Manual method to turn on radiator fans
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,214
Likes: 661
From: Prior Lake, MN
I suppose you could try it after you shut down, to see if the fans and pump start. I really don't know anything about the PL, but it's possible that it has something to do with it. You'll find out from your dealer visit I'm sure. Would be interesting to hear what you do find.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 1,145
From: Oklahoma
You should be able to manually kick on fans & pumps, cool or hot, doing as explained above. Process is also in both the service manuals I have, 14 Touring Models and 16 Touring Models, on page 1-21 of both. Turn ignition switch on, do not start motor, put kill switch to on (mine will work regardless of kill switch position), and turn throttle open all the way (manual says greater than 50%)... After about 3 seconds the fans start running until you turn the ignition switch off.
Had a neighbor who could not get it to kick on both fans except by doing it this way manually. Meaning when he was riding or right after shutting the engine down and it was hot, only the left side would come on automatically. The right side would not automatically come on. When he manually made the fans come on, both sides would run then. HD replaced his ECM and it works now automatically and manually... which caused other problems with his TTS Tuner, being as it was married to the original ECM lol
Had a neighbor who could not get it to kick on both fans except by doing it this way manually. Meaning when he was riding or right after shutting the engine down and it was hot, only the left side would come on automatically. The right side would not automatically come on. When he manually made the fans come on, both sides would run then. HD replaced his ECM and it works now automatically and manually... which caused other problems with his TTS Tuner, being as it was married to the original ECM lol
Last edited by Ssitruc; Aug 14, 2017 at 01:55 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 132
From: Deep South, Louisiana
Engine off. Turn ignition on or leave on. Twist throttle more than half way and hold for at least 3 seconds. Then the fans and water pump will turn on until you turn off ignition.
If you shut down bike after riding and fans are still running they will turn off automatically when it cools down.
If you shut down bike after riding and fans are still running they will turn off automatically when it cools down.
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: iowa
fan
going thru this now on my 2019 ultra, seems it isn't working but in shop leave key on twist throttle it kicks on
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,210
Likes: 3,040
From: St.Louis Mo.
I could be wrong here, but i thought when using a power vision tuner at certain temp only 1 fan came on first and then after reaching another temp threshold the other fan would kick on.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 57
Likes: 9
From: Houston/Klein TX
I just tested on my '15 FLHTK and worked exactly as stated here (thank you). It gets very hot here in Texas, and my EITMS kicks on quickly when I stop. Hillcountryflt asked why someone might want to do it manually, got me to thinking - if I know it's going to be a 95+ degree day, would it be a good idea to just get them to kick on prior to riding away knowing it will get hot fast, thus helping keep it cool? I know they will kick in automagically, but would it be a good idea to get a head start on the heat?