Help Needed: FLHX won't start : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Claytonb78 · 05-20-2011, 01:35 PM

Good Afternoon. I just finished installing a Arc Mini amp along with some new speakers. Everything works great and I was listening to my stereo with the engine off for about 20 minuteswhile reassembling my bike. After getting cleaned up I decided to go for a ride and my bike won't start. The bike is trying to turn over but it just won't start. My battery gauge reads 12 volts (about middle of the range). Can anyone please tell me if I may have done something wrong or do I just need to charge my battery some? I have it hooked up to a battery tender as we speak but I'd hate to get on the road then stop and not have my bike start again. Return fire appreciated.

Also, with an amp installed...should I avoid listening to my stereo with the engine off except for maybe a few minutes? Can an amp drain a battery this fast?

Sorry, I forgot to mention. I have a 2011 FLHX with a new actory battery in it. Thanks.

Claytonb78 · 05-20-2011, 02:07 PM

Sorry, a few more details. The amp always comes on when I turn my bike to the ignition position...regardless of if the radio is on or not because I plugged the "amp on" wire into the open orange wire off the headlight. Somewhere I read this is where a lot of others plugged their wire in. Should I plug my "amp on" wire somehwere else so if I turn off my radio, the amp turns off too...to avoid battery drain?

Also, the amp's power comes directly from the battery and I used the Arc Mini Harley Wiring kit. Thanks.

MilesToGo · 05-20-2011, 03:20 PM

I have the Arc mini amp in my 09 Street Glide as well. When you were listening to the stereo with the engine off did you have the switch in the ACC position or in the ON position? You shouldn't pull enough power to run the battery down in the ACC position, but if you had the headlight on for 20 minutes it might.

Claytonb78 · 05-20-2011, 03:39 PM

Miles to go. The headlight would have been on too as the amp is plugged into a headlight plug. Is there a way to turn off the headlight? I thought the ACC switch was for turning on/off an aftermarket device...such as passing lamps? Thanks.

Claytonb78 · 05-20-2011, 03:44 PM

All, I fixed the problem. I feel like such an idiot. I figured out all the wiring and splicing needed, got it all hooked up and running, took apart & reassembled me bike, and in the end...I forgot to reattach the fuel line to the bottom of the tank. Bike started right up once that was reconnected. Thanks for reading and hopefully someone else can take something away from this. I sure will never forget to reattach me fuel line now. Will be the first thing I check.

streetglidekirk · 05-20-2011, 04:21 PM

You removed your tank when you installed the amp? Is that why it was off?

Claytonb78 · 05-20-2011, 05:14 PM

I removed my tank to properly run my power cables to the battery and enclose them with the rest of the wiring. The instructions said to just put it above the tank under the top panel but I wanted to go for a cleaner look.

streetglidekirk · 05-20-2011, 07:50 PM

oh ok...I ran mine under the tank as well, but I just did it a different way. I got a very small wooden dowel rod from wally world and fished it from the rear to the front and taped the wire to it and pulled it right through...I too am like you when I post stuff....Just try to help others..That is the main reason I love this forum....So many people willing to help others they dont even know...Glad you got it straightened out..