Harley Starter Relay Wiring Diagram

If you’re a Harley Davidson owner, you know how crucial it is to have a reliable starter system. One of the essential parts of this system is the starter relay, which is responsible for connecting the battery to the starter motor. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to understand the harley starter relay wiring diagram.

What is a Harley Starter Relay?

A starter relay is an electrical component that serves as a bridge between the battery and the starter motor. It controls the power supply to the motor, ensuring that it only draws enough power to start the engine. The starter relay is also responsible for making sure the starter motor doesn’t continue to run after the engine has started.

The Harley Davidson starter relay is located in the primary chaincase, close to the starter motor. It’s a small device that is easy to replace if you have a basic knowledge of electrical systems.

The Importance of the Harley Starter Relay

The starter relay is a crucial component of the Harley Davidson starter system. Without it, the starter motor would draw too much power from the battery, causing it to drain quickly. The relay allows the current to flow between the battery and the starter motor only when needed, conserving the battery’s power.

The starter relay also protects the starter motor from damage by preventing it from running after the engine has started. The constant running of the starter motor will not only wear it out quickly but also damage other engine components.

Harley Starter Relay Wiring Diagram

The Harley starter relay wiring diagram is relatively simple. It consists of four main components: the battery, the starter motor, the starter relay, and the ignition switch.

Component Function
Battery Provides power to the system
Starter Motor Turns the engine over
Starter Relay Controls the flow of current between the battery and starter motor
Ignition Switch Allows the rider to start and stop the engine

The wiring diagram illustrates how these components are inter-connected, and the power flows between them.

Wiring Connections

The following is a brief description of how the Harley starter relay wiring diagram works:

The battery’s positive terminal is connected to one end of the starter relay. The other end of the relay is attached to the starter motor’s positive terminal. The ignition switch is then connected to one side of the starter relay’s coil, and the other side of the coil is attached to the ground.

When the rider turns on the ignition switch, it activates the starter relay’s coil. This, in turn, allows the current to flow from the battery to the starter motor. The starter motor then turns the engine over, starting it. When the rider releases the ignition switch, it deactivates the relay’s coil, stopping the flow of current to the starter motor.

The Harley starter relay wiring diagram is easy to understand, and it’s essential to follow it when replacing or repairing any of the starter system components.

FAQs

What are the signs of a bad starter relay?

The following are some of the signs of a faulty starter relay:

  • The engine doesn’t start or takes a long time to start
  • Clicking sound when turning the ignition switch
  • The engine cranks but fails to turn over

Can I replace the Harley starter relay myself?

Yes, you can replace the starter relay yourself if you have a basic knowledge of electrical systems. The starter relay is located in the primary chaincase, close to the starter motor. It’s a small device that you can easily remove and replace with a new one.

What should I do if the engine doesn’t start even after changing the starter relay?

If the engine still doesn’t start even after you’ve replaced the starter relay, you might need to check the battery or the starter motor. The battery might be dead and needs to be recharged or replaced. The starter motor might also be producing too much resistance, causing it to draw too much power from the battery.

How do I test the Harley starter relay?

You can test the starter relay by using a multimeter. First, check the resistance of the relay’s coil by measuring the resistance between its two terminals. Next, connect the multimeter to the battery and starter motor terminals to check if the relay is allowing the current to flow between them when the ignition switch is turned on.

Is it safe to ride my Harley with a faulty starter relay?

No, it’s not safe to ride your Harley with a faulty starter relay. If the relay fails, the starter motor might continue to run even after the engine has started, causing damage to the engine and other components. It’s best to replace the starter relay as soon as possible to avoid any further damage.

Conclusion

A Harley starter relay is a crucial component of the starter system that ensures efficient power supply to the starter motor. The Harley starter relay wiring diagram is relatively simple to understand, and it’s essential to follow it when replacing or repairing any of the starter system components. If you notice any signs of a faulty starter relay, such as clicking sound or engine failure to start, it’s best to replace it immediately to avoid further damage.