Bike is a 2007 softail fxstcI. I replaced some covers out for chrome ones and I replaced oil tank with chrome so I removed the battery. I installed the battery after the new tank and now what I thought was a simple battery install now I get a spark that almost melts terminal. Nothing was really moved just leads off battery. I did have to remove battery cable from started solenoid. I feel as if its something simple I'm doing wrong. I checked all fuses and main fuse. There is 2 negative and 2 positive leads and the trickle charger leads. So I thought it was basic hook up. Any help would be great.

 

If you are connecting the battery while sine load is in it will spark. It will also spark if you have the leads reversed. Make sure to connect the positive first, then the negative.

 

I didnt understand the first sentence sine load? also I tried positive first the negative. On + its 1 lead to starter the other+ is the main fuse. The ground side is one to frame and the other goes into harness. And when I say spark way more then your standard u get from a normal battery hook up. Thank you for any help

 

should have said…“If you are connecting the battery while some load is on it will spark.”

Pull the main fuse, and then see what happens.

 

Got it so Ill pull fuse then positive the negative the fuse. Thank you

 

Like TriGeezer said with main fuse pulled.
Then if you still get sparks while hookin up battery ck the connection at the starter.
Look if it cable end (terminal) is out of position and gettiing to the frame , starter housing ,any kind of a ground point.

WP

 

when you say out of position. Is there a spot it should be? Or you mean see if it is hitting something?

 

Our old bike with an alarm make a pretty big spark. But not lead melting

After 30 seconds, they trim to about 150 mil amp.

Doubt you can switch negative to positive on a Softail.

Be sure wires at starter below that oil bag are not loose and moved.


You always car or bike tighten positive first. Reason being just in case you tighten negative and hit frame, no biggie. Tighten positive and hitting frame is a no no if negative was hooked first.

 

There is kinda a sweet spot/ position for the cable end. Best to note where it is positioned before removal.
If out of correct position yes it might be touching something it's not supposed to.

If starter is under oil tank ck cable routing as well

WP

 

With the battery cable disconnected check for continuity between the positive lead of the battery cable and the frame, if there is continuity then you pinched a wire somewhere and you have a short