Harley Davidson Forums banner

Sudden massive electrical component drain

660 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  r12b1299
I went out to ride my 2020 street glide and the battery was completely dead. Ive had zero previous issues. When I put a charger on it, multiple things started making noises without anything being turned on. For example, the horn was humming, along with something under the seat. I went to disconnect the battery and the negative cable was loose. tightening it changed nothing. What can cause multiple sudden component drain and is the loose connection related or coincidental?
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
The loose negative cable can definitely cause the problems your bike is having. FYI don't disconnect your battery until you've first removed the max-fuse.
  • Like
Reactions: 1
Too late, I disconnected the battery to see if it would take a charge. It did, likely fully charged by now. If I reconnect it to the bike, should I first pull the main fuse? Will this somehow reset things? Thoughts?
Depending on how you do it the battery lead may make and break connection a few times until you get it tight. By putting the fuse in last will give a solid connection straight off. That is my thoughts on it.

On my bike I pull the fuse as part of the process to kill the security system.
  • Like
Reactions: 3
Too late, I disconnected the battery to see if it would take a charge. It did, likely fully charged by now. If I reconnect it to the bike, should I first pull the main fuse? Will this somehow reset things? Thoughts?
Yes remove the maxi-fuse first then install the battery then reinstall the fuse.
There's a procedure I believe. Turn on the ignition then remove the maxi-fuse within 5 seconds, R&R the battery then replace the maxi-fuse within 5 seconds and turn the ignition off. The timing might be a bit different but that's the way I remember it.
Other members might have a better memory of the procedure and chime in.
  • Like
Reactions: 4
If you are referring to bikes that have a security system then it is a case of turning on the ignition and waiting for it to disarm. Then remove the fuse.

The ignition can be turned off. When the bike gets power again the security system will just arm and be happy. In my case with my bike anyway.
  • Like
Reactions: 2
Remove the battery, charge it and have it load tested before you attempt any troubleshooting.
To Test the Battery first charge it up. Remove the Charger. Then connect a Multi Meter to the Battery. Turn the ignition on and watch the Meter as you Start the Bike.... If the Voltage Drops below 10 Vols it's Dead as a door nail and will never work.... Buy a new one...

The longest I've ever had a Battery last is 2 years on a Charger when not riding. I also found out if you do not use a Charger, the Battery last only 11 months.... Harley never told me about that so I was buying a lot of Batteries..
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
Top