Moto Maintenance Tips - Wiring Inspection

Today our topic is wiring inspection.  Over time, wiring connections can become loose or corroded.  You should check your wiring as follows:

1. Perform a visual inspection of all battery and motor cables. If there is any green or white build-up, this is corrosion. You can clean it with soapy water or a battery terminal cleaner found at any vehicle-parts store. Simply wash the terminals with cleaner and, if necessary, use a stiff (non-metallic) brush.  Severe or rusty build-up can indicate loose battery connections.  Tighten any loose connection or battery damage will occur.

2. After checking and cleaning primary connections, disconnect main battery connection to prevent short circuits. Check the various plugs at controller, dash, stereo and any other location you find them.  Unplug these connections and look for burned pins. Look for a powdery white build-up, etc.  Clean any pins that are not shiny looking. You can then get a dielectric grease compound to apply to plugs before reassembly.  This will prevent further corrosion. Vaseline will also work okay.   Any wires that appear to be burned or blackened should be completely removed and replaced, although this is very rare.

3. Reassemble all connections and insure all wires are routed away from any metal objects on which they may rub. You can secure any wires with zip ties to prevent them from rubbing sharp objects while driving.  Reconnect batteries; then operate all functions to ensure everything in proper working order.