Battery Removal ?
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: Walbridge Ohio
Battery Removal ?
Need to change the battery in my 2008 FLHTC. Problem is last person did not replace the lifting strap to help get it out. Can't get my big hands in to grab a hold of it an pull forward at the same time. Anyone else have this problem and how did you get the old one out? Secrets, Tips, Small rental hands?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 52
From: Central Illinois
Happened to me once but I just dug my fingers hard into the top sides and pulled it out.
Probably would be easier to just screw some wire to the battery posts to use as a handle to pull it out.
Probably would be easier to just screw some wire to the battery posts to use as a handle to pull it out.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
1.) remove negative cable
2.) remove positive cable
( doing it in this order guarantees no sparks...on install + first).
you can then use the 2 cable bolts to lift using 2 pieces of wire looped around the bolts- do not let these touch ( short out)...so one in each hand
careful- you don't wanna drop it on the tank, get a hand under it as soon as it clears.
clean out the battery holder- if you see signs of acid damage/spill, clean with baking soda to neutralize
my strap was thin and just wore through. I replaced with a heavier length of 2" ( guitar strap)
mike
2.) remove positive cable
( doing it in this order guarantees no sparks...on install + first).
you can then use the 2 cable bolts to lift using 2 pieces of wire looped around the bolts- do not let these touch ( short out)...so one in each hand
careful- you don't wanna drop it on the tank, get a hand under it as soon as it clears.
clean out the battery holder- if you see signs of acid damage/spill, clean with baking soda to neutralize
my strap was thin and just wore through. I replaced with a heavier length of 2" ( guitar strap)
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 4, 2015 at 12:43 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 124
Likes: 3
From: Rome, GA
Old battery removal
Most of us have had to change a battery or two. On a battery that is difficult to get a hold on I always grab a terminal with vise grips or channel lock pliers. Lift it up and get a hand under it as quickly as possible to steady it and prevent dropping it on the bike or floor. I cut a piece from an old inner tube to line the bottom of the battery tray. I then cut another piece as wide as the battery that will come up the sides and fold over the top from each end. This makes for a snug fit, covers the terminals from the top, and assist in removing the battery the next time it needs service. Good luck. 
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 784
Likes: 56
From: Eastern Iowa
Never had a lifting strap... ever (since new.)
I did add a strap to aid in the removal.
Not much room in there.
I did add a strap to aid in the removal.
Not much room in there.
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 67
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From: Massachusetts
I had same issue trying to remove the battery on my 2013 Ultra. Removal strap was underneath battery. Zip tie around the head of the terminal screw and was able to lift it out.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 15
From: The City Of New York
My '06 didn't have a lifting strap, so after working the battery out (PITA), I just cut some 1" nylon web strap from an old backpack and now I have a sling to remove the battery.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
Ummmm .............. The battery better be really dead, or it would get interesting really quick. LOL
I just clamp onto the NEG terminal with a pair of vice grips.