ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Tech => Tech Help => Topic started by: M@2015DS on April 10, 2017, 10:46:42 AM
-
When I charge my 2015 DS there is a constant charging sound. Tonight I came out to the garage and that sound was starting and stopping.
I checked the cable that was plugged into the bike and it was hot. I also checked the connection of this cable to the extension cable and it was hot as well.
The extension cable is to spec of what is called for when charging the bike and I have been doing this over 2 years since I bought the bike.
Any ideas what may be going wrong? Is the bike going to explode?
-
Power cables always get hot when the bike is bulk charging. They will get noticeably hot at either end. Things get evern worse when the connectors are getting a little old and corroded. Last year I had my charging cable connected to my daughter's old and a little undersized 25'-long extension cord and the male and female connectors, where the cords were joined, melted and they became fused together. I had to cut the cords apart and ended up buying replacements for both cords. Fortunately the melting didn't affect the charging of my Zero and it was fully charged when I discovered the problem. Also, fortunately, no fire resulted. :)
So my suggestion is to make sure your power cords are rated to handle at least a 15 amp continuous load and every few years check that their metal connectors are clean and free of corrosion.
-
Or charge at 240V. My cables stay icy cold even during bulk charging.
-
I'd say to clean the contacts of the cord and inlet every few months, not years.
Wiki writeup: http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Common_Problems#Stuck.2FWarm_Charging_Cord
-
Thanks guys,
Cleaned the contacts and looks like it is back to normal.
Probably should take it in for a look see though.
-
I'd say to clean the contacts of the cord and inlet every few months, not years.
Wiki writeup: http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Common_Problems#Stuck.2FWarm_Charging_Cord (http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Common_Problems#Stuck.2FWarm_Charging_Cord)
What do you use to clean the contacts?
Can I use rubbing alcohol?
Can you provide a short list of products that would work, without causing damage, and how to apply them correctly?
-
I'd say to clean the contacts of the cord and inlet every few months, not years.
Wiki writeup: http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Common_Problems#Stuck.2FWarm_Charging_Cord (http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Common_Problems#Stuck.2FWarm_Charging_Cord)
What do you use to clean the contacts?
Can I use rubbing alcohol?
Can you provide a short list of products that would work, without causing damage, and how to apply them correctly?
I think so but I found a specific contact cleaning solvent at a local hardware store and just used that. I don't know what to recommend but it doesn't seem hard to fulfill given the keywords "contact cleaner".
-
I used an electronics component cleaner spray. I just sprayed the plugs and let them dry.