How to Program Your Harley Davidson Key Fob: A Step-by-Step Guide

Experiencing issues with your Harley-Davidson key fob can be frustrating, especially when you’re ready to ride. A key fob is integral to your motorcycle’s security system, and knowing how to program it is a valuable skill for any Harley owner. Whether your fob has stopped working, or you’ve replaced the battery, understanding the programming process can save you time and a trip to the dealership. This guide will walk you through the steps to program your Harley Davidson key fob, ensuring you’re back on the road with minimal hassle.

Harley-Davidson utilizes different security systems, primarily the Turn Signal Security Module (TSSM) and the Hands-Free Security Module (HFSM). Identifying which system your bike uses is the first step. TSSM key fobs are easily recognized by their rubber button, while HFSM fobs are solid plastic. The programming procedures vary slightly between these two systems, so let’s explore each one in detail.

Programming Your Harley Davidson TSSM Key Fob

If your Harley-Davidson is equipped with the TSSM security system, follow these steps to reset your PIN and program your key fob:

Resetting the PIN Code for TSSM Key Fobs

This process allows you to set a new Personal Identification Number (PIN) for your TSSM system.

1. Kill Switch Position: Ensure your kill switch is in the “OFF” position.
2. Ignition Cycling: Rapidly turn your ignition switch ON and OFF, repeating this action twice and ending in the ON position. This should be a total of five quick actions: ON, OFF, ON, OFF, ON.
3. Left Turn Signal Activation: Immediately after the ignition cycling, quickly press and release the left turn signal switch twice (press, release, press, release).
4. Fob Button Press: Press and release the button on your key fob firmly.
5. Odometer PIN Display: You should now observe the current PIN code displayed on your motorcycle’s odometer.
6. PIN Code Adjustment: Use the left turn signal switch to increment the digits and reach your desired PIN code for the first digit.
7. Move to the Next Digit: Press the fob button twice to advance to the next digit of the PIN. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you have set all five digits of your new PIN.
8. Confirmation: Once your desired 5-digit PIN is entered, press and release the right turn signal switch, and then turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.

(Remember to perform steps 2 to 4 swiftly, one after the other for successful entry into the programming mode).

Arming and Disarming Your TSSM System with a PIN

These steps outline how to manually arm and disarm your security system using your PIN, useful if you need to override the key fob temporarily or in emergencies. For this example, we’ll use a sample PIN of 25522:

1. Ignition to Accessory: Turn your ignition switch to the “Accessory” position.
2. Simultaneous Turn Signal Press: Press and hold both the left and right turn signal switches simultaneously. The red key light on your speedometer should flash rapidly, indicating successful entry into the arming/disarming sequence.
3. Enter PIN Digit 1 (2): Press and release the left turn signal switch twice.
4. Confirm Digit 1: Press and release the right turn signal switch once.
5. Enter PIN Digit 2 (5): Press and release the left turn signal switch five times.
6. Confirm Digit 2: Press and release the right turn signal switch once.
7. Enter Remaining PIN Digits: Repeat this process for the remaining digits of your PIN (5, 2, 2): Left x 5, Right x 1, Left x 2, Right x 1, Left x 2, Right x 1.
8. System Disarmed: If you’ve entered the PIN correctly, the rapid flashing of the red key light on the speedometer will stop, signaling that your Harley-Davidson security system is now disarmed.

(Ensure steps 2 to 7 are performed quickly in succession).

Programming Your Harley Davidson HFSM Key Fob

For Harley-Davidson models equipped with the Hands-Free Security Module (HFSM), the programming process is slightly different. This system uses a solid plastic key fob. Here’s how to program it:

Resetting the PIN Code for HFSM Key Fobs

1. Key Fob Presence: Ensure your key fob is present and near your motorcycle.
2. Kill Switch Off: Set the kill switch to the “OFF” position.
3. Ignition Cycling: Rapidly turn the ignition switch ON and OFF, ON and OFF, ending in the ON position. Again, this is five actions total: ON, OFF, ON, OFF, ON.
4. Left Turn Signal Activation: Immediately press and release the left turn signal switch twice.
5. Right Turn Signal Activation: Quickly follow by pressing and releasing the right turn signal switch once.
6. Odometer PIN Display: The current PIN code should now appear on your odometer.
7. PIN Code Adjustment: Press the left turn signal switch to increase the digit to your desired number.
8. Move to the Next Digit: Press the right turn signal switch to move to the next digit. Repeat steps 7 and 8 until you have programmed all five digits of your new PIN.
9. Confirmation: Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position once you have entered your desired 5-digit PIN.

(Steps 3 to 5 need to be performed quickly one after another).

Arming and Disarming Your HFSM System

The process for arming and disarming the HFSM security system is similar to the TSSM system. However, you begin by turning the ignition switch to the “ON” position instead of “Accessory” for HFSM. Then, follow the PIN entry process as described for the TSSM system.

Troubleshooting and Additional Tips

If you encounter difficulties programming your Harley key fob, consider these troubleshooting tips:

• Battery Check: Ensure the battery in your key fob is fresh and correctly installed. A low battery is a common culprit for programming issues.
• Procedure Speed: The programming sequences often require quick actions. Practice the steps a few times to familiarize yourself with the timing.
• Proximity: For HFSM systems, ensure the key fob is in close proximity to the motorcycle during the programming process.
• Dealership Assistance: If you are still unable to program your key fob or are experiencing persistent issues, your local Harley-Davidson dealership is equipped with the specialized tools and expertise to assist you. They can diagnose any underlying problems, reprogram fobs, and even provide replacement fobs if necessary.

(Alt Text: Close-up of a Harley Davidson TSSM key fob with a rubber button, used for models with Turn Signal Security Module systems.)

Programming your Harley Davidson key fob is a straightforward process once you understand the steps specific to your security system. By following this guide, you can confidently manage your key fob programming and ensure your motorcycle’s security system is functioning correctly. However, remember that dealerships like Redline Harley Davidson are always available to provide professional support if you need further assistance with key fob programming or any other Harley-Davidson service needs.