i got a 08 softail, & im changing the handlebars & running the wires internally. got the connector unpluged & im trying to get the 6 wires out of the connector so i can run the wires thru the handlebars. on the inside of the connector on top of each pin there is a hole I thought i could stick a threading needle in each hole & get the wires out of the connector one at a time. but this doesn't seem to be working. Is this the right place to unhook these wires from the connector? can someone chime in and let me know of how to get these wires out of the connector. I do not want to cut the wires & splice but if I have too I will...

 

guess its better for me to say I'm triyng to de-pin the connector

 

I've used a flattened paper clip or a big safety pin. They do make an extractor tool that I need to go buy.

Here's a video clip. It takes patience......

 

Are you talking about the Molex connector or whatever they call it. I did this on two 08 softails last year. Did you pull the insert out a bit with a pair of needlenose before you used the sewing needle. I used a paperclip myself. I think I may have filed it down a bit. Some of them come out easy, some not so easy. Don't know why.

In this video, Vic (Hdforummember) pulls the insert all the way out. I did this accidentally on one of mine but it's not required. You only need to pull it out a bit. Maybe an 1/8" or so. Then, as I recall, you use the paperclip or sewing needle:




If we're not talking about the same connector, please disregard.

 

thank you jimmers1817 that's it. I got them de-pinned, now I'm trying to get them thru the bars, man how aggravating......I didnt think it would be this much work. hopefully IF/WHEN i get this done it will pay off........

 

Use a shop vac to suck a small string through the bar. Tie a piece of sponge to the string. Seal off the opposite side if the bar so suction only through one side. Then tie, tape your wire and use some dish soap to pull through.

 

I'm glad it helped. Even with the service manual I would've been lost w/o the internet . Did my wife's Deluxe first, then my Heritage. Wild1 518s on both so fishing the wire wasn't that hard. Happy with the way things turned out but I'm not looking forward to doing another one. I don't know what model softail you have but if you run into any wire routing issues or forget how something went together let me know. I took alot of pictures so I wouldn't forget myself .

 

Internally wiring handlebars is a tedious task. I only have two recommendations. First, make a detailed and accurate diagram of the wiring connections. Secondly, have patience and take your time.

 

I used a fan/lamp chain. It just fell through the bars, shocked at how simple it was. About a dollar for the chain.

 

Some great tips in this thread.