Electrical/Lighting/Alarm Having electrical problems? Discussion on everything electrical and lighting systems.

Electrical issues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 28, 2022 | 10:55 AM
  #1  
Gosnell's Avatar
Gosnell
Thread Starter
|
Stage I
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Default Electrical issues

Hello, I'm a bit new at this but could use some help. I just hooked up my 94 Custom tail-light but not quite sure where to install the ground. I know the frame is an active ground but is there an easier location? Also, I am getting a lot of arcing but I don't see it happening, I can just hear it. It seems to be coming from under the gas tank but I'm not 100% on that. Please, any help or advice on correcting this would be great since this is my only transportation at the moment.
 
Reply
Old Dec 28, 2022 | 10:57 AM
  #2  
Andy from Sandy's Avatar
Andy from Sandy
Seasoned HDF Member
Community Influencer
Liked
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,324
Likes: 4,972
From: England
Default

Wiring diagrams here - https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....85798032084229

It might have information on where the grounding points are.
 
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2022 | 07:58 AM
  #3  
Dan89FLSTC's Avatar
Dan89FLSTC
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
Active Streak: 30 Days
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,233
Likes: 12,835
From: South Carolina
Default

Tell us the model and year.
 
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2023 | 07:19 PM
  #4  
Redrodyankneck's Avatar
Redrodyankneck
Stellar HDF Member
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 966
From: Eastern NC
Default

Originally Posted by Gosnell
Hello, I'm a bit new at this but could use some help. I just hooked up my 94 Custom tail-light but not quite sure where to install the ground. I know the frame is an active ground but is there an easier location? Also, I am getting a lot of arcing but I don't see it happening, I can just hear it. It seems to be coming from under the gas tank but I'm not 100% on that. Please, any help or advice on correcting this would be great since this is my only transportation at the moment.
stop everthing!!
Are you sure you hear arching?? Did it happen after you installed the tail light and not before? Under the gas tank is where the main wiring harness is usually run. Arching means something is shorting out and if it continues then it sound like an unprotected circuit.
Lots of bad things can happen, do you smell anything? Wire Insulation melts pretty fast when there is a direct short and no fuse or circuit breaker to open the circuit.

 
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2023 | 07:16 AM
  #5  
Dan89FLSTC's Avatar
Dan89FLSTC
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
Active Streak: 30 Days
Top Answer: 3
Top Answer: 5
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,233
Likes: 12,835
From: South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by Gosnell
Hello, I'm a bit new at this but could use some help. I just hooked up my 94 Custom tail-light but not quite sure where to install the ground.
@Gosnell Are you still here?

`94 models ground by contact with the fender.

Originally Posted by Gosnell

Also, I am getting a lot of arcing but I don't see it happening, I can just hear it. It seems to be coming from under the gas tank but I'm not 100% on that.
You don`t know what is going on underneath the tank at this point, you are just guessing.

Pull the tank and investigate.

I have a feeling op is a one and done...
 

Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Jan 6, 2023 at 07:19 AM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Dirty Dog
Softail Models
5
Feb 27, 2020 01:52 PM
BravoFireRescue
Dyna Glide Models
13
Aug 14, 2011 06:54 AM
jordanball33
Dyna Glide Models
6
Jul 21, 2010 09:00 PM
big_e78
Touring Models
1
Mar 16, 2010 03:38 PM
kelton3
Sportster Models
0
Apr 25, 2008 11:07 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:44 AM.

story-0
10 Most Awkward-Looking Motorcycles Ever Built

Slideshow: Not every motorcycle can be a design icon, and these machines prove that bold styling doesn't always age gracefully.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-18 10:29:31


VIEW MORE
story-1
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

Slideshow: Jason Momoa's latest restoration project blends 1920s Harley-Davidsons with modern electric technology, creating some of the most unusual hybrid motorcycles ever built.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:18:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-5
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-9
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE