Key fobs are essential for modern Harley-Davidson motorcycles, providing convenient security and ignition control. However, like any electronic device, they can sometimes malfunction or lose synchronization with your bike’s security system. Knowing how to reset your Harley key fob is a valuable skill that can save you time and hassle. This guide will walk you through the process for both common Harley-Davidson security systems, ensuring you can get back on the road quickly.
Harley-Davidson utilizes two main types of security systems, each with its own key fob and reset procedure: the Turn Signal Security Module (TSSM) and the Hands-Free Security Module (HFSM). Identifying which system your motorcycle uses is the first step. The TSSM key fob is recognizable by its rubber button, while the HFSM fob is made of solid plastic.
Resetting Your TSSM Key Fob
If your Harley-Davidson is equipped with the TSSM security system, follow these steps to reset your key fob and potentially reprogram your PIN:
- Kill Switch and Ignition Sequence: Begin by ensuring your kill switch is in the “off” position. Then, swiftly cycle your ignition switch “on” and “off” five times in rapid succession, ending with the ignition in the “on” position. This rapid on-off sequence is crucial for initiating the reset process.
- Turn Signal Activation: Immediately after the ignition sequence, locate your left turn signal switch. Press and release it twice in quick succession (press, release, press, release).
- Fob Button Press: Now, firmly press and release the rubber button on your TSSM key fob.
- Odometer PIN Display: Observe your motorcycle’s odometer. It should now display the current 5-digit PIN code. This confirms you have successfully entered the programming mode.
- PIN Code Adjustment: To change the PIN, use the left turn signal switch. Each press of the left signal will increment the first digit of the PIN. Continue pressing until you reach your desired first digit.
- Navigating to the Next Digit: Once the first digit is set, press the fob button twice. This action will move you to the second digit of the PIN, which you can then adjust using the left turn signal switch as before. Repeat this process for all five digits of your desired PIN.
- Saving the New PIN: After setting your 5-digit PIN, press and release the right turn signal switch once. Finally, turn the ignition switch to the “off” position. This completes the reset and PIN reprogramming process for your TSSM key fob.
This image shows a close up of a Harley Davidson TSSM key fob highlighting the rubber button, useful for identifying this type of security system during a key fob reset procedure.
Important Note: Steps 1 through 3 must be performed quickly, one after the other, to successfully initiate the reset sequence.
Arming and Disarming Your TSSM System
Once your TSSM key fob is reset, you’ll need to know how to arm and disarm your security system using your PIN. Here’s how, using a sample PIN of 25522:
- Ignition to Accessory: Turn your ignition switch to the “Accessory” position.
- Simultaneous Turn Signal Press: Press and hold both the left and right turn signal switches simultaneously. The red key light on your speedometer should begin to flash rapidly, indicating successful entry into the arming/disarming sequence.
- Enter Your PIN: Now, input your 5-digit PIN using the turn signal switches. For each digit:
- Press and release the left turn signal the corresponding number of times (e.g., twice for ‘2’, five times for ‘5’).
- Press and release the right turn signal once to move to the next digit.
- Repeat this sequence for each digit of your PIN (e.g., for 25522: Lx2, Rx1, Lx5, Rx1, Lx5, Rx1, Lx2, Rx1, Lx2, Rx1).
- System Status Confirmation: If you have correctly entered your PIN, the rapid flashing of the red key light on the speedometer will cease, indicating that the security system is now disarmed.
Important Note: Steps 2 and 3 should be performed in quick succession for reliable arming and disarming.
Resetting Your HFSM Key Fob
For Harley-Davidson motorcycles equipped with the Hands-Free Security Module (HFSM), the reset procedure is slightly different:
- Key Fob Presence and Kill Switch: Ensure your key fob is physically present near your motorcycle. Set the kill switch to the “off” position.
- Rapid Ignition Cycling: Quickly turn the ignition switch “on” and “off” five times, ending in the “on” position, just as with the TSSM system.
- Left Turn Signal Activation: Immediately press and release the left turn signal switch twice.
- Right Turn Signal Activation: Next, press and release the right turn signal switch only once.
- Odometer PIN Display: The current PIN code should now appear on your odometer.
- PIN Code Adjustment: Use the left turn signal switch to change the digits of your PIN, incrementing the number with each press.
- Navigating Digits: Use the right turn signal switch to move to the next digit after setting the current one. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until your desired 5-digit PIN is entered.
- Saving the New PIN: Once your new PIN is set, turn the ignition switch to the “off” position to save the changes.
This image displays a Harley Davidson HFSM key fob, characterized by its solid plastic construction, which distinguishes it from the TSSM fob and is important for correct identification during the reset process.
Important Note: Move swiftly through steps 2 to 4 for the HFSM reset process to be successful.
Arming and Disarming Your HFSM System
Arming and disarming the HFSM system is similar to the TSSM system but begins with the ignition switch already in the “on” position. Follow the same PIN entry process using the turn signals as described for the TSSM system arming and disarming procedure.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
While these steps provide a comprehensive guide on how to reset your Harley key fob, there are situations where professional help from a Harley-Davidson dealership is necessary. If you encounter any of the following, it’s best to contact a qualified technician:
- Lost Key Fob: If you have lost your key fob entirely, you will need to purchase and program a new one at a dealership.
- Failed Reset Attempts: If you have diligently followed these steps multiple times and are still unable to reset your key fob or security system, there may be an underlying issue requiring diagnostic tools.
- Security System Malfunctions: Persistent issues with your security system, even after a successful key fob reset, should be addressed by a professional.
For assistance with key fob programming, obtaining a new PIN, battery replacements, or any other Harley-Davidson security system concerns, contacting a certified Harley-Davidson dealership like Redline Harley Davidson is recommended. They possess the necessary software and expertise to ensure your security system functions correctly and your key fob is properly synced with your motorcycle.
