12V voltage low

[skibums]

I am geting a message on my 2004 gtx 4 texsc saying 12V voltage low. Bad battery??? Thanks!!!

 

[Michael211_2000]

Could be but I'd expect it to have starting problems in that case. Wouldn't hurt to pull the battery and take it to local auto parts/Walmart and let them test it, then go from there.

Also go check your battery cables for corrosion while you're in-there.

- Michael

 

[skibums]

Thanks Michael. I will get the battery checked out and believe that may be the cause. I have had it on a charger and will not take much of a charge. going on its 3rd season oh well

 

[Michael211_2000]

Have you been using a Battery Tender on it during the off-season (ie. Winter months)? If the battery isn't kept charged during the winter the cold and inactivity will discharge it and with it being presumably cold that shortens the battery life. A Battery Tender or Battery Tender Jr. (less expensive wall-wart charger design) hooked to it especially when not in use for long periods of time will help preserve the battery's life.

- Michael

 

[screwball]

Something else, SOME battery tenders will boil out the cells. Did you check the water level in your battery if it is lead/acid. My old GtX Limited used to give me the 12 volt low alarm right after starting, but would go away after a few minutes of riding. I would also change the battery every 2nd or 3rd year just for principals, don't want to get stuck in the middle of the lake. Wal Mart would put the battery on sale once or twice a year. The 40 bucks was cheap insurance for not getting stuck.

good luck!

 

[seadoosnipe]

I am geting a message on my 2004 gtx 4 texsc saying 12V voltage low. Bad battery??? Thanks!!!

If you are seeing this message during your routine starting, this can be normal. When you are spinning the motor over, you are drawing power off the battery alone. If the motor takes a short time longer to start, or your battery is a bit old (but still good), then you'll use just enough power from your battery to trip the low voltage sensor. When the motor starts and your charging system kicks in, to supply upwards of 14 volts DC, then this warning should go away.

If you are getting this warning while you are operating the boat/ski under normal conditions, then a check on your charging system is needed.