Alta dead -- Solved

[MXrider]

So, I haven't ridden my Alta in a while and I went to start it today and it is completely dead. I am assuming the battery has completely discharged. Unfortunately, I can't even charge it because when I connect the charger it still doesn't come on to communicate with the charger. Is there a way to get around this? Anyone have experience? Muchly appreciated.

 

[snydes]

We will need more specs such as year, model, and serial number is also helpful. State of charge the last time you rode it is important also.

 

[MXrider]

2019 Alta MXR VIN# 56PARAEM2KB000508

I fully charged it when I last rode it but it has been sitting for about 7+ months.

 

[snydes]

Thank you for that. We have seen this same scenario several times now on R pack bikes like yours. Every time so far it has been a BCU that has failed. Good news is should that be the case we can still get that part. Fortunately you are in probably the best state for support. We have many members in California that may be able to help diagnose/confirm the problem.

 

[Rashid510]

@MXrider where in CA are you? Sounds like a BCU top cover fail as @snydes mentioned.

 

[MXrider]

Great to hear! I'm in north San Diego county.

 

[Rashid510]

Well a PM is sent.

 

[Motophyllic]

I keep my bikes at 50% all the time while stored. My one EXR didn’t move for over a year. I hope I don’t have this problem.

 

[datadog]

I might add that it could be the 9v as well...worth checking.

 

[Mark911]

I’ve been able to backfeed 12v into the system to at least get a pulse (display showing faults and state of charge). If yours shows some battery left it’s probably the BCU. My 18 MX died the other day and turned out to be a blown fuse in the BCU. There’s many different failure modes that I’ve found in various BCUs but that particular one was an easy fix!

 

[MXrider]

That would be great if it is something simple. I am new at doing any work on the Alta. How were you able to back-feed 12-volt into the system? Are there any links of how tos with possible pictures / videos?

 

[TCMB371]

That would be great if it is something simple. I am new at doing any work on the Alta. How were you able to back-feed 12-volt into the system? Are there any links of how tos with possible pictures / videos?

Definitely get in contact with Mark. He is up in Corona, not too far away from you if you are in North county SD. He's our resident socal Alta mad scientist.

 

[Mark911]

Go to pin 3M (positive) and 4M (negative) on the backshell connector on the ACM. Use a power supply that’s limited in amperage, you should only need an amp or two. Of course, proceed at your own risk as there’s no formal procedures on these bikes!

 

[MXrider]

Thanks for everyone's help. I ended up having Mark help me out and he easily found the 9V battery was bad. Thanks again for the help Mark!