Experiencing a Harley Davidson key fob malfunction can be frustrating, especially when you’re ready to ride. A dead battery, a lost or damaged fob can all leave you stranded. Fortunately, Harley Davidson motorcycles come equipped with a security system override feature that allows you to start your bike even when your key fob is not working. This guide will walk you through how to set up and use your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to bypass the key fob and get you back on the road.
Understanding why your Harley Davidson key fob might fail is the first step in preparedness. The most common culprit is a dead key fob battery. Like any electronic device, the battery in your Harley fob has a limited lifespan and will eventually need replacing. Other reasons for fob failure can include physical damage to the fob itself, or in rare cases, issues with the motorcycle’s security system receiver. Regardless of the cause, knowing how to use the PIN override is a valuable skill for any Harley Davidson owner.
This article provides clear, step-by-step instructions on two key procedures: setting or changing your security system PIN and using that PIN to start your Harley Davidson when your key fob is not functioning. By understanding and implementing these steps, you can ensure that a key fob issue doesn’t keep you from enjoying your ride.
Setting or Changing Your Security System Alarm Override PIN
Before you need to use the PIN override in an emergency, it’s crucial to set up your personal PIN. Follow these instructions carefully to program or change your Harley Davidson’s security PIN using the turn signals and ignition:
- Choose a 5-digit PIN: Select a memorable 5-digit code, using numbers from 1 through 9 for each digit. Record this PIN in your owner’s manual or a safe place for future reference.
- Ignition Key Sequence: With your working key fob present, turn the ignition key to the following sequence: ON – OFF – ON – OFF – ON.
- Left Turn Signal Activation: Press the Left turn signal switch 2 times.
- Right Turn Signal Confirmation: Press and release the Right turn signal switch one time. At this point, the turn signals should flash 3 times, and the current PIN will appear in the odometer display. The first digit will be flashing, indicating it’s ready to be changed.
- Enter the First Digit: To enter the first digit of your new PIN, press the Left turn signal switch the number of times corresponding to your chosen digit (e.g., press it 3 times for the digit ‘3’).
- Confirm First Digit: Press and release the Right turn signal switch one time. The new digit will replace the old one in the odometer window, and the second digit position will now be flashing.
- Enter Digits 2-5: Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the remaining four digits of your PIN, entering each digit using the Left turn signal and confirming with the Right turn signal.
- Final Confirmation and Storage: After entering all five digits and pressing the Right turn signal switch after the fifth digit, turn the ignition key to the OFF position before the security module rearms itself. The odometer will return to the mileage display. Turning the ignition OFF is essential as it saves the new PIN into the security system module.
Using the Security Alarm PIN Override to Start Your Harley Davidson
Now that you have set your PIN, you can use it to start your Harley Davidson in case of a key fob issue. Here’s how to use the PIN override to start your bike:
- Initiate PIN Override Mode: Turn the ignition key to the IGNITION position. Immediately press and hold both the Left and Right turn signal switches simultaneously until five dashes (—–) appear in the odometer window. This indicates that you have successfully entered the PIN override mode.
- Enter the First Digit: Enter the first digit of your PIN by pressing the Left turn signal switch the corresponding number of times.
- Move to the Next Digit: Press and release the Right turn signal switch one time to move to the next digit in the sequence.
- Enter Digits 2-5: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the remaining four digits of your PIN, entering each digit with the Left turn signal and moving to the next digit with the Right turn signal.
- System Disarm: After entering the fifth digit and pressing the Right turn signal switch one last time, the security system alarm will be turned off. You should now be able to start your Harley Davidson motorcycle as usual.
By following these steps, you can confidently handle a situation where your Harley Davidson key fob is not working. Knowing how to use the PIN override feature provides peace of mind and ensures you’re not stranded due to a simple key fob malfunction. Remember to keep your PIN in a safe place and familiarize yourself with these procedures for a smoother riding experience. If you continue to experience issues with your key fob or security system, it’s always recommended to consult with a certified Harley Davidson technician for professional assistance.
