Do i need to disconnect battery
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,021
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From: Seattle
Do i need to disconnect battery
Manual says to disconnect battery. I took nacelle off, disconnected wiring for handlebars removed handlebars. Going to put new ones on with internal wiring. Should I have really disconnected battery? I did pull the main fuse. 2011 flhrc. Thanks guys.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Oklahoma
UNLESS you are working right around the battery. In that case an errant screw driver or wrench handle could still cause sparks.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Lake, Ms
2010 Limited with some stuff
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Oklahoma
I was concerned for those who might have interpreted the initial claim for the main fuse as TOTAL de-power and then short a ring or watch band to the positive terminal or cable and get severely burned. If you understand the power layout you can keep yourself safe but if you don't have a clue, follow the directions.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
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You don't have to do it but for the 1-2 minutes it takes you, peace of mind is always nice - it's just like covering your tank & front fenders - one doesn't need an Ohh $hit moment
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: CA
What's the worst that could happen if you don't disconnect the battery?
You might accidently short a wire and melt it. You might short another wire and fry your ECM. You might short a wire and start a fire that burns up your bike, maybe your garage and maybe your house.
All unlikely, worst case scenarios, but why take a chance?
It takes about one minute to disconnect the battery, so trying to save a minute or two doesn't make any sense at all to me. Doing the job right the first time saves a lot of headaches later. Don't ask me how I know.
You might accidently short a wire and melt it. You might short another wire and fry your ECM. You might short a wire and start a fire that burns up your bike, maybe your garage and maybe your house.
All unlikely, worst case scenarios, but why take a chance?
It takes about one minute to disconnect the battery, so trying to save a minute or two doesn't make any sense at all to me. Doing the job right the first time saves a lot of headaches later. Don't ask me how I know.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10,637
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From: Lake, Ms
What's the worst that could happen if you don't disconnect the battery? You might accidently short a wire and melt it. You might short another wire and fry your ECM. You might short a wire and start a fire that burns up your bike, maybe your garage and maybe your house. All unlikely, worst case scenarios, but why take a chance? It takes about one minute to disconnect the battery, so trying to save a minute or two doesn't make any sense at all to me. Doing the job right the first time saves a lot of headaches later. Don't ask me how I know.
2010 Limited with some stuff