That is info that a lot of us probably didn’t know. Have to admit, I always disconnected negative first, but not pull the main fuse. Always learning. Thanks
Opps. Like some of the others here I never thought about the fuse. Always did the negative first as you would on a car or anything else, but never thought of the fuse first. I have a ‘13 Limited and have removed the battery every year since new (for the same reason mentioned here) with no problems so far, but this year, fuse first. Thx Doc
Thanks for posting. My worst battery exchange was on a Honda my wife purchased, might have been a Shadow. You needed a PhD in battery removal. Made my 2003 Road King look like a piece of cake.
I found using a ratcheting combination wrench works great on my Sportster. 10mm battery screws. As an auto technician, we were always told to have the key off. To prevent power spikes
Hey Doc... another excellent video. I'm with the majority on here though - in all my decades of riding and dealing with batteries, I've never pulled the main fuse. I just took a look in my service manual for my '13 Road Glide and it only mentions disarming the security system if you have one, but only so that the siren won't sound. I'll probably go with your advice next time though just to be on the safe side. Thanks.
Appreciate what you're doing sir. I have an 06 fatboy . I also live in an apt. With mo electrical outlet . I've already been through a summer dealing with this situation .I take my battery out and bring it inside to charge it. I've never unplugged the battery first, I do know to undo the neg. first. Never had any problems by doing it this way. Of course I don't have any stereo or any other accessories. I guess I better take off the fuse next time.
Nice informative video. I have a vrod. The battery is located near the triple trees. I have a lot more to remove to get to it. If the battery is hard to reach, wrap tools in electrical tape. Pulling the fuse will save you bike. Not shorting the battery will save more.
I see they flipped the battery terminals on the sportster at 14 thank God lol. You have to disconnect the other side of the cable. It's a major finaguling under taking
Another great video Doc, excellent advice, as an electrician I can agree. Turn the power off! Pull the main! Once you let all the smoke out. you'll never get it back in the battery .
Thank you Doc.The main fuse pull is very informative.I was told leave the power on then pull the main fuse.On a 2014 Ultra Tri Glide./I am guessing your way also pertains the the ultra trike?..OFF-PULL FUSE-NEGATIVE FIRST...Correct?
I wasn't aware of needing to pull the fuse before removing the negative, good to know as I'll be rebuilding the starter solenoid on my '98 FLHTCI and will be disconnecting the battery. my '93 Sportster is a lot simpler to do battery work on, with circuit breakers instead of fuses and the battery sitting sideways & easy to get to. thanks for another great video :)
I ruined a battery on my sportster by not taking out the fuse before taking the cables off. The wrench slipped and touched the positive and negative post at the same time. Sparks flew and the post melted. Luckily the battery was the only thing that fried
ronnie valley I checked everything over and it all looked fine. That was well over a year ago so I’m pretty sure it’s fine. Plus it’s an 04 sportster. Not much stuff to fry on it
If the battery is buried as we seen in this video, I will wrap wrenches, sockets, extensions and ratchets in electrical tape. Just in case of butter fingers.
I can understand pulling the fuse part. But to say that keeps from shocking the system, I question. Any time you apply power, it is going to spark. In this case, we get the spark and shock from the fuse box instead of the battery area. Which I can understand is safer, but to say it eliminates shocking the electronic parts, I think is false. Current is drawn when power is applied, that can't be eliminated. I would say to lessen the degree of power being drawn all at once, to remove ALL fuses, and than replace main fuse first, than the smaller ones, 1 at a time. Doc, do you agree with my thinking?
It’s like Christmas you make me a very nice gift. I will applied 100% your recommendation when removing my battery. I will later let you know it goes. I have a save video where the person showed steps by steps how to proceed but no word on the fuse removal. Thanks again....Your the best
I usually pull the battery fuse (15A) on my 2008 Dyna, Not the main fuse, before disconnecting the battery, which i've had to do several times recently, due to having the engine out of bike for work and also part diagnosing a faulty regulator/rectifier. I also run a thundermax, which there's no way round having to initiate it again every time after reconnecting the battery and fuse, (not that i know of anyway) but this only takes a few minutes and i've never seemed to have any prob's doing it this way. What's the difference between pulling the battery fuse, opposed to the main (Maxi 40A) fuse? Also i make sure i've got the proximity key fob in my pocket too, so the security system is disarmed whilst performing this. Like the first question you answered, i too have no power in my garage, so have to take the battery indoors to put on my charger/optimiser. Thanks.
