Part 1, Harley-Davidson DTC (diagnostic trouble codes) 2007-2009 revealed.

Biker Chad

I have had a lot of readers ask me about this, so I wanted to share what I know. I have to say that each Harley model has different accessories and options on it from the factory. So as you read this article please understand that your bike may have more or less codes than I have listed. Harley-Davidson does print an sell electronic diagnostic manual for each model that will list in greater detail than I can cover in this article, however these are the most commonly used codes that I run into.

You’re on the road far from home when you look down and notice that your check engine light is on. Your first instinct is to pull over and shut the engine down to prevent damage. Now what? Do you risk driving to a dealer in the area? Do you call to have a garage pick up the bike? Eventually we will all have this happen, some of us have been there already.

What if I told you that you could access your bike’s computer right then and there, with no tools, to get a code that would tell you what happened? Do I have your attention now? Here’s how to do it.

1. Turn the “Run/Off” switch on the right side handle bar to the “Run” position. Now make sure the ignition key switch is in the off position.

2. Push and hold the odometer reset button while turning the ignition to the run / on position, then let go of the odometer button.

3. If you did step one and two correctly the speedometer background lights should illuminate, the speedometer needle will travel full sweep (from left to right then rest). The indicator lamps (battery, low fuel, check engine, cruise, etc) should light then go out. The letters “diag” will appear where the odometer numbers are usually displayed. If you left the “Run/Off” switch in the “Off” position the letters “no rsp” (no response) will be displayed.

4. Now push the odometer button once and the letters “PSSPt” will be displayed with the first P flashing. Each of these letters represents a different area of the diagnostic computer. The letter that is flashing is the area you will check, P = ECM (electronic control module) / ICM (ignition control module), S = TSM (turn signal control module) / TSSM (turn signal security module), SP = speedometer, t = tachometer (if your bike does not have a tachometer, the letters “no rsp” will appear when this area is checked). To change which letter flashes push the odometer button once to move from P to S to SP to t and back to P.

5. Make sure you have a pen and paper to write down the codes handy before you complete this step. To check each of the letters to see if there are codes stored in that area of the computer, select the letter by making it blink, then hold the odometer reset button for five seconds and release. If there are any codes stored in that area they will be displayed, if no codes are stored the word “none” will be displayed.

6. After you retrieve the codes, and wrote them down, you may clear the computer by pushing and holding the odometer button while the code is being displayed. The word “clear” will come up. Once the code has been cleared, you can start and run the bike, then shut it off. Repeat steps 1-5 if the same code comes up again it is a current code, not a historic code. A current code means it is not a one-time error, but a reoccurring problem that may need a mechanic’s attention. If the code does not re-appear it was a historic code, meaning the code was a momentary problem.

So now that you know how to get the codes next month I will start to list the codes and what they mean. I know. I know. I hate to do this to you, but I am limited on space. So tune in next month to learn what all those codes mean. Until next time, enjoy the cool spring riding days.

~ Biker Chad, Saddetramp Magazine