BMW R1200GS Not Charging – 5 Quick & Easy Steps To Follow

If you’re experiencing the BMW R1200GS not charging issue, it can be frustrating and worrisome.

But don’t worry – with some basic knowledge and troubleshooting skills, you can easily fix this issue yourself.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix common charging problems on your BMW R1200GS.

 

Precautions & Safety Measures to Take While Fixing BMW R1200gs Not Charging

Working on a motorcycle’s electrical system, such as diagnosing and fixing charging issues on a BMW R1200GS, requires careful attention to safety. Here are some precautions and safety measures to consider:

No.	Precautions and Safety Measures	Description
1.	Wear safety gear	Use gloves and eye protection. Consider non-conductive footwear.
2.	Disconnect the battery properly	Follow the user manual. Start with the negative terminal. Insulate the disconnected terminal.
3.	Handle electrical components cautiously	Avoid direct contact. Use insulated tools. Check for damage or corrosion.
4.	Work in a safe environment	Ensure good ventilation. Keep the workspace organized. Avoid damp conditions.
5.	Seek knowledge and expertise	Understand the system or consult a qualified mechanic for complex issues.
6.	Battery Safety	Handle the battery carefully due to sulfuric acid content. Avoid sparks and flames during charging.

Troubleshooting BMW R1200GS Not Charging Issue

Now, let’s proceed with a systematic troubleshooting process to resolve the BMW R1200GS not charging issue.

Following a structured approach will help us identify and address the problem effectively.

1. Initial Checks

When troubleshooting the charging system of your BMW R1200GS, it is essential to begin with a series of initial checks to identify common issues.

These checks help assess the condition of crucial components and connections. Conducting these initial checks will pave the way for a more effective and systematic troubleshooting process.

• Inspect the battery’s condition and connections.
• Test the battery voltage to ensure it is within the appropriate range for optimal charging.
• Clean and tighten the battery terminals to eliminate potential connection problems.
• Check the alternator belt and tension to confirm it is in good condition and properly adjusted.
• Inspect the alternator fuses and relays to rule out any potential issues caused by faulty or blown components.

Also Read: BMW F800GS Battery Not Charging – 7 Steps To Try

2. Charging System Diagnosis

Charging system diagnosis is a critical step in troubleshooting the charging issues of your BMW R1200GS.

This process involves inspecting and testing various components to identify potential faults and determine the root cause of the problem.

1. Testing the Alternator Output:

Begin by using a multimeter to measure the alternator’s voltage output.

To do this:

• Set the multimeter to the voltage testing mode.
• Start the motorcycle’s engine and let it run at a steady RPM.
• Carefully place the multimeter’s positive (red) lead on the alternator’s positive terminal and the negative (black) lead on the negative terminal.
• The multimeter should now display the alternator’s output voltage.

Identifying the correct charging voltage range:

Compare the measured voltage to the recommended charging voltage range specific to your BMW R1200GS model.

• If the voltage falls within the recommended range, the alternator is likely functioning correctly.
• However, if the voltage deviates from the range, further investigation is needed to replace the alternator or identify potential issues in the charging system.

2. Diagnosing the Voltage Regulator

The voltage regulator is responsible for regulating the output voltage from the alternator and ensuring that the battery receives the correct charge.

Here’s how to perform this diagnosis:

• Ensure the fully charged battery and engine are off.
• Locate the voltage regulator near the alternator.
• Inspect for damage, melted wires, burnt components, or corrosion.
• Set the multimeter to the DC voltage scale.
• Connect the red probe to the positive battery terminal and the black probe to the negative terminal.
• Turn on the ignition (engine off).
• Note reading: should be 12.6 – 12.8V (fully charged battery).
• Start engine, rev to 2000-3000 RPM.
• Observe reading: should be 13.5 – 14.5V (indicating a working voltage regulator).
• Abnormal readings may suggest the voltage regulator needs replacement.

3. Inspecting the Stator and Rotor

Now it’s time to inspect the stator and rotor in your BMW R1200GS. Here’s how to do it:

 Testing the Stator’s Resistance:

No.	Description
1.	Start by disconnecting the battery for safety.
2.	Locate the stator, which is typically situated inside the engine cover.
3.	Identify the three stator wires that connect to the motorcycle’s wiring harness.
4.	Set the multimeter to the resistance (ohms) setting.
5.	Take measurements between each pair of stator wires.
6.	Compare the readings with the manufacturer’s specifications in the service manual.
7.	If the resistance readings deviate significantly from the specified values, the stator may be faulty and require replacement.

