If you’re a Harley-Davidson owner looking to add some aftermarket accessories to your motorcycle, you’re probably wondering how to wire everything up. One of the most common ways to power accessories on a Harley is through the use of an accessory plug. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to wire an accessory plug on your Harley and provide a wiring diagram to help you get started.
Why Use an Accessory Plug?
Before we dive into the wiring, let’s first talk about why you might want to use an accessory plug. An accessory plug provides an easy way to power aftermarket accessories without having to splice into your motorcycle’s wiring harness. It also allows you to add or remove accessories easily without having to rewire everything.
Harley-Davidson motorcycles typically come with an accessory plug located near the battery. This plug is designed to power a variety of accessories, including heated grips, GPS devices, and phone chargers.
How to Wire an Accessory Plug
Wiring an accessory plug on your Harley is a relatively simple process. You’ll need a few basic tools, including a wire stripper, crimping tool, and electrical tape. Here’s the step-by-step process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the negative battery cable from your motorcycle’s battery to prevent any accidental electrical shorts. |
| 2 | Locate the accessory plug near your motorcycle’s battery. It should have two wires attached to it – a red wire and a black wire. |
| 3 | Strip the ends of the red and black wires using a wire stripper. |
| 4 | Insert the stripped end of the red wire into the female end of a crimp connector. Use a crimping tool to secure the wire in place. |
| 5 | Repeat step 4 for the black wire, but insert it into the male end of the crimp connector. |
| 6 | Plug the crimp connector into your accessory, making sure the red wire is connected to the positive terminal and the black wire is connected to the negative terminal. |
| 7 | Wrap the crimp connector and wires in electrical tape for added protection. |
| 8 | Reconnect the negative battery cable to your motorcycle’s battery. |
Wiring Diagram
Here’s a simple wiring diagram to help you wire your accessory plug:
As you can see, the red wire from the accessory plug is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, while the black wire is connected to the negative terminal. This ensures that the accessory receives power while also grounding it to the motorcycle’s frame.
FAQ
Q: Can I use any accessory with an accessory plug?
A: No, not all accessories are compatible with Harley’s accessory plug. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before wiring anything up.
Q: Can I wire multiple accessories to the same accessory plug?
A: Yes, you can wire multiple accessories to the same accessory plug as long as the total amperage does not exceed the maximum capacity of the plug.
Q: Can I install an accessory plug on my own?
A: Yes, installing an accessory plug is a relatively simple process that can be done by most Harley-Davidson owners. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take the necessary safety precautions.
Q: Do I need to disconnect my motorcycle’s battery before wiring an accessory plug?
A: Yes, it’s always a good idea to disconnect your motorcycle’s battery before doing any electrical work to prevent any accidental shorts.
Q: Can I wire an accessory plug to my motorcycle’s ignition switch?
A: Yes, you can wire your accessory plug to your motorcycle’s ignition switch, but keep in mind that the accessory will only receive power when the ignition switch is on.
Conclusion
Wiring an accessory plug on your Harley is a great way to add aftermarket accessories to your motorcycle without having to splice into your wiring harness. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take the necessary safety precautions. With our wiring diagram and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be up and running in no time!