My 2005 Sportster. Yea had fun with that battery. Also just got a 2012 Heritage and learned the hard way about the alarm. LOL Yep still learning but loving it. Nothing like working on a H-D.
how do you clean around the electronics under the covers. My 03 FLHRCI needs cleaning, ot as bad as the FLH you showed on here. that guy must live on a dirt road.
Purchase a Factory Service Manual, a set of torx sockets, 10mm wrench. remove seat, remove top battery cover with ECM. hopefully the factory strap is still there to help lift battery out..Doc
Let’s just say a friend was disconnecting the positive side when the wrench touched the frame. ⚡️with the battery negative still attached to the frame. He has a permanent burn mark. Thanks ~ Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson never really thought of that. Thank you. Love your channel. Thank you for all your knowledge and for sharing it kinda rare these days.
If you are talking about the original. The dealer uses digital Tech. If you are referring to access when your fob is not present. You will use your turn signal buttons. Ride to your dealer. Many there can help. Thanks ~ Doc
I couldn't find th e main fuse on my 72 flh. Can I just disconnect the negative first, then positive, without disconnecting the fuse? I don't have a radio or alarm system.
Thanks Doc, my road glide was transported in a trailer and we did not know about the transport mode. Battery went dead and now I a leaks have codes on the radio. I clear them but they always come back any recommendations?
With all the electronics on a Harley-Davidson it is just a precaution. Many electronics, stereo, ECM,BCM do not like surges of voltage as you are trying to thread bolts into a battery. What could happen is DTC fault codes and possible damage to parts.....Doc
Thanks great info as always but I needed this yesterday. Disconnected my battery on a 2002 night train to add my tender line and now I have a red key lit up.
Thanks D for your comment. I am not a “show me how to do this” kind of guy. I trust your Harley-Davidson Factory Service Manual will show you the way….Doc
Ive a RKC 05 . Followed instructions re fuse out first etc . To reinstall , reinstall battery . Positive , negative then fuse . BUT! , is there a certain step to follow,? ie , my RK main ign switch is in 'On' position with run switch off as directed . Just to check if i should do anything re returning ign switch to off pre fuse ? Thx
This is confusing. In no way this video procedure would have any effect on the ignition switch. If you are asking Should the Ignition switch and handlebar switch be in the off position at the start? Yes…Doc
I have a question. I'm looking at using the SAE connector as a charging output(SAE to USB turnaround), I know there is a USB connector on the bike, on a 2018+ Softail. If I'm reading the schematic there is a 7.5 fuse on the connector. Would I need to add an additional fuse in the turnaround cable? Thanks in advance Doc.
Thanks for video Doc Harley from Türkiye. I made it wrong 😢 i have got 2010 vrscdx. i skip first step for remove the battery and when i connect the battery ventilator works automaticaly i dont know what can i do
Pull the main fuse from under the right cover. Disconnect battery. Walk away. Letting the bikes electronics power down. Connect battery then main fuse…..Doc
I have to laugh at the poor engineering H-D utilizes in the manufacture of their bikes. Really... to pull your battery you have to go through this crap ? I have a '01 Yamaha Road Star, pop my seat, disconnect to 2 posts, done in 5 minutes or less. I also have a '12 H-D Electra. What a pain in the ass it is.
@@RenegadesGarage Um... doesn't make much since, or sense? I will repeat: I remove my seat on the RS, no need for a wrench or screw driver, I twist my key and the seat releases automatically, I remove the two post screws, I don't have to remove a unit on top of the battery, just lift it out.
@@RenegadesGarage Spelling a word " incorrectly " isn't really the issue. Your argument is still weak as to my original statement. Flat out: It's easier to remove a RS seat than a H-D. Done deal. I'm out.
Got somewhat the same problem, although my main battery is now totally take a charge (under 3.5 volts ) and since it is in underground parkade, every time I try to disconnect battery the siren goes off until I reconnect negative! and bring unneeded attention and complaint from other condo owners! any work around for this? Thanks for any reply!
?? Current bike is also the newest I've ever owned a 1992. I've taken out my battery every winter and have never had a problem. Thinking the main fuse thing is just for bikes loaded with electronics. Just to wtf you guys look up 92FLHS battery and look where it was. redesigned it in 93 to make it more like every other bike your use to. in 94 Harley renamed it the Road King
The alarm has its own battery. I would attach a battery charger to the dead battery or jumper cables to another motorcycle battery so you can temporarily turn on the bike to disarm. Or go into the alarm box and remove battery. Thanks ~ Doc
That is info that a lot of us probably didn’t know. Have to admit, I always disconnected negative first, but not pull the main fuse. Always learning. Thanks
Opps. Like some of the others here I never thought about the fuse. Always did the negative first as you would on a car or anything else, but never thought of the fuse first. I have a ‘13 Limited and have removed the battery every year since new (for the same reason mentioned here) with no problems so far, but this year, fuse first. Thx Doc
Thanks for posting. My worst battery exchange was on a Honda my wife purchased, might have been a Shadow. You needed a PhD in battery removal. Made my 2003 Road King look like a piece of cake.
