Electrical issues since battery change
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 44
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From: West Suffield CT
Electrical issues since battery change
So, like a dummy I left ignition on over 24 hours and killed my HD installed battery that was nearly new. I replaced with one from NAPA cause was in a pinch and needed to be somewhere. Started up OK, although always seemed to be a slight hesitation when cranking and before catching. So, latest issue is on 2 occasions now the bike just flat dies, stalls out, when slowing down coming towards a light..AND, a real fun one, the bike randomly surges/accelerates without any added throttle sometimes while cruising 
Any thoughts? Thanks!
Last edited by FormerNinjaNowHD; Jul 28, 2018 at 11:42 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: southeast PA
The first think I would do is make sure you have a good clean ground connection at the frame. It's on top of the starter motor.
Even a new battery may not be fully charged unless you do it before installing. It sounds like the battery is the first place to look. Get it charged up and have it load tested.
Stalling at idle is a symptom of a dirty IAC, so get some throttle body or MAF cleaner and get it cleaned up.
Check for intake and exhaust leaks.
Even a new battery may not be fully charged unless you do it before installing. It sounds like the battery is the first place to look. Get it charged up and have it load tested.
Stalling at idle is a symptom of a dirty IAC, so get some throttle body or MAF cleaner and get it cleaned up.
Check for intake and exhaust leaks.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2018
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From: West Suffield CT
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,278
Likes: 1,138
From: southeast PA
Yes, something other than what you have attached at the battery. The black battery cable is the ground, follow it from the battery until it connects to the frame/ground, which is above the starter motor.
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
What year Wide Glide is your bike and is it EFI? I've got two Dynas and the battery ground goes to post on the frame just under the seat and a ground from the starter to a frame connection just above the starter. If your bike is EFI the IAC (idle air control) may be dirty (causing surges or idle problems). Usually the last maintenance will be the first culprit in a problem. Is the battery been verified to be the correct one?
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 44
Likes: 9
From: West Suffield CT
What year Wide Glide is your bike and is it EFI? I've got two Dynas and the battery ground goes to post on the frame just under the seat and a ground from the starter to a frame connection just above the starter. If your bike is EFI the IAC (idle air control) may be dirty (causing surges or idle problems). Usually the last maintenance will be the first culprit in a problem. Is the battery been verified to be the correct one?
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 44
Likes: 9
From: West Suffield CT
Replaced the battery with previous HD installed battery (now fully recharged) and noticed the negative connection was very loose so could a been that, but after 30 minute test drive things seem perfect, and also cranks up more quickly. Possibly connection/inferior battery combo. Thanks for the input
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 409
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From: Fernley, Nevada
Glad that you got your problem resolved by going back to the original battery.
As far as the replacement battery goes. You may not have had a good connection at the battery. Some battery posts while may work well with other makes of motorcycles, won't work with a HD. HD uses a slightly different connection so while may be tight is not getting a good connection.
As far as the replacement battery goes. You may not have had a good connection at the battery. Some battery posts while may work well with other makes of motorcycles, won't work with a HD. HD uses a slightly different connection so while may be tight is not getting a good connection.
Last edited by rdm1465; Jul 29, 2018 at 10:23 AM.
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