I have read in all electrical install instructions that the negative battery cable needs to be disconnected before working on the electrical system. What happens if you do get in a hurry and you're half way into a job and realize that you have not removed that cable? What indications would you see if there was a problem? Does the battery discharge or do the lights start blinking like crazy? Just curious to know if anyone has seen problems from not pulling the battery cable prior to fingering around with the electricals.

 

In general this is a disclaimer by HD so if you toast something - it's your fault. Think about it - most stuff you work on is switched thru the ignition. If the bikes not on - then most electricals are not powered.
Of course there are exceptions, security system and ECM come to mind.

I've added a PCIII, worked on headlamp, turn sigs, etc. without touching the battery.

It really depends on the job.

 

Glide05 is right. As long as you're not working on or installing a device that is hot wired (bypasses the ignition), you'll be fine.

[IMG]local://upfiles/17815/A7DFE25CDA4445FCBB6B103FC85DAD68.jpg[/IMG]

 

It's like the 2 pages of warnings that come with every electrical product you buy. I just installed the switch that turns the rear turning signals into brake lights, instructions said to disconnect the negative , I didn't, no problem.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I figured it would be like that. I mean if the the ignition is off there shouldn't be an electrical flow anywhere in the bike.
Hey, AD2, that is one bitchin' paint job on that Harley you have. My Uncle used to race Sprint cars in the Kansas City area back in the 60's and one of the cars he had was painted like that. It was a white pearl base coat and then had those bright red horizontal flame/spike/stripes. Really a good looking paint scheme. Maybe I'll do mine that way one of these days.

 

That's not true.

 

OK, I believe 'ya. Would you care to elaborate or do I just keep on guessing here? Like the other posters said most of the electrical is dead when the ignition is off. And, if we are working on directional signals ( my current situation ) I figure I would be OK with just the key off. What should not be doneunless the negative terminal is disconnected?

 

You should never do any electrical work without disconnecting the battery. It doesn't mean you can't, just that you shouldn't. There is ALWAYS a possibility that you can create a short, blow a fuse, get shocked, short out the EEC, etc.

I'm not an electrician or an engineer but I do know that if your battery cables are connected then you do indeed have a potential current. How do you think alarms and signalswork without the ignition on?

I'm just saying that you should never do any electrical work on the bike without disconnecting the battery first. It's your bike though.

 

That's why I'm asking about it though. I'm not made of dough and I hate having to pay for something that I screwed up. I figure it might be worth it to go ahead and disconnect the cable, it isn't like it's brain surgery. I really like that chrome swing arm on your bike. Really spiffs it up.

 

Thanks bud, I like it too.