I found using a ratcheting combination wrench works great on my Sportster. 10mm battery screws. As an auto technician, we were always told to have the key off. To prevent power spikes
Hey Doc... another excellent video. I'm with the majority on here though - in all my decades of riding and dealing with batteries, I've never pulled the main fuse. I just took a look in my service manual for my '13 Road Glide and it only mentions disarming the security system if you have one, but only so that the siren won't sound. I'll probably go with your advice next time though just to be on the safe side. Thanks.
Appreciate what you're doing sir. I have an 06 fatboy . I also live in an apt. With mo electrical outlet . I've already been through a summer dealing with this situation .I take my battery out and bring it inside to charge it. I've never unplugged the battery first, I do know to undo the neg. first. Never had any problems by doing it this way. Of course I don't have any stereo or any other accessories. I guess I better take off the fuse next time.
taught me another well appreciated tip Doc. Thank you so much and thanks to your dealership for putting out these vids
The best videos presented Doc. High quality and detailed. Thanks for sharing..Regards from Australia down under.
I like how to deal with security system 👏🏼
Nice informative video. I have a vrod. The battery is located near the triple trees. I have a lot more to remove to get to it. If the battery is hard to reach, wrap tools in electrical tape. Pulling the fuse will save you bike. Not shorting the battery will save more.
So informative! I recently replaced the battery on my 14 sportster and I’m glad to see I already did all the steps you recommended here.
I'm not sure where your negative is, but I won't be disconnecting the one on my 2005 ever again! 😂
I see they flipped the battery terminals on the sportster at 14 thank God lol. You have to disconnect the other side of the cable. It's a major finaguling under taking
Another great video Doc, excellent advice, as an electrician I can agree. Turn the power off! Pull the main! Once you let all the smoke out. you'll never get it back in the battery .
thanks for including the older Sportster
ANOTHER GREAT HOW TO VIDEO !! DID MY 2019 FATBOY NO PROBLEM !! THANKS DOC HARLEY !!
Thank you Doc.The main fuse pull is very informative.I was told leave the power on then pull the main fuse.On a 2014 Ultra Tri Glide./I am guessing your way also pertains the the ultra trike?..OFF-PULL FUSE-NEGATIVE FIRST...Correct?
I wasn't aware of needing to pull the fuse before removing the negative, good to know as I'll be rebuilding the starter solenoid on my '98 FLHTCI and will be disconnecting the battery. my '93 Sportster is a lot simpler to do battery work on, with circuit breakers instead of fuses and the battery sitting sideways & easy to get to. thanks for another great video :)
So many answers in the service manual, Great video Doc
Never thought about the fuse, thanks Doc
Doc I changed my battery on my 2017 sgs now my fuel gauge stopped working
Great info here but how about some info on that beautiful looking FXR with the clamshell saddlebags in the background.
Thanks Doc, really enjoy watching your videos!
FLHTCUI - 7 years, never touched main fuse, negative first, nothing happened. 🕺🏻
Shop manual doesn't mention fuse either. Can't do any harm, I guess.
It’s just an extra step in safety because anything can happen.
I ruined a battery on my sportster by not taking out the fuse before taking the cables off. The wrench slipped and touched the positive and negative post at the same time. Sparks flew and the post melted. Luckily the battery was the only thing that fried
as far as you know for now that is..........nothing fried....
ronnie valley I checked everything over and it all looked fine. That was well over a year ago so I’m pretty sure it’s fine. Plus it’s an 04 sportster. Not much stuff to fry on it
If the battery is buried as we seen in this video, I will wrap wrenches, sockets, extensions and ratchets in electrical tape. Just in case of butter fingers.
He's like a motorcycle whisperer 🏍️🏍️🏍️🏍️
I can understand pulling the fuse part. But to say that keeps from shocking the system, I question. Any time you apply power, it is going to spark. In this case, we get the spark and shock from the fuse box instead of the battery area. Which I can understand is safer, but to say it eliminates shocking the electronic parts, I think is false. Current is drawn when power is applied, that can't be eliminated. I would say to lessen the degree of power being drawn all at once, to remove ALL fuses, and than replace main fuse first, than the smaller ones, 1 at a time. Doc, do you agree with my thinking?
