Headlight Bucket Wiring Question

**glwilson** · 03-21-2009, 12:21 PM

I bought the Powerlet unit for my GPS. They suggest wiring it to the battery and running the wires under the tank.

I would prefer to not go to that length to install this if at all possible.

Can't I just connect the two (red and black) wires for the Powerlet to a couple leads in the headlight bucket? (The powerlet has a fuse on the red wire.

If so... which ones. My god; there are a thousand wires in the bucket. I can see two grey-insulated wires coming into the bucket that have three wires each in them -- a red/black; a red/yellow; and a yellow/black.

Anyway; I had heard some on here say that there is a fairly easy way to connect a small unit like my GPS to the "bucket" wiring.

If any of you have an idea which wires to connect to I would appreciate it.

Thanks, Greg

cactusjack · 03-21-2009, 12:33 PM

As long as you don't plan to use the Powerlet to run an air compressor, or some other device that draws a lot of current you will be fine connecting to one of the accessory connectors in the headlight bucket. Bear in mind these are not switched connections, they are always on. There should be only two unused connectors in the headlight bucket, one is +12v and the other is ground. I don't remember which is which, though. Use a test probe or voltmeter to determine that.

**glwilson** · 03-21-2009, 12:37 PM

Thanks CJ; however I don't see any "unused" connectors.

I know you and others have said there would be in other posts; but I swear I don't see any -- which is where my problem lies.

Don't know which wires to connect to.

I will take another look though just to be sure.

strobe · 03-21-2009, 01:58 PM

Might be safest if you put a small fuse (max 5 amp) between the power in the bucket and the plug that way if you do forget and plug something else in it should kill that fuse before a more important one.

caper · 03-21-2009, 03:15 PM

glwilson I am in the process of doing the same thing. Although the 2 wires in my headlight bucket are very visable. I am planning on putting a fuse on the hot wire though ,thinking around 5 amps.That is more that enough for my gps.

Yellow Jacket · 03-21-2009, 04:40 PM

On the 1600's the accessory connections in the headlight bucket are the following colors:

Ground: Black with a yellow stripe
+12 VDC: White with a blue stripe

I don't know if they are the same on the 1500's.

**schoeney** · 03-21-2009, 10:49 PM

I think the 1500's only have an extra connection under the seat.

I think the 1600's have them in both places....can anyone confirm?

**ringadingh** · 03-22-2009, 07:30 AM

On the 1500's there is a pair of wires under the tank, front LH side near the rad cap. Also a pair under the seat. These are constant power. If you need them switched with the ignition youll need to tap into something in the headlight bucket.

mrfuni · 03-22-2009, 07:55 AM

glwilson...

It just so happens I did the same thing yesterday, but decided to wire directly to the battery. The most difficult part was removing and replacing the seat. I ran the wires along the underside of the gas tank where the existing cables run.

Got a $5 power outlet from Walmart. (Sorry about the huge pictures)

Here's pictures of the installation:

**glwilson** · 03-22-2009, 08:18 AM

Thank guys. I was able to realize the 1500 doesn't have to two "free" leads in the bucket like the 1600.

I finally did what Joe did and went direct to the battery. The Powerlet unit has an in-line fuse that comes with it so didn't have to worry about that.

Was a bit more of a hassle removing the seat; loosening the tank and all to run the wires -- but I was able to complete the job. Connection; wiring; and straping all look good and the unit is functioning as expected.

Again; thanks to all for your help.

PS: Joe; that looks nice. Good job.

**ringadingh** · 03-22-2009, 05:37 PM

My brother just bought the same power outlet at Walmart, only it was $10.47 here. It pays to live in Canada!

mikey911s · 03-23-2009, 06:02 PM

Ringadingh...I have a 1500 fi and I'm planning on installing a fairing with a stereo. I've been unable to locate the pair of wire you said were under the LH side of the tank near the radiator cap. Question 1... what colors am I looking for? Question 2... do you think it will support a stereo (no power amp).
mike

**Idaho** · 03-23-2009, 09:05 PM

I have a 1600 and wanted to power an aux relay that in turn powered a fuse block directly off the battery. I went into the headlight bucket and found the white and blue wire. It was hot after the engine started which is what I wanted. Unfortunately I found out a month later that it also is dead when the bright beam is on. Grrrrr. Now I am going to search for a switched DC lead to power that aux relay. Moral of the story, be cautious in the headlight housing, everything is not as it seems.

03-21-2009, 12:21 PM	#1
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Headlight Bucket Wiring Question I bought the Powerlet unit for my GPS. They suggest wiring it to the battery and running the wires under the tank. I would prefer to not go to that length to install this if at all possible. Can't I just connect the two (red and black) wires for the Powerlet to a couple leads in the headlight bucket? (The powerlet has a fuse on the red wire. If so... which ones. My god; there are a thousand wires in the bucket. I can see two grey-insulated wires coming into the bucket that have three wires each in them -- a red/black; a red/yellow; and a yellow/black. Anyway; I had heard some on here say that there is a fairly easy way to connect a small unit like my GPS to the "bucket" wiring. If any of you have an idea which wires to connect to I would appreciate it. Thanks, Greg __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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03-21-2009, 12:33 PM	#2
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	Headlight Bucket Wiring Question As long as you don't plan to use the Powerlet to run an air compressor, or some other device that draws a lot of current you will be fine connecting to one of the accessory connectors in the headlight bucket. Bear in mind these are not switched connections, they are always on. There should be only two unused connectors in the headlight bucket, one is +12v and the other is ground. I don't remember which is which, though. Use a test probe or voltmeter to determine that. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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03-21-2009, 12:37 PM	#3
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Headlight Bucket Wiring Question Thanks CJ; however I don't see any "unused" connectors. I know you and others have said there would be in other posts; but I swear I don't see any -- which is where my problem lies. Don't know which wires to connect to. I will take another look though just to be sure. __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
	0

