Experiencing a dead or lost Harley Davidson key fob can be a frustrating setback, especially when you’re ready to hit the open road. Fortunately, Harley Davidson motorcycles are equipped with a security system override feature that allows you to start your bike even when your key fob is not working. This handy feature utilizes a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to bypass the security system, getting you back on your ride without delay.
This guide will walk you through how to set up or change your Harley’s security system override PIN and, more importantly, how to use this PIN to start your motorcycle when your key fob fails you. No more being stranded because of a malfunctioning fob – let’s get you started!
Setting or Changing Your Security System Alarm Override PIN
Before you find yourself in a situation where your Harley key fob is not working, it’s wise to set up a custom PIN. By default, your bike’s PIN is often pre-programmed using the last five digits of your motorcycle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in reverse order. However, you can personalize this to a more memorable five-digit code. Here’s how to set or change your PIN on models with buttonless (smart) fobs:
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Choose a 5-Digit PIN: Select a five-digit code, using digits from 1 through 9 for each position. It’s crucial to record this PIN in a safe place, such as the owner’s manual wallet card, but separate from your bike for security reasons.
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Initiate PIN Change Mode: With your assigned key fob present, turn your ignition key through the following sequence: ON – OFF – ON – OFF – ON. This sequence puts your security system into PIN override programming mode.
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Enter Programming Sequence:
- Press the Left turn signal switch 2 times.
- Press the Right turn signal switch 1 time and release.
At this point, your turn signals will flash three times, and the current PIN will appear in your odometer display. The first digit will be flashing, indicating it’s ready for input.
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Enter the First Digit of Your New PIN: To set 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 (e.g., press it 3 times for the digit ‘3’).
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Confirm and Move to the Next Digit: Press the Right turn signal switch 1 time and release. This action confirms the digit you just entered, and it will replace the current digit in the odometer window. The display will then move to the next digit position.
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Repeat for Digits Two Through Five: Repeat steps 4 and 5 for the remaining four digits of your PIN. For each digit, press the Left turn signal switch the corresponding number of times, and then press the Right turn signal switch to confirm and move to the next digit.
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Store the New PIN: After entering all five digits and pressing the right turn signal switch after the fifth digit, before the security system rearms, turn the ignition key to OFF. This step is critical as turning the ignition OFF stores the new PIN into your Harley’s security module. The odometer will return to the mileage display, confirming the process is complete.
Using the Security Alarm PIN Override to Start Your Harley Davidson
Now that you have set up your PIN, you can use it to start your Harley if your key fob is not working. Here’s how to use the PIN override:
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Enter 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 that the system is ready for PIN input.
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Enter the First Digit of Your PIN: Enter the first digit of your PIN by pressing the Left turn signal switch the same number of times as the digit (e.g., press it 5 times for the digit ‘5’).
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Move to the Next Digit: Press the Right turn signal switch 1 time to move to the next digit position.
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Repeat for Digits Two Through Five: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the remaining four digits of your PIN. For each digit, press the Left turn signal switch the corresponding number of times, and then press the Right turn signal switch to move to the next digit.
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Disarm Security System: After entering all five digits and pressing the right turn signal switch after the fifth digit, press the Right turn signal switch one final time. This action disarms the security system alarm.
Once the security system is disarmed, you should be able to start your Harley Davidson motorcycle as usual, even without the key fob present.
Having a PIN override for your Harley Davidson’s security system is a valuable backup plan. By setting up and understanding how to use your PIN, you can confidently handle situations where your key fob is not working and ensure you’re never stranded and unable to enjoy your ride. Remember to keep your PIN secure and readily accessible for when you might need it.
