Battery issue? Help please!

[MonsterNoob696]

I purchased a 2009 Ducati Monster 696 about a week ago (my first bike ever) and i have run into some issues. She is mint with only 2300km. The previous owner purchased her brand new from the dealership. He had the bike parked in the garage for about a year and it hasn't been ridden for quite some time. He had it plugged into a trickle charger the whole time he had it stored.

Everything was going perfectly fine and of course I was loving life, ripping around my like-new M696! ...Until three days later, when I went to fill her up for the first time   ...After pouring gas, I tried to fire her up and all that occurred was a clicking noise and the LCD shutting off and restarting as if I just turned the key to the on position. I was stranded at the gas station with no hope in sight. There was also an error message 0005.rsw?

Luckily there was a power outlet near the parking stall at the gas station. I went home and grabbed my trickle charger. Plugged it in for about an hour and my monster finally started! Luckily, my dad is great with mechanics (he can fix pretty much anything), said the battery was done. Took out the battery, hooked it up to the charger and it was showing a good reading after some TLC. Not sure if it died because the bike hasn't been ridden for over a year? Anyways, we installed a brand new battery BUT my voltage reading is still at about 12.2 volts while the bike is running and drops down to about 11.2-11.8 volts even after a decent length ride.

Basically, my battery isn't being charged while I ride. I've been plugging it into the trickle charger after every ride in order for my battery to have enough juice to start. I'm trying to diagnose the problem, i've been doing a lot of research and many have come to the conclusion that its the Regulator/Rectifier. Any ideas or help?

Sorry for the super long post, trying to give as much detail as possible and I'm a noob, so take it easy on me lol  

[Howie]

You will see three heavy yellow wires connected to the regulator.  Separate the connector and grab your AC voltmeter.  At around 3K rpm you should see at least 30 volts if you place your meter leads across each pair of wires, in other words, if you label the three wires A B C, A and B, Band C, C and A.  If yes, replace the regulator.  If no, probable stator problem.  Post back with the results and we can take you further.

[MonsterNoob696]

Hello,

I completed the test you suggested and it was averaging about 44 Volts. Replaced the R/R and everything is running great! Battery is at about 14.2-14.5 volts after a ride, 13.2-13.5 otherwise. Now i'm scared it's going to jump the 14.9 v mark 

No more battery problems! Fires up beautifully, so far so good!

Thanks for your help 

[ChiefH134]

I just had an identical experience, bike wouldn't start after filling up with gas then fully went into immobilizer mode.  Quick test showed 7.8 volts on the battery so I replaced the battery and everything seems to be working fine. However at idle it only shows 12.4 volts and that does not change much with RPMs increase.

howie: can you explain the yellow wires or is there another thread I can find with pictures? I'm a visual learner 

[Howie]

The three (or two) stator wires, depending on year, exit the side(alternator) cover on the left side and connect to the regulator rectifier, mounted under the triple on earlier monsters, under the seat on later Monsters and behind the front engine shroud on the new generation Monsters.  696 Monsters have had some stator failures, but generally stator failures are not common.  First do a visual check, for instance, a regulator oozing goo. Common on older bikes is a bad connection between the stator and regulator.  And check the voltage regulator fuse.  A trip here  http://www.ducati.com/services/maintenance/index.do  to view the parts schematic may help.

There are many threads on this subject with input from me and other really good on this board.  Do a search.

Another option is to take the bike to a good shop.

[ChiefH134]

So found the the plug, 2004 620, when I separated it two of the pins are black and appear  to have burnt/melted plastic on them. To top things off I can't get the voltage meter to find even one volt except sporadic flashes of 15-30 volts. Trying to figure out how to post a picture of the pins

[ChiefH134]

[ChiefH134]

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[oldndumb]

Chief,
Most likely the burnt connector is your only problem and should be replaced. To verify that, check the stator output per Howie's instructions, but do not attempt to take readings at the connector. Try to back probe upstream of it.

Myself, I never replace those connectors with the same. I use Metri-Packs instead.

[ChiefH134]

Oldndumb,

any thoughts on what might have caused it to melt? Not sure if I over heated it or if  it possibly has a short in the connector that would cause it to heat up and melt.

[Howie]

The connector is barely capable of doing the job when new, as age and oxidation from weather takes it's toll resistance builds and things get hot.  Cut back until you get to good clean copper and test output.  Good?  Splice in new wire, replace connector with a Metri-Pack style connector as suggested by oldn(notreally)dumb of sufficeint amp rating or wire directly.  I like having a connector there for ease of future diagnosis. 

This problem can be avoided by occaisionaly cleaning the OEM connector and packing with dielectric grease.  13 years and 71K miles on mine. 

[ChiefH134]

Nice Thank you both again for the Help, hopefully I'll have pictures of the Franken Duc before and after up soon

[Bill in OKC]

This problem can be avoided by occaisionaly cleaning the OEM connector and packing with dielectric grease.

+1