Thanks Doc! Your videos are a gigantic help! Very much appreciated!
Great info Doc. Thanks to you and Low Country HD for sharing.
These are all great tips, however I have yet to find a video or info on how to do a battery on a 1996 Dyna Low Rider
Keep looking on line or purchase a Factory Service Manual...Doc
Doc can I hook 9v batt to the cig lighter hole and save my thunder max redo headache?
Note....Place the ignition switch in the OFF position before installing the main fuse.
Good pointl..Doc
It’s like Christmas you make me a very nice gift. I will applied 100% your recommendation when removing my battery. I will later let you know it goes. I have a save video where the person showed steps by steps how to proceed but no word on the fuse removal.
Thanks again....Your the best
Thank you Doc, you are our precious medicine Doctor!
I usually pull the battery fuse (15A) on my 2008 Dyna, Not the main fuse, before disconnecting the battery, which i've had to do several times recently, due to having the engine out of bike for work and also part diagnosing a faulty regulator/rectifier.
I also run a thundermax, which there's no way round having to initiate it again every time after reconnecting the battery and fuse, (not that i know of anyway) but this only takes a few minutes and i've never seemed to have any prob's doing it this way.
What's the difference between pulling the battery fuse, opposed to the main (Maxi 40A) fuse?
Also i make sure i've got the proximity key fob in my pocket too, so the security system is disarmed whilst performing this.
Like the first question you answered, i too have no power in my garage, so have to take the battery indoors to put on my charger/optimiser.
Thanks.
Thanks Doc for another great and informative video. You can teach an old dog a new trick 😎🤟👊
My 2005 Sportster. Yea had fun with that battery. Also just got a 2012 Heritage and learned the hard way about the alarm. LOL Yep still learning but loving it. Nothing like working on a H-D.
Any additional tips for a 2002 road king?
Do you know how to remove the battery tray of a '99 Dynaglide TC ?
Yes, I grab the 1999 Dyna Factory Service Manual...Doc
Thanks Doc! Awesome video! Great info! And thanks for covering a wide array of years and models!
Where can I buy that battery lifter with the red handle? That's pretty slick.
..
how do you clean around the electronics under the covers. My 03 FLHRCI needs cleaning, ot as bad as the FLH you showed on here. that guy must live on a dirt road.
Great advice & thank you for sharing this information!
Do you still have to disconnect the main fuse if just changing batteries?
Yes!
How to replace battery on a 2004 Road King Police model??????
Purchase a Factory Service Manual, a set of torx sockets, 10mm wrench. remove seat, remove top battery cover with ECM. hopefully the factory strap is still there to help lift battery out..Doc
Thanks again doc and low county HD for allowing you to share really useful info with us. Much appreciated.
If the main fuse is disconnected what difference does it make if you disconnect the positive first?
Let’s just say a friend was disconnecting the positive side when the wrench touched the frame. ⚡️with the battery negative still attached to the frame. He has a permanent burn mark. Thanks ~ Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson never really thought of that. Thank you. Love your channel. Thank you for all your knowledge and for sharing it kinda rare these days.
Thanks for the video. Excellent info. Greetings from Mexico
How do you set the 5 number code on the new bike ltry the way they say can not do it
If you are talking about the original. The dealer uses digital Tech. If you are referring to access when your fob is not present. You will use your turn signal buttons. Ride to your dealer. Many there can help. Thanks ~ Doc
Great info!!! Forgive for this question... the tool you used to take the battery out, what’s it called?
It is a battery carrier, side lift
I couldn't find th e main fuse on my 72 flh. Can I just disconnect the negative first, then positive, without disconnecting the fuse? I don't have a radio or alarm system.
YES. Thanks ~ Doc
Thanks Doc, my road glide was transported in a trailer and we did not know about the transport mode. Battery went dead and now I a leaks have codes on the radio. I clear them but they always come back any recommendations?
If they come back further Diag is needed by your local dealer….Doc
Great Video! show 2000 dyna wide glide please
Is that a 1984-1986 FXRP in the background?
Doc, what if you don’t disconnect the fuse?
With all the electronics on a Harley-Davidson it is just a precaution. Many electronics, stereo, ECM,BCM do not like surges of voltage as you are trying to thread bolts into a battery. What could happen is DTC fault codes and possible damage to parts.....Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson understood! Thanks for your time and willingness to teach. God bless!
Doc..... you're awesome....I'm not Worthy!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thanks great info as always but I needed this yesterday. Disconnected my battery on a 2002 night train to add my tender line and now I have a red key lit up.
