News 11-25-2024: Shorai regretfully announces that the BMS01 Charger has been discontinued - We continue to support any current BMS01 owners.

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Shorai Troubleshooting

Q. Common vehicle issues that may create drain on the battery or cause poor starting performance

A. If the vehicle charging system is not working properly the battery may be discharged while riding.  Using a volt meter check that the charging system output voltage is  between 13.1V and 14.8V throughout the typical rev range.  At 2000 rpm there should be a minimum reading of 13.8V.   See the video on how to test your charging system.

A. If the bike sits for long periods of time it can drain the battery due to the load created by the vehicle systems, like clock and computer.  Make sure that no accessories have been installed which constantly draw power. Accessory alarm systems typically do draw current, so be aware that vehicles with alarm systems may need constant attachment to a charger/tender.  See this video to test parasitic current draw.

NOTE:  Shorai Batteries produced since mid 2022 contain the Shorai Sentry BMS System.  If battery voltage falls too low, the main terminals are disconnected to prevent a damaging "too deep" discharge.  In this case charging with a "smart" battery charger may not work, as the charger will see zero volts and refuse to start.  The BMS can be unlocked several ways:

1) Use the Shorai BMS01 Charger in CHARGE MODE (not store mode, see notes below)
2) Attach any 12V~15V DC Power Supply to main terminals for just 3 seconds
3) "Jump" from one 12V battery to the LFX battery for just 3 seconds (best to use another motorcycle battery rather than car)
4) Use an old "dumb" charger. If charger output is more than 2A only use it to unlock the BMS, then shift to an appropriate charger for LiFe Lithium

If you ride once a month or more, there is no need to ever charge for almost all motorcycles. 
 
If you are not riding, charge the battery once a month, then disconnect.  For Shorai BMS01 chargers use only CHARGE MODE for this.  If after sitting a month the vehicle refuses to crank well enough, then consider a maintainance charge every two weeks.  Constant "battery tender" types chargers are usable (if no desulfation routine), but not ideal for battery lifespan.

Do not use Shorai BMS01 Charger STORE MODE for these new Shorai batteries with internal BMS.  The battery fully protects against overdischarge itself, and the Shorai internal system may conflict with the charger STORE MODE.  After pressing the CHARGE MODE button, you should initailly see the Yellow and Green LED alternate back and forth. This indicates the charger is charging at a reduced rate to re-condition the battery. After an hour or two, the Geen LED only will be blinking, indicating a normal 2A charge rate.  Disconnect the charger after the Green LED is on constantly, without blinking.

 

Q. I measure Zero Volts at the main Terminals. What's up?

Shorai Batteries produced since mid 2022 contain the Shorai Sentry BMS System.  If battery voltage falls too low, the main terminals are disconnected to prevent a damaging "too deep" discharge.  In this case charging with a "smart" battery charger may not work, as the charger will see zero volts and refuse to start. 

A.   If you have been using the vehicle recently and this has happened, and you did not drain the battery by leaving the ignition key on, etc, then it may indicate:

a) your charging sysem is not operating properly, OR
b) the battery has an internal problem such as one weak cell

Using a volt meter check that the charging system output voltage is  between 13.1V and 14.8V throughout the typical rev range.  At 2000 rpm there should be a minimum reading of 13.8V.   See the video on how to test your charging system HERE.  If the charging system tests good, then submit a warranty request HERE.

A.  If you have NOT been using the vehicle recently and you have NOT maintained the battery with a charger, then it is mosty likely the battery has correctly locked the terminals to prevent over discharge.

The BMS can be unlocked several ways:

1) Use the Shorai BMS01 Charger in CHARGE MODE (not store mode, see notes below)
2) Attach any 12V~15V DC Power Supply to main terminals for just 3 seconds
3) "Jump" from one 12V battery to the LFX battery for just 3 seconds (best to use another motorcycle battery rather than car)
4) Use an old "dumb" charger. If charger output is more than 2A only use it to unlock the BMS, then shift to an appropriate charger for LiFe Lithium

If you ride once a month or more, there is no need to ever charge for almost all motorcycles. 
 
If you are not riding, charge the battery once a month, then disconnect.  For Shorai BMS01 chargers use only CHARGE MODE for this.  If after sitting a month the vehicle refuses to crank well enough, then consider a maintainance charge every two weeks.  Constant "battery tender" types chargers are usable (if no desulfation routine), but not ideal for battery lifespan.

Do not use Shorai BMS01 Charger STORE MODE for these new Shorai batteries with internal BMS.  The battery fully protects against overdischarge itself, and the Shorai internal system may conflict with the charger STORE MODE.  After pressing the CHARGE MODE button, you should initailly see the Yellow and Green LED alternate back and forth. This indicates the charger is charging at a reduced rate to re-condition the battery. After an hour or two, the Geen LED only will be blinking, indicating a normal 2A charge rate.  Disconnect the charger after the Green LED is on constantly, without blinking.

 

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