Tuesday I got my bike out of the HD shop after doing some brakes and oil changes and a new gasket.

When I picked up my bike it didn't start, and they had to charge/jump it while I was paying. By the time I was done it was running and I left.

Just a few minutes ago I went to go ride and when I turn the ignition switch to on everything powers on, then the speedo/lights/gauges go out (2-3 seconds after turning the switch). When I turn it off they click back on, then quickly flash off.

I decided to check my battery/connections. When I got to the box it is sitting in an off kilter position, and I quickly realize the HD person did not remove the screw from the box when he jumped/charged it and just pulled the box down, breaking the bracket. He then shoved the box back in, but it did not go over the battery on the positive side, and instead slid between the plastic housing and the battery, dangerously close to the positive terminal. What I believe happened is vibrations then caused the box to ground onto the positive terminal and now "something" in the bike is "blown."

I'm trying to determine what exactly may have happened. While my thought above seems logical, is this possible? Can the metal box make contact with the terminal and then cause a short in my bike, somewhere?

Is it just random coincidence that something else may have failed at the same time or is this HD's fault?

 

Model and year bike???

How old is the battery?

 

If the metal cover contacted the positive terminal, the cover (and battery) would be what got damaged, not something else. That said, sounds like either a bad battery or loose connections.

 

It is a 2013 Wide Glide. I can't remember the battery age. It's more than a year but less than 2.

The HD shop picked it up today. The guy picking it up agreed that it looked like an arc occurred, there was melting of cable at the terminal and the rubber fittings were not on the terminals which likely allowed contact to happen. Either way, his opinion was my issue was directly related to that. The damage to the box bracket due to not taking the screw out and just pulling it down is pretty evident as well.

ETA:
They are going to inspect it and call me back with what's wrong and what they think happened. I'll give an update when I know more from them.

 

I had that happen on an 05 Lowrider for some reason the top of the battery cover barely cleared the top of the battery . It contacted the battery terminal and cooked the battery . Got a new battery and put a rubber piece between the battery terminal and top it worked fine .

 

A short at the battery terminal would cook the battery only. You're lucky it didn't explode.

 

The shop screwed up. They need to fix all of the damage, at no cost to you, and provide a loaner. And that's getting off easy compared to how badly it could have turned out. If they won't make you whole without a fuss look for another shop.

 

Bike was returned today, according to them they couldn't find anything wrong.

When it was picked up the guy picking it up tried to start it and saw all the same problems I saw. When he got to the shop and unloaded the bike, it started right up. They kept it until today, starting it daily to check if there was some problem what wasn't immediately happening, but nothing happened and each time it started and ran with no issued. Called today and said to pick it up.

The battery was dead, again when I got it though. Weird now that it has only died twice all year and both were picking it up from the HD shop.

Either way, it seems to be working...for now.

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions.

 

Well, the battery's not working though. That don't sound right.

 

Bike is currently dead on side of the road.

Bike would not start Thursday morning.

Replaced the battery yesterday. Rode 10 minutes to work, was there about 1.5 hours. When I started the bike to leave it immediately began having some sort of issue, one being my headlight wouldn't work (not faulty). As soon as I pulled off it started sputtering, revving up high rpms then bogging down, eventually cut completely out with all electrical activity dead, nothing on speedo or lights.

Had wife bring the trickle charger, got power back on and checked trouble codes, multiple electrical related codes as well as no ecm comm.

Took battery out and had it tested, no problems.

I had literally no issues (in this regard) before I took it to HD and before the issue with my battery box and I just can't believe they all coincidentally happened, especially considering past issues with this particular shop. I called the shop and let them know what is going on so they are aware I am still experiencing basically the same issue. It may be a fool's errand, but I plan to call HD corporate Monday and see if there is anything they can do to help rectify the issue.

I'll update if/when I learn more.