Boneheaded move...
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,663
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From: DFW
Boneheaded move...
Was checking out my starter and re-connected a ground to the starter post (idiot, I know) vs. the mounting bolt for the starter. Lots of sparks. Re-connected cables correctly.
Just have + and - battery cables connected and ground to frame. Turned on ignition and no lights, speedo lights, etc. On a positive note, the horn works.
What are my next steps to, as my friend would say, "unscrew" this mess I created.
It is a brand new battery. 97 Wide Glide. Not sure if this matters, but I had installed a 3-phase charging system.
Just have + and - battery cables connected and ground to frame. Turned on ignition and no lights, speedo lights, etc. On a positive note, the horn works.
What are my next steps to, as my friend would say, "unscrew" this mess I created.
It is a brand new battery. 97 Wide Glide. Not sure if this matters, but I had installed a 3-phase charging system.
Last edited by GREENOHAWK69; Sep 30, 2016 at 02:48 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
What did you fry? Battery? Charge and test it or get it tested. Battery cables? Probably. What bike is this? After checking the battery and the cables, start with a volt meter at the positive terminal and start tracing. Check the main breaker and go from there.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 23
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From: Virginia
2nd Dr. Hess
2nd Dr. Hess. Depending on model check main circuit breaker and wiring in-between the battery and starter...
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 410
Likes: 127
From: Iowa
My money's on the battery.
I made the mistake a few years ago of connecting both battery leads to a brand new battery on my '69 Sporty short chop before I slid the battery all the way into the battery tray. As I was sliding it in, the battery tilted just enough to touch the positive terminal to the bottom of the oil tank. One giant spark/flash later and my new battery was instantly as dead as a dog turd. No voltage output at all, and it wouldn't take a charge. Something melted or blew apart inside. Lesson learned.
Edit: Just noticed the note about the horn still working, so maybe charging the battery will fix this. Good luck.
I made the mistake a few years ago of connecting both battery leads to a brand new battery on my '69 Sporty short chop before I slid the battery all the way into the battery tray. As I was sliding it in, the battery tilted just enough to touch the positive terminal to the bottom of the oil tank. One giant spark/flash later and my new battery was instantly as dead as a dog turd. No voltage output at all, and it wouldn't take a charge. Something melted or blew apart inside. Lesson learned.
Edit: Just noticed the note about the horn still working, so maybe charging the battery will fix this. Good luck.
Last edited by yellowstone kelly; Sep 30, 2016 at 01:57 PM.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 23
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From: Virginia
Fsw
The manual has color codes to help you follow the correct wires along with a troubleshooting flow chart.
Let us know how you make out...
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Tourer
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From: Peoria, Az
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Haslet Texas
Then I agree with this guy.
Check the main fuse and the others while you are at it.
Check the main fuse and the others while you are at it.