Harley Davidson Key Fob Battery Dead? Start Your Bike Anyway!

Imagine this: you’re ready to hit the open road on your Harley Davidson, but your key fob is unresponsive. Panic sets in – is your ride ruined? The good news is, a dead Harley Davidson Key Fob Battery doesn’t have to stop you. Harley Davidsons are equipped with a security system override feature that allows you to start your bike using a Personal Identification Number (PIN). This feature is a lifesaver when your key fob battery dies or if you happen to lose your fob altogether.

This guide will walk you through how to set up or change your security system PIN and, crucially, how to use it to start your Harley Davidson when your key fob battery is dead or missing. Knowing this procedure can save you from being stranded and ensure you can always enjoy your ride.

Setting or Changing Your Security System Alarm Override PIN

Before you find yourself in a situation with a dead key fob battery, it’s wise to set up a custom PIN. The default PIN is often the last five digits of your bike’s serial number in reverse order, but customizing it enhances security and makes it easier to remember. Here’s how to set or change your 5-digit PIN on a Harley Davidson with a buttonless (Smart) FOB:

1. Choose a 5-digit PIN: Select a memorable 5-digit code, using numbers 1 through 9. Record this PIN in your owner’s manual or a safe place for future reference.

2. Ignition Cycling: With your assigned FOB present and working, turn your ignition key ON, then OFF, then ON, then OFF, and finally ON again. This sequence prepares the system for PIN programming.

3. Left Turn Signal Activation: Press the left turn signal switch 2 times.

4. Right Turn Signal Activation: Press the right turn signal switch once and release it. At this point, your turn signals will flash 3 times, and the current PIN will appear in the odometer. The first digit will be flashing, indicating it’s ready for input.

5. Enter the First Digit: To enter the first digit of your new PIN, press the left turn signal switch the same number of times as the digit you want to set. For example, for the digit ‘3’, press the left turn signal 3 times.

6. Confirm Digit 1: Press the right turn signal switch once and release. The new digit will replace the old one in the odometer display, and the second digit position will start flashing.

7. Enter the Second Digit: Repeat step 5, pressing the left turn signal switch the number of times corresponding to your second PIN digit.

8. Confirm Digit 2: Repeat step 6 to confirm the second digit and move to the third.

9. Enter the Third Digit: Repeat step 5 for the third digit.

10. Confirm Digit 3: Repeat step 6 for the third digit.

11. Enter the Fourth Digit: Repeat step 5 for the fourth digit.

12. Confirm Digit 4: Repeat step 6 for the fourth digit.

13. Enter the Fifth Digit: Repeat step 5 for the fifth digit.

14. Confirm Digit 5: Repeat step 6 for the fifth digit.

15. Save the New PIN: Before the system rearms, turn the ignition key to OFF. The odometer will return to the mileage display. Turning the ignition OFF is crucial as it stores the new PIN in the security system module.

Using the Security Alarm PIN Override to Start Your Harley Davidson

Now that you’ve set your custom PIN, here’s how to use it to start your Harley Davidson when your key fob battery is dead or if the fob is not present:

1. Initiate PIN Override Mode: Turn the ignition key to IGNITION and immediately press and hold both turn signal switches simultaneously until five dashes (—–) appear in the odometer window. This indicates you’ve entered the PIN override mode.

2. Enter the First Digit: Enter the first digit of your PIN by pressing the left turn signal switch the same number of times as your first digit.

3. Move to the Next Digit: Press the right turn signal switch once to move to the next digit position.

4. Enter the Second Digit: Enter the second digit of your PIN by pressing the left turn signal switch the corresponding number of times.

5. Move to the Next Digit: Press the right turn signal switch once.

6. Enter the Third Digit: Enter the third digit of your PIN using the left turn signal switch.

7. Move to the Next Digit: Press the right turn signal switch once.

8. Enter the Fourth Digit: Enter the fourth digit of your PIN using the left turn signal switch.

9. Move to the Next Digit: Press the right turn signal switch once.

10. Enter the Fifth Digit: Enter the fifth and final digit of your PIN using the left turn signal switch.

11. Move to Confirmation: Press the right turn signal switch once to finalize PIN entry.

12. Start Your Engine: Press the right turn signal switch one final time. If you have entered the correct PIN, the security system alarm will disarm, and you will be able to start your Harley Davidson engine.

Stay Prepared for a Dead Harley Davidson Key Fob Battery

Knowing how to use the PIN override feature on your Harley Davidson is essential for every rider. A dead key fob battery is a common issue, and being able to start your bike without it can save you time, frustration, and potential delays. Take a few minutes to set up your custom PIN and familiarize yourself with this procedure. This simple step can ensure that a dead harley davidson key fob battery never keeps you from enjoying the ride. Keep your PIN safely stored and enjoy the peace of mind knowing you have a backup plan!