03-21-2009, 01:58 PM	#4
strobe Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1,200	Headlight Bucket Wiring Question Might be safest if you put a small fuse (max 5 amp) between the power in the bucket and the plug that way if you do forget and plug something else in it should kill that fuse before a more important one. __________________ Cory 2013 Honda GL1800 Goldwing 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650 (for sale) 2007 Honda ST1300 (sold) 2005 Kawasaki Nomad (sold) 2004 Suzuki Hayabusa (sold) http://www.strobel.ws VBA #01021 VROC #29389
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03-21-2009, 03:15 PM	#5
caper Sr. Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 1,137	Headlight Bucket Wiring Question glwilson I am in the process of doing the same thing. Although the 2 wires in my headlight bucket are very visable. I am planning on putting a fuse on the hot wire though ,thinking around 5 amps.That is more that enough for my gps. __________________ Live in the NOW ! Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

03-21-2009, 04:40 PM	#6
Yellow Jacket Top Contributor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Fayetteville, Georgia Posts: 5,792	Headlight Bucket Wiring Question On the 1600's the accessory connections in the headlight bucket are the following colors: Ground: Black with a yellow stripe +12 VDC: White with a blue stripe I don't know if they are the same on the 1500's. __________________ Bob KawaNOW/VBA 210 Green/Silver 2006 Patriot Guard Riders 2009
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03-21-2009, 10:49 PM	#7
schoeney Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NW Region Posts: 5,222	Headlight Bucket Wiring Question I think the 1500's only have an extra connection under the seat. I think the 1600's have them in both places....can anyone confirm? __________________ VBA #659 2003 Nomad 1500 (Gone but never forgotten) 2005 Honda ST1300 - Sweet and still kickin 2006 Honda Goldwing - Best Boat in the Marina
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03-22-2009, 07:30 AM	#8
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	Headlight Bucket Wiring Question On the 1500's there is a pair of wires under the tank, front LH side near the rad cap. Also a pair under the seat. These are constant power. If you need them switched with the ignition youll need to tap into something in the headlight bucket. __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
	0

03-22-2009, 07:55 AM	#9
mrfuni Sr. Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Naples Florida Posts: 1,301	Headlight Bucket Wiring Question glwilson... It just so happens I did the same thing yesterday, but decided to wire directly to the battery. The most difficult part was removing and replacing the seat. I ran the wires along the underside of the gas tank where the existing cables run. Got a $5 power outlet from Walmart. (Sorry about the huge pictures) Here's pictures of the installation:
	0

03-22-2009, 08:18 AM	#10
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Headlight Bucket Wiring Question Thank guys. I was able to realize the 1500 doesn't have to two "free" leads in the bucket like the 1600. I finally did what Joe did and went direct to the battery. The Powerlet unit has an in-line fuse that comes with it so didn't have to worry about that. Was a bit more of a hassle removing the seat; loosening the tank and all to run the wires -- but I was able to complete the job. Connection; wiring; and straping all look good and the unit is functioning as expected. Again; thanks to all for your help. PS: Joe; that looks nice. Good job. __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
	0

03-22-2009, 05:37 PM	#11
ringadingh Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newmarket Ontario Canada Posts: 35,387	Headlight Bucket Wiring Question My brother just bought the same power outlet at Walmart, only it was $10.47 here. It pays to live in Canada! __________________ 2002 Nomad aka Bountyhunter VBA #27 VROC #18951
	0

03-23-2009, 06:02 PM	#12
mikey911s Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Shreveport, LA Posts: 144	Headlight Bucket Wiring Question Ringadingh...I have a 1500 fi and I'm planning on installing a fairing with a stereo. I've been unable to locate the pair of wire you said were under the LH side of the tank near the radiator cap. Question 1... what colors am I looking for? Question 2... do you think it will support a stereo (no power amp). mike
	0

03-23-2009, 09:05 PM	#13
Idaho Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Posts: 5,241	Headlight Bucket Wiring Question I have a 1600 and wanted to power an aux relay that in turn powered a fuse block directly off the battery. I went into the headlight bucket and found the white and blue wire. It was hot after the engine started which is what I wanted. Unfortunately I found out a month later that it also is dead when the bright beam is on. Grrrrr. Now I am going to search for a switched DC lead to power that aux relay. Moral of the story, be cautious in the headlight housing, everything is not as it seems. __________________ Idaho (aka Curmudgeon) Blue Knights Idaho III VBA #110 VROC #24864 IBA #49753 2007 Nomad 86,000 miles Bud Smalley Pocatello, Idaho Idaho Jack Adapter
	0

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