You might have an issue that light means a code is active for an error in your system. Likely a turn signal.
Low Country Harley-Davidson thanks. You guys are the greatest. I’ll have to try and stop in this week after my wife’s appointment in Charleston
Thanks Doc. Good info, helpful. It's much easier pointing fingers and talking, than actually doing it. Actual demonstration would be better!
Thanks D for your comment. I am not a “show me how to do this” kind of guy. I trust your Harley-Davidson Factory Service Manual will show you the way….Doc
Ive a RKC 05 . Followed instructions re fuse out first etc . To reinstall , reinstall battery . Positive , negative then fuse .
BUT! , is there a certain step to follow,? ie , my RK main ign switch is in 'On' position with run switch off as directed . Just to check if i should do anything re returning ign switch to off pre fuse ?
Thx
This is confusing. In no way this video procedure would have any effect on the ignition switch. If you are asking Should the Ignition switch and handlebar switch be in the off position at the start? Yes…Doc
Tape off the connection just to make sure you don't have an accidental spark
Changing the battery on my wife’s 2012 Sportster was a pain in the rear
Great info, thanks!
If my 03 doesn't have a security system, do I need to pull the fuse first ?
Yes….Doc
Hay what is I cover the strap and my have can fit to put up the battery
??????must be a translation thing. Sorry we could not help…..Doc
I have a question. I'm looking at using the SAE connector as a charging output(SAE to USB turnaround), I know there is a USB connector on the bike, on a 2018+ Softail. If I'm reading the schematic there is a 7.5 fuse on the connector. Would I need to add an additional fuse in the turnaround cable? Thanks in advance Doc.
Hey doc, ever run into a viiner code on any 16 fxdb's? Scratching my head at this one. Please respond when time permits.
Thanks
Jim
Yes, it may be due to a replacement of an ECM or BCM. The code is likely from the speedometer mileage not matching.
Thanks, i bought the bike new and its only been to the dealer once for tires. Odd but thank you for your time sir .
Thanks for video Doc Harley from Türkiye. I made it wrong 😢 i have got 2010 vrscdx. i skip first step for remove the battery and when i connect the battery ventilator works automaticaly i dont know what can i do
Pull the main fuse from under the right cover. Disconnect battery. Walk away. Letting the bikes electronics power down.
Connect battery then main fuse…..Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson You are my hero. Thank you Doc. ua-cam.com/users/shorts1C3uE_jWZAU?feature=shared
Would be nice to see the trick on a street 500 battery removal.
I have to laugh at the poor engineering H-D utilizes in the manufacture of their bikes. Really... to pull your battery you have to go through this crap ? I have a '01 Yamaha Road Star, pop my seat, disconnect to 2 posts, done in 5 minutes or less. I also have a '12 H-D Electra. What a pain in the ass it is.
@@RenegadesGarage Um... doesn't make much since, or sense? I will repeat: I remove my seat on the RS, no need for a wrench or screw driver, I twist my key and the seat releases automatically, I remove the two post screws, I don't have to remove a unit on top of the battery, just lift it out.
@@RenegadesGarage Spelling a word " incorrectly " isn't really the issue. Your argument is still weak as to my original statement. Flat out: It's easier to remove a RS seat than a H-D. Done deal. I'm out.
Got somewhat the same problem, although my main battery is now totally take a charge (under 3.5 volts ) and since it is in underground parkade, every time I try to disconnect battery the siren goes off until I reconnect negative! and bring unneeded attention and complaint from other condo owners! any work around for this? Thanks for any reply!
okay, what if you don't disarm the security and you do Step 1 out of order? Because that's what I did and now the bike won't start.
Bring it to the Dealer with your Fobs.....Doc
Great info Doc.
Will it hurt to put a car battery it on a 2006 Fatboy 88
Keep my 03 & 06
?? Current bike is also the newest I've ever owned a 1992. I've taken out my battery every winter and have never had a problem. Thinking the main fuse thing is just for bikes loaded with electronics. Just to wtf you guys look up 92FLHS battery and look where it was. redesigned it in 93 to make it more like every other bike your use to. in 94 Harley renamed it the Road King
What if your battery is dead? But your alarm still goes off
The alarm has its own battery. I would attach a battery charger to the dead battery or jumper cables to another motorcycle battery so you can temporarily turn on the bike to disarm. Or go into the alarm box and remove battery. Thanks ~ Doc
Who’s the Best ? … … … …. You !
Thanks wish I knew this be for I killed my bcm best Chanel for Harley 😎
Thank you Ken…..Doc
lot more complicated than the old man says...
I will stay with my r k