| Required Tools and Supplies | |
| Shop Rags | Dielectric Grease or Petroleum Jelly |
| 10mm Socket | Torque Wrench |
| 5mm and 6mm Allen Sockets | Safety Glasses |
| Ratchet | Nitrile Gloves |
To learn more about tools, read the Tools and Fasteners Guide.
Always wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves when servicing your Indian Motorcycle. To remove and replace the battery on your Indian Vintage or model year 2020 and older Chief, follow these steps:
1. Park the motorcycle on a flat, level surface.
2. Ensure the bike is powered OFF.
3. Remove the upper side covers by pulling the corners straight out to disengage from the rubber grommets in the frame.
4. To remove the seat, first use a 6mm Allen socket to remove the two fasteners securing the driver’s seat to the frame.
5. Then lift the rear of the seat and pull rearward to disengage the front retaining arms.
6. Using a 5mm Allen socket, remove the fastener securing the Vehicle Control Module mounting plate to the top of the battery box.
7. Slide the VCM assembly forward to disengage the tabs.
8. Carefully place the assembly out of the way. Do not disconnect the VCM. Ensure the VCM does not touch the positive battery terminal or cable. This can cause the VCM to short out.
9. Remove the negative battery cable first with a 10mm socket. Position the cable well clear of the terminal.
10. Remove the positive protector boot from the positive battery cable. Use a 10mm socket to remove the cable from the terminal. Position the cable well clear of the terminal.
11. Reinstall the fasteners onto the posts to prevent misplacement.
12. Lift the battery straight up and out of the battery box.
13. Inspect the battery box and cover for damage. Ensure the pads are properly located and in good condition.
14. If reinstalling the battery, ensure it is fully charged and free of any debris or damage. Follow the instructions in the Battery Charging section of your Owner’s Manual before installing the battery. The replacement battery is part number 4081841.
15. Carefully position the battery into the battery box with the negative terminal toward the front of the motorcycle.
16. Route the positive cable perpendicular to the long side of the battery. Install the positive cable first to prevent arcing. Torque to 45 in-lbs (5 Nm).
17. Reinstall the positive cable protector boot.
18. Then install the negative cable. Route the cable perpendicular to the battery. Torque to 45 in-lbs (5 Nm).
19. Apply a light film of dielectric grease or petroleum jelly to both terminals.
20. Verify the cables are secure and properly routed.
21. Carefully reinstall the VCM mounting plate and fastener, avoiding any contact with the positive battery cable. Torque to 84 in-lbs (9.5 Nm).
22. Turn the bike ON to verify the battery has been connected properly.
23. Reinstall the seat by engaging the front retainers and aligning the mounting holes.
24. Then reinstall the two fasteners. Torque to 84 in-lbs (9.5 Nm).
25. Finally, align the three side panel grommets and reinstall each upper side panel.
For more information, see your authorized Indian Motorcycle Dealer. Find a dealer near you with the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.
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