Low Voltage Message

[Ernest T]

Radio quit and displayed the low voltage message while riding on the highway.  It started again almost immediately and the message went away.  Never had that happen before.  Battery  is over 13 volts and starts fine.  WTF?

[dsinned]

I would check (or recheck) your bike for the ECM Recall.  Another (remote) possibility is your ignition switch wiring harness.

[janfmiller]

My '13 has had all the recalls and does this nearly every start warm or cold, no matter what the weather, even with a brand new battery.   Immediately the radio starts up if it was on, and all is well. 

Dealer just shrugs and says no codes are shown.

But, I have never had this happen while riding along...   Just at starts.

I feel the software is over-sensitive to low voltage cause by starter motor drain.

[DonTom]

Originally Posted by Ernest T

Radio quit and displayed the low voltage message while riding on the highway.  It started again almost immediately and the message went away.  Never had that happen before.  Battery  is over 13 volts and starts fine.  WTF?

I would make sure your battery connections are okay. Battery screws not loose and such.

-Don-  Reno, NV

[DonTom]

Originally Posted by janfmiller

My '13 has had all the recalls and does this nearly every start warm or cold, no matter what the weather, even with a brand new battery.   Immediately the radio starts up if it was on, and all is well. 

Dealer just shrugs and says no codes are shown.

But, I have never had this happen while riding along...   Just at starts.

I feel the software is over-sensitive to low voltage cause by starter motor drain.

But ever see the "low voltage" message while riding on the freeway, as it did with ET?

Oh, sorry,  I see you already answered that!

But at startup, I think nothing of the message other than Triumph probably should have put a delay in it so it won't show when starting up, so people won't think something is wrong.

But I have never seen that message while on the freeway.

-Don-  Reno, NV

[dsinned]

Whatever it is causing problems like this whether at initial start up or while on a ride, it certainly must be related to an electrical (or computer) glitch.  The only known related problems I already mentioned in my earlier reply. 

Two other possibilities are a faulty 12V battery or the charging system (alternator/rectifiers).  However, "glitch-like" symptoms usually have something to do with the ECU or a faulty power supplies (i.e. your 12V battery). 

Have you tried replacing your ECM once again even after the recall was already done?   You might also want to eliminate the radio by pulling the fuse, which would also eliminate a problem with heated grips or seat(s). 

Also, make sure you have the correct battery specified for the TTSE.  I recommend getting a LiFePO4 battery replacement which is less susceptible to voltage sagging (under high load) at engine start up, because these type of batteries have actual CCA (cold cranking amp) capabilities generally "better than" advertised in addition to several other benefits.  I've used two of these in motorcycles including my TTSE and they work great!

On the down side, the cost of lithium motorcycle batteries can be quite high, but I recently noticed really GREAT (lower) prices on Amazon.com from at least one particular reseller, although they are still probably sourced from SHORAI (the actual OEM) of LiFePO4 motorcycle batteries.   Factory direct pricing from SHORAI can be much higher), maybe only because of a better warranty. 

[Ernest T]

The battery I have is the correct model for the Trophy.  I paid about $100 for it and not to long after I bought it, the dealer had one of those lithium batteries sitting on the counter in the parts department.  It weighs nothing compared to a led acid battery and only cost $130.  I wish they'd had those when I bought my replacement battery.

Every time I start my bike I get the low voltage message, then no device found, then the iPod shows up and about 75 percent of the time the volume comes up.  About 25 percent of the time it won't and I have to manually turn it up.  The system sure doesn't work like it should.

I didn't have any radio issues on the way to work today.

[dsinned]

SHORAI has competition in the LiFePO4 motorcycle battery replacement business.  Even BATTERY TENDER is in the same business, but I'm sure they are not actually an OEM. 

Here's a link for the recommended replacement BATTERY TENDER equivalent to the Yuasa YTX20L-BS (270 CCA rated) in our bikes.  It is available online from AMAZON.COM at a decent discount with free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-BTL18A300C-Lithium-Phosphate/dp/B00GOW4068/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1446148498&sr=1-1&keywords=btl18a300c

The nice thing about this one is it has universal +/- terminals and 300 CCA (Pb-acid equivalent) for a little more engine starting current load capacity.  This may be a solution to the "low battery voltage" problem.

SHORAI is probably the most expensive, but have longer warranties.  There are still cheaper LiFePO4 motorcycle battery alternatives, usually with less features (e.g. no maintenance charge connector port) and/or reduced warranty coverage.  I've seen prices well under $100 for some of those. 

CAVEAT EMPTOR!