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Harley-Davidson: Warning Lights

Unfortunately, you can drive your brand new Harley off the lot and not get five miles down the road before a warning light comes on. Or, you could be a thousand miles from home when they start flashing. What do they mean? What do you do? Here are a couple of helpful hints.

By David Weitz - January 25, 2016

This article applies to the Harley-Davidson Softail, Sportster, Touring, and Dyna Glide models.

I sometimes think I'm the idiot for whom "idiot lights" were named. Whenever a warning light starts to flash, I begin to freak out. I know there is probably a a simple reason for the warning flash; I know that I'll eventually figure it out. But for that split second, all hell breaks loose in my mind and spirit.

True, warning lights indicate a problem. But It probably is not that difficult to diagnose, though they can be tricky to track down and fix. So let's talk a little about the warning lights that will sometimes cause you alarm as well.

Warning Lights

Check Engine Light

When the check engine light comes on, it indicates that something is happening or, in some cases, not happening. The easiest way to handle this is to do a "code check." The code will indicate what problem you're facing.

Check engine light
Figure 1. Check engine light.

Low Battery Light

Usually, when the voltage on your bike is low for more than five minutes, your low battery warning light will come on.

Low battery indicator
Figure 2. Low battery indicator.

Red Security Light on Speedometer

The red security light coming on means there is an issue somewhere. But, it might not necessarily mean a problem with your security system, especially if you don't have one.

Red security light
Figure 3. Red security light.

Red Key Light

The red key warning light will often come on if you have unplugged your battery to install something.

Red key light
Figure 4. Red key light.

Common Question

Why is my check engine light still on after I've fixed the problem?

Believe it or not, sometimes lights that come on do so because of a code that has to work itself out of the system, like after you go a certain number of miles, or after your engine has been started a certain number of times.

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