It’s a frustrating moment for any Harley Davidson rider: you’ve just replaced your key fob battery, expecting a smooth ride, but your bike refuses to recognize the fob. You’re left wondering why your Harley key fob is not working after battery replacement. Before you start panicking or calling for roadside assistance, know that Harley Davidson has a built-in feature to get you back on the road – the PIN override system.
This guide, brought to you by the auto experts at keyfobx.com, will walk you through how to use your Harley’s security system PIN override. Whether you’ve just changed your fob battery and are facing unexpected issues, or you’re dealing with a lost or dead fob, this method ensures you can still start your beloved Harley Davidson.
Understanding Your Harley Davidson’s Security System and PIN Override
Harley Davidson motorcycles are equipped with sophisticated security systems, often relying on key fobs for seamless operation. These fobs communicate wirelessly with your bike, enabling functions like starting the engine and disarming the security system. However, technology isn’t foolproof. Sometimes, after a battery replacement in your Harley key fob, you might encounter a hiccup.
Why Your Harley Key Fob Might Not Work After Battery Replacement
While battery replacement is usually straightforward, a few things can go wrong, leading to a non-responsive fob:
- Incorrect Battery Installation: Ensure the battery is inserted correctly, paying attention to polarity (+ and – signs). A wrongly placed battery won’t power the fob.
- Battery Compatibility: Use the correct type of battery specified for your Harley key fob. Incompatible batteries may not provide sufficient power.
- Fob Reset or Synchronization Issues: In some cases, the fob may need to be reset or resynchronized with the motorcycle after a battery change. While less common with simple battery swaps, it’s a possibility.
- Underlying Fob Malfunction: Although less likely immediately after a battery change, the fob itself could have an existing issue that becomes apparent after the power cycle from battery replacement.
Regardless of the reason, if your Harley key fob is not working, the PIN override is your reliable backup plan. This system allows you to bypass the fob and start your motorcycle using a pre-set personal identification number (PIN).
Setting Up or Changing Your Security System PIN Override
Before you find yourself stranded, it’s wise to set up or know how to change your PIN override. Here’s how to do it on Harley Davidson models with buttonless fobs (Smart FOB):
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Choose a 5-digit PIN: Select a memorable 5-digit code (using digits 1 through 9). Record this PIN on the wallet card in your owner’s manual for safekeeping.
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Enter Programming Mode: With your assigned FOB present, turn the ignition key to ON, then OFF, then ON, then OFF, and finally ON again. The sequence is ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON.
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Initiate PIN Change Sequence: Press the Left turn signal switch two times.
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Confirm Entry: Press the Right turn signal switch one time and release it. The turn signals will flash three times, and the current PIN will appear in the odometer. The first digit will be flashing.
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Enter the First Digit: Input the first digit of your new PIN by pressing the Left turn signal switch the corresponding number of times. For example, for the digit ‘3’, press the left turn signal switch three times.
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Move to the Next Digit: Press the Right turn signal switch one time and release. The new digit you entered will replace the current digit in the odometer window.
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Repeat for Digits 2-5: Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the second, third, fourth, and fifth digits of your new PIN, using steps 7-14 from the original instructions as a guide.
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Store the New PIN: After entering all five digits and pressing the right turn signal switch after the fifth digit, turn the ignition key to OFF before the module rearms itself. The odometer will return to the mileage display. Turning the ignition OFF stores the new PIN in the security module.
Alt text: Harley Davidson ignition switch with key fob positioned nearby, illustrating the proximity needed for fob recognition and the key insertion for manual override if needed.
How to Start Your Harley Davidson with the PIN Override
Now, if your Harley key fob is not working after a battery replacement, or if you find yourself without your fob, here’s how to start your motorcycle using the PIN override:
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Activate PIN Override Mode: Turn the ignition key to IGNITION and immediately hold both turn signal switches simultaneously until five dashes (—–) appear in the odometer window.
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Enter the First Digit: Input the first digit of your PIN by pressing the Left turn signal switch the corresponding number of times.
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Move to the Next Digit: Press the Right turn signal switch one time to move to the next digit.
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Enter Digits 2-5: Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the remaining four digits of your PIN, using steps 4-11 from the original instructions as a guide.
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Disarm Security System: After entering the fifth digit and moving to the next digit position with the right turn signal switch, press the Right turn signal switch one final time. This last press disarms the security system.
Alt text: Harley Davidson motorcycle dashboard with odometer showing dashes, signifying the security system PIN override mode is active and ready for PIN entry.
With the security system disarmed, you can now start your Harley Davidson and get back to enjoying your ride, even without a functioning key fob.
Conclusion
A Harley Key Fob Not Working After Battery Replacement can be an unexpected inconvenience. However, understanding and utilizing your Harley’s PIN override system is a valuable skill. It provides a reliable alternative to get you going when your fob is out of commission. Take the time to set up your PIN and familiarize yourself with the override procedure. For more solutions to common Harley Davidson issues and expert advice, visit keyfobx.com – your trusted resource for automotive key and security solutions.
