. No reasonable way to get inside them for repair. More than likely, it will totally crap out soon anyway. Something could be arcing inside and will soon burn itself out."


I don't know why the font got too small to read other than the word "something".  It showed okay on "Preview". I just edited that message and it now seems to be okay.


But yes, more than likely there is an intermittent problem inside the OBC making the output charge voltage /current/ watts jump all over--which will also make the charge times change, as the charge time is based on the current to the battery.

But a charge  current drop off near the end of charge (above 85% SOC or so) is nominal. More noticeable with higher charge rates. The balancing is done near the very end of the charge as well.

-Don-  Reno, NV
Title: Re: Help with charging issue
Post by: SonOfAnakin on June 07, 2021, 11:29:31 PM
Thanks, Don. I’ll see if they will send me a new OBC under warranty based on the videos and hopefully be able to replace it before it totally craps out. Hate to lose riding time during our very short season here in michigan.

Luke
Title: Re: Help with charging issue
Post by: DonTom on June 08, 2021, 12:08:33 AM
Thanks, Don. I’ll see if they will send me a new OBC under warranty based on the videos and hopefully be able to replace it before it totally craps out. Hate to lose riding time during our very short season here in michigan.

Luke
You may wanna consider getting a DeltaQ quick charger. That way you can still charge when your OBC craps out, which is a fairly common problem on Zeros. 


The DeltaQ chargers are a lot more reliable. A little less charge rate in a larger package is probably what makes it reliable. I have not heard of any of them ever crapping out.


Some Zero dealers keep them in stock. $600.00.



-Don-  Reno, NV
Title: Re: Help with charging issue
Post by: SonOfAnakin on June 08, 2021, 12:47:25 AM
Don, do you have any idea if using a third party charger, like Delta-Q, voids the warranty?
Title: Re: Help with charging issue
Post by: Richard230 on June 08, 2021, 03:32:24 AM
When I visited the Zero factory they were charging all of their new battery packs using the accessory charger that they sell through their dealers.  Is that the Delta-Q? They had a couple of walls full of the things humming away.
Title: Re: Help with charging issue
Post by: DonTom on June 08, 2021, 03:52:07 AM
Don, do you have any idea if using a third party charger, like Delta-Q, voids the warranty?
Zero sells the Delta-Q!   And in the USA,  nothing voids a motorcycle warranty unless it can be proven it was what caused the damage for the warranty work.

This is what you want. (https://hollywoodelectrics.com/products/deltaq-quick-charger-for-zero-motorcycles)


You can also buy them at any Zero dealer. Some Zero dealers keep at least one in  stock. Other places you will have to order it.



-Don-  Auburn, CA








Title: Re: Help with charging issue
Post by: Crissa on June 08, 2021, 05:47:11 AM
Don, do you have any idea if using a third party charger, like Delta-Q, voids the warranty?
The Delta-Q is an approved charger, sold by Zero.

But beyond that, they would have to prove your use of a third-party chargers went out of spec and damaged the bike, to refuse your warranty claim.

-Crissa