2011 8V Norge problem

[Gliderjohn]

My Norge has been doing great with no problems at all. Being a 2011 the battery is now just over four years old. I have not been able to ride much this summer so far and have noticed the battery does not appear to be holding charge well. After sitting almost a month in July I had to charge the battery to start but was fine for several rides after that. After sitting for about two weeks I went to start it today and when I turned the key the usual instrument cluster instead of lighting up for a bit before the start fluttered instead, the fuel pump sounds were weird and then the red triangle came up along with the display showing a symbol of a disconnected power cord and said "ECU disconnected".
I put the battery tender on it and will see if charging the battery helps. It ran perfectly the last few times I rode it. Poking around some I could not see anything disconnected but then again I don't really know what I am looking for.
Could just the battery going bad maybe be the cause?
GliderJohn

[beetle]

Yep.

[canuguzzi]

The battery has been telling you to replace it. Once a battery starts to lose its ability to hold a full charge, get rid of it unless you like being stranded.

Don't chase ghosts.

It is the battery, replace it. A failing battery can cause all kinds of other problems it you leave it in.

[ITSec]

If I get four years out of a battery, I'm sacrificing... well, something! At the very least I'm raising a glass! 

With modern electronics, a battery that is right on the edge will cause all sorts of odd behaviors even if it works...

[Mackers]

My Breva 1100 manual has a section "Long Inactivity of the Battery".  It sez if the bike will be inactive for more than 20 days, disconnect the 30A fuses.  If the bike isn't ridden for 15 days, it is necessary to recharge the battery to avoid sulphation.  I've been following this lately and my starting issues appear to have been resolved.  It's a pain in the arse resetting the clock, though.

[Vasco DG]

Is the ECU disconnected icon still showing? If so its probably spiked the ECU and fried it.

Pete

[Wayne Orwig]

Throw away the Battery Tender.
Get a desulfation charger.
Get 10 or 11 years from the battery.

That is what I use on my unused car battery too.

[Bill Hagan]

Throw away the Battery Tender.
Get a desulfation charger.
Get 10 or 11 years from the battery.

That is what I use on my unused car battery too.

Oh, great. 

So, which of these? http://tinyurl.com/Desulfation-Battery-Charger

I guess I can put my four Battery Tenders on ebay.   

Bill

[Gliderjohn]

Big sigh of relief. After charging the battery overnight everything appears and acts normal this morning! Will be getting a new battery. Anything I should know concerning changing batteries that would be different form the T-3?
Thanks all.
GliderJohn

[canuguzzi]

Throw away the Battery Tender.
Get a desulfation charger.
Get 10 or 11 years from the battery.

That is what I use on my unused car battery too.

No no no. AGM batteries do not need and should not be connected to battery chargers that desulfate. A good AGM battery will last a long time and if you need to replace one after 4 years just do that.

I can't figure out why we fret over changing oil and filter, sometimes when the oil has only 1000 miles or so since the last change but skimp on throwing in a new battery when needed. Batteries are not that expensive and are expendable items.

Running around with a battery that is anything but in good condition, holds a good charge just creates higher draws and heat when you start and that creates other problems.

When you get slow starts or clicks and it isn't something else, get rid of the battery, you aren't doing yourself any favors trying to get a few months out of it. Penny wise and pound foolish.

If you have flooded batteries like often found in cars, you can desulfate but not the battery that goes into a Norge unless you buy bargain basement batteries that are flooded (kind where you add water).