Battery issues
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 22
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
Battery issues
Lately I’ve been having issues that as soon as I hit the start button everything goes dead.
I pull the seat, loosen the negative cable on the battery and tighten back up and I’m fine for a day or two.
Id think any corrosion would’ve worked itself out bye now, is it ok to try something like dialectric grease on it to keep it from coming back or is it a battery issue.
I pull the seat, loosen the negative cable on the battery and tighten back up and I’m fine for a day or two.
Id think any corrosion would’ve worked itself out bye now, is it ok to try something like dialectric grease on it to keep it from coming back or is it a battery issue.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,537
Likes: 6,412
From: Honah Lee
Is it loose when it happens again? Is battery not fastened down so movement when ridding is pulling on negative cable causing bolt to loosen?
That kept happening on mine. On older Softails, a snubber on seat kept battery from moving. My aftermarket seat didn't have snubber
That kept happening on mine. On older Softails, a snubber on seat kept battery from moving. My aftermarket seat didn't have snubber
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 229
From: Saskatchewan
I pull the seat, loosen the negative cable on the battery and tighten back up and I’m fine for a day or two.
Id think any corrosion would’ve worked itself out bye now, is it ok to try something like dialectric grease on it to keep it from coming back or is it a battery issue.
Id think any corrosion would’ve worked itself out bye now, is it ok to try something like dialectric grease on it to keep it from coming back or is it a battery issue.
clean your battery cable ends and battery posts/ the little blocks where the cables bolt to. and clean them WELL.
I recently delt with a similar issue on a mower. even a brand new battery didn't help, lights come on, turn to start CLICK and everything dies. had to basically carve the cable end to virgin lead to get rid of the corrosion and get a good connection. after than it starts great now. Even brushing with a wire brush wasn't enough to clean the corrosion off,
I recently delt with a similar issue on a mower. even a brand new battery didn't help, lights come on, turn to start CLICK and everything dies. had to basically carve the cable end to virgin lead to get rid of the corrosion and get a good connection. after than it starts great now. Even brushing with a wire brush wasn't enough to clean the corrosion off,
Last edited by 2500hdon37s; Jul 10, 2023 at 10:35 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
As others have said, make sure both battery posts are clean, and make sure the ground and starter cables are clean. Once they are clean, then you can apply some di-electric grease to them. That will help to slow down any corrosion build up. I also use star washers under the bolts to help them maintain a good connection. You would be surprised on what a little "looseness" can do to your electric system!
How old is battery? If more than 2-3 years old, it may need to be replaced. Do take your battery out and have it load tested. You may have a bad battery.
Good Luck on your project.
How old is battery? If more than 2-3 years old, it may need to be replaced. Do take your battery out and have it load tested. You may have a bad battery.
Good Luck on your project.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,272
Likes: 3,684
From: backwoods
If the only thing you touch, and it starts, is cables I would focus on cables at battery.
Are cables moving causing to loosen? Is battery moving? Are cables clamps good?
tywrap it, strap it, shove block of wood in, battery mounts loose?
I would not start off worrying about things you don't touch.
Are cables moving causing to loosen? Is battery moving? Are cables clamps good?
tywrap it, strap it, shove block of wood in, battery mounts loose?
I would not start off worrying about things you don't touch.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,496
Likes: 30,782
From: Pennsylvania
Lately I’ve been having issues that as soon as I hit the start button everything goes dead.
I pull the seat, loosen the negative cable on the battery and tighten back up and I’m fine for a day or two.
Id think any corrosion would’ve worked itself out bye now, is it ok to try something like dialectric grease on it to keep it from coming back or is it a battery issue.
I pull the seat, loosen the negative cable on the battery and tighten back up and I’m fine for a day or two.
Id think any corrosion would’ve worked itself out bye now, is it ok to try something like dialectric grease on it to keep it from coming back or is it a battery issue.
2. If it is older, you may have corrosion internal to the cable(s).
3. How old is the battery?
4. Is the battery a H-D or aftermarket?
5. Check both ends of the cables and the connection to the starter/solenoid.
6. Corrosion does not work itself out by its self, you have to do something to remove/correct it.
7. Also check your fuses & MAXI-Fuse if you have one.
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