Checking the Rotor for Defects:

No.	Description
1.	Ensure the battery is still disconnected.
2.	Locate the rotor, which is typically attached to the motorcycle’s crankshaft.
3.	Visually inspect the rotor for any visible signs of damage, such as cracks, wear, or irregularities.
4.	Ensure the rotor’s surface is clean and free from any debris that could interfere with its operation.
5.	If any significant damage or irregularities are found, the rotor may need to be replaced.

3. BMW R1200GS Not Charging – Solutions

After conducting a detailed diagnosis of the charging system of your BMW R1200GS, it’s time to move towards the solutions for the faults that you may find in the charging system.

1. Adjusting or Replacing the Alternator Belt:

During the diagnosis, If you find out the need to adjust or replace the alternator belt follow the steps below:

1. Adjusting Belt Tension:

• Locate the belt tension adjustment bolt/nut near the alternator or engine bracket.
• Loosen the bolt/nut slightly to adjust the tension.
• Use a tension gauge or refer to the manufacturer’s specifications to achieve the correct tension.
• Once the desired tension is achieved, tighten the bolt/nut securely.

2. Replacing the Belt:

• Loosen the alternator mounting bolts to create enough slack to remove the old belt.
• Carefully slide the old belt off the pulleys.
• Position the new belt around the pulleys, ensuring it is properly seated in the grooves.
• Tighten the alternator mounting bolts while applying tension to the belt, ensuring the correct tension is achieved.
• Double-check the belt tension and make any necessary adjustments.

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2. Replacing Faulty Voltage Regulator:

If you have concluded that the faulty voltage regulator is the culprit, consider replacing it. Here’s how to do it:

• Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for safety.
• Locate the voltage regulator near the alternator or on the frame.
• Remove the old voltage regulator by disconnecting the wiring and unscrewing the bolts (refer to the shop manual for specifics).
• Inspect the replacement regulator for any damage or defects.
• Install the new voltage regulator securely in place.
• Reattach all removed parts and ensure all connections are properly tightened.
• Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
• Test the charging system using a multimeter while the engine is running at various RPMs.

3. Replacing the Stator:

No.	Task	Description
1	Disconnect Battery	Disconnect the battery and remove the engine cover for safety.
2	Access Components	Identify the stator and locate its mounting points.
3	Disconnect Stator Wires	Carefully disconnect the stator wires and any fasteners holding it in place.
4	Remove Old Stator	Carefully remove the old stator from the engine.
5	Install New Stator	Install the new stator in the correct position and secure it with the appropriate fasteners.
6	Reconnect Stator Wires	Reconnect the stator wires carefully, ensuring the correct connections.
7	Reattach Engine Cover	Reattach the engine cover securely.
8	Reconnect Battery	Reconnect the battery and perform tests to ensure the new stator is functioning correctly.

4. Replacing the Rotor:

No.	Task	Description
1	Disconnect Battery	Disconnect the battery for safety.
2	Access Rotor	Access the rotor, which is typically attached to the motorcycle’s crankshaft.
3	Identify Mounting Points	Identify the mounting points and fasteners holding the rotor in place.
4	Disconnect Rotor Wires	Carefully disconnect the rotor wires, if any, and any fasteners securing it.
5	Remove Old Rotor	Carefully remove the old rotor from the motorcycle’s crankshaft.
6	Install New Rotor	Install the new rotor in the correct position and secure it with the appropriate fasteners.
7	Reconnect Rotor Wires	Reconnect the rotor wires carefully, ensuring the correct connections, if applicable.
8	Reattach Engine Cover	Reattach any removed parts and ensure the engine cover is securely fastened.
9	Reconnect Battery	Reconnect the battery and perform tests to ensure the new rotor is functioning correctly.

4. Seeking Professional 

If you find that nothing is working as expected with your BMW R1200GS, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance immediately.

Electrical issues, especially in the charging system, can be complex and potentially dangerous to diagnose and repair without the proper expertise.

You can contact BMW service centers, or visit an authorized BMW dealership or service center. They will be able to provide you with the necessary support, advice, and services related

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