How to Fix Your Harley’s Check Engine Light in 5 Minutes

To check the engine code on a Harley, follow these steps

1. Turn the ignition key to the On position without starting the engine.
2. Press and hold the Check Engine button (located on the left side of the instrument cluster).
3. The engine code will be displayed on the odometer.
4. Once you have read the code, turn the ignition key to the Off position.
5. Use an online resource to decode the engine code and determine the problem.

So How To Check Engine Code On Harley

1. Turn off the engine and disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Locate the diagnostic connector under the seat.
3. Use a jumper wire to connect pins 1 and 15 of the diagnostic connector.
4. Turn on the ignition switch.
5. The check engine light will flash a series of codes. Each code will be a number followed by a pause.
6. Write down the codes.
7. Use a Harley-Davidson service manual to look up the meaning of the codes.
8. Fix the problem indicated by the codes.
9. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
10. Turn on the engine and the check engine light should be off.

How to Check Engine Code on Harley

What is an Engine Code?

An engine code is a series of numbers and letters that are used to identify a specific problem with your Harley-Davidson motorcycle. These codes are generated by the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and can be used to help diagnose and repair the problem.

How to Find Your Engine Code

There are a few different ways to find your engine code on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

On newer models, the engine code will be displayed on the instrument cluster:
To view the code, turn the ignition key to the ON position without starting the engine. The code will be displayed on the odometer or message center.

On older models, the engine code will be located on the ECM connector:
To access the connector, remove the seat and locate the ECM under the gas tank. The connector will be a black box with a number of wires attached to it. The engine code will be printed on a sticker inside the connector.

You can also have your engine code read by a Harley-Davidson dealer:
This is the most accurate way to get the code, as the dealer will be able to use a special scanner to read the code from the ECU.

What to Do with Your Engine Code

Once you have your engine code, you can use it to look up the problem in your Harley-Davidson service manual. The manual will provide you with information on the symptoms of the problem, as well as the steps necessary to repair it.

If you are not comfortable working on your own motorcycle, you can take it to a Harley-Davidson dealer for service. The dealer will be able to diagnose and repair the problem for you.

Preventing Engine Codes

You can help prevent engine codes by following these tips:

Keep your motorcycle well-maintained:
This includes changing the oil and filter regularly, as well as checking the air filter and spark plugs.

Use the correct fuel:
Make sure you are using the type of fuel recommended by Harley-Davidson for your motorcycle.

Avoid riding your motorcycle in extreme conditions:
Riding in hot weather, cold weather, or dusty conditions can put extra stress on your motorcycle’s engine and increase the risk of engine codes.

By following these tips, you can help keep your Harley-Davidson motorcycle running smoothly and prevent engine codes.

FAQs: How to Check Engine Code on Harley

What is an engine code?

An engine code is a series of numbers and letters that is used to identify a specific problem with a vehicle’s engine.

How do I check my Harley’s engine code?

To check your Harley’s engine code, follow these steps:

1. Turn the ignition key to the On position without starting the engine.
2. Press and hold the Check Engine light on the instrument cluster.
3. The engine code will be displayed on the odometer.
4. Write down the code so you can look it up.

What do the different engine codes mean?

The meaning of each engine code will vary depending on the make and model of your Harley. However, some common codes include:

P0101: Mass Air Flow Sensor
P0300: Random Misfire
P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold
P0442: Evaporative Emission Control System Leak
P0500: Idle Air Control System

How do I fix my Harley’s engine code?

Once you have identified the engine code, you can use a repair manual or online resources to find the corresponding fix. Some common fixes include:

Replacing the mass air flow sensor
Cleaning the spark plugs
Replacing the catalytic converter
Repairing the evaporative emission control system
Cleaning the idle air control valve

What if I can’t fix my Harley’s engine code?

If you can’t fix your Harley’s engine code yourself, you can take it to a qualified Harley-Davidson dealer for service.