Wires & LED Connector Problem

[Mickeetwo]

Got my sissy bar and luggage rack in from Nelson. (Great price and quick shipping) The sissy bar install is pretty easy, except for removing the wires from the plastic connector that plugs into the LED board on your taillights. If it wasn't for the wires it would have been a 45 minute job. I jacked with getting the wires out of the plug for a hour. Started to just cut them and splice them back together, but I figured everybody on the board would give me a hard time. Plus I wanted to do it like the instructions said (now I remember why I never look at the instructions) After driving a needle thru my thumb three times, tried using a jewelers phillips head screwdriver. Only drove it through my thumb twice. I'm not stupid. I would have been better off letting my dog chew the wires off. At least them I would have something left to work with. Only broke two of the metal plug things that go into the connector. The problem I have now is that I jacked with the plug so much it is not very tight when plugged back into the board, and of course the two broken wire plugs. Oh almost forgot one of the keepers on the LED board broke when I removed the plug (I swear it was messed up before I touched it) I am not a professional mechanic, but I forsee a problem with the taillights in the near future. My question is can you purchase the 6 little metal plug-ins that crimp on the wires and go into the connector. Also need the plastic connector that plugs into the board.

 

[Mickeetwo]

Oh yea, this is partly everyone on the boards fault. Everyone said I could pull this off without a problem. Plus, if my taillights go out I'm in real trouble because YOU SAID TO REMOVE MY REFLECTORS!!!!!

 

[KnotSo]

Did you not use the LED Connector Tool?

 

[Raywood]

Available at any auto store!

Sorry you had a hard time. Check with Nelson for replacement connectors.

Sissy bar install - HOTROD Biker

 

[Mickeetwo]

I knew I was forgeting something, Raywood had mentioned it, but he did not stress the importance of the tool. I e-mailed Nelson about the parts. I'm not even going to mention the bolt I broke off on the luggage rack.

 

[Raywood]

Truth be known, I broke off one of those little connectors and was able to open the crimp up and re-solder it on.
Hope you get it fixed okay,
Ray :flag:

 

[Mickeetwo]

Thanks Ray, does make me feel a little better. I put it all back together and went riding today. Got up to 50 degrees, couldn't stand it any longer. So far I still have taillights (I guess) I just don't look behind me and nobody ran into the back of me.

 

[chacha]

Yep...the connector tool is worth it if you do any electrical work on a bike. Nelson should be able to hook you up. I think BDM has a part number for an electrical connector set that includes several of each of the connectors used and an ass load of pins.

Good luck!

 

[Mickeetwo]

Thanks Chacha

 

[KnotSo]

Gotta have the right tool for the job at hand.

 

[AZ_BigDog]

First a disclaimer....I'm mechanically challenged....but did I miss something. On my 07 i just had to unscrew a plug and slip the sissy bar right in and the screw it down.....

 

[Raywood]

First a disclaimer....I'm mechanically challenged....but did I miss something. On my 07 i just had to unscrew a plug and slip the sissy bar right in and the screw it down.....

AZ, BDM started building there struts with the holes in them from the factory with your 07. Earlier versions didn't have this option and required the new struts that was a $700 upgrade!
So lots of us have spare struts in our garages.

Guess they got enough complains that they just made all the struts with the plugs for easy conversion. Most likely easier for them also!

later,
Ray

 

[Mickeetwo]

Would have been nice if they started it in 06.

 

[LDO]

Mickee,
To keep the plug on the LED board, you can use the very small zip ties. Lowes sells them.

You can also buy the complete pigtails for each light assembly from BDM that comes with the plug on one end and the crimp on ends for the other end. I believe the harness is like 12-15 bucks or something like that. Shouldn't be too bad. Also, to echo what everyone else has said, get the connector tool. You can also use a piece of 32 thousands safety wire or a dental pick that has been ground down a bit. Pretty easy once you figure out how to release the lock, it's mostly technique.:2thumbs:

 

[Mickeetwo]

Next time I'll buy the tool. By then my thumbs will have healed.

 

[hoat]

Sorry Mickee should have been caveman easy . Every time I am having a hard time I tell myself that I need to take a step back look at the problem then attack again or get some help. You could have asked when you were doing it no one would have gave you shit and if they did at least you got the answer. I mean wtf catching a little shit is sometimes well worth it!!!

 

[Mickeetwo]

Hoat.....I took several steps back when I ran the needle and phillips head screwdriver threw my thumb. The way I look at it anything can be fixed. Caveman easy??? What kind of cavemen do you have in VA?

 

[hoat]

Ok good luck. I wasn't giving you shit. you didn't ask for help thats all I was saying. PM's work also. Your right everything is fixable with the right application of $$$$

 

[Mickeetwo]

Hoat.....No offense taken, you gotta work alot harder than that to get under my skin. If this is the worst mistake I make working on the Dog, I'll take it

 

[chacha]

I've learned alot from Hoat giving me shit ...
- how to decend down a sharp incline with gravel on the bike without crashing
- how to break into a house I've never been to before
- how to park on the sidewalk anytime you want
- why "skinny girls" aren't worth hitting on