Security system lamp
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, Alabama
You have a faulty Body Control Unit (BCU)
It's the electronic brain for all non engine related electronics. Somehow the security systems cause the BCU to fail in strange ways. I bet it's from techs hot-swapping components.
It happened to my bike when it was new and several others have experienced similar red-light issues.
It's the electronic brain for all non engine related electronics. Somehow the security systems cause the BCU to fail in strange ways. I bet it's from techs hot-swapping components.
It happened to my bike when it was new and several others have experienced similar red-light issues.
Oh. I didn't notice it was an '09. Probably the security module itself. The HD techs get lazy and hot-swap electrical components without first pulling fuses. I can't see a scenario in which a brake light switch would cause the security light to come on, but a failed security module (or BCM on the new bikes) would definitely cause other circuitry to act up.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham, Alabama
I agree the brake light switch not likely to cause the security light to flicker. That's another issue in itself. Most likely his front brake light switch is "sticking". I had that problem too...
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 201
Likes: 2
From: Colombia
Thanks to everyone. As always, ot only does one get many trouble shooting options but one does learn more about the bike itself. Better than going to the dealer and be at their mercy from the start.
No, I will see if a local mechanic has the computer to check. I did try to see if any codes display on my tac by looking it up online, but since it's not a check engine light, nothing showed up thats anusual IMO
Where might I find that BCU? Maybe disconecting it and reconnecting it mught do the trick. Probably it has moisture.
Its a 2013, but its preped for Latin America. KM istead of Miles. Note: It also has alarm and ABS. So, best bet is to have the dealer check it? problem is that the dealer is about a 18 hour drive away.jajaja Best option I would have is to send the dealer a copy of this thread and have them fly a tech over to my city. A pain, right. I'm about 500 miles from my last warranty service and oil change so guess in a couple of months 'll have to fly the tech in anyways.
Where can I search for that switch? Maybe I can clean it.
No, I will see if a local mechanic has the computer to check. I did try to see if any codes display on my tac by looking it up online, but since it's not a check engine light, nothing showed up thats anusual IMO
You have a faulty Body Control Unit (BCU)
It's the electronic brain for all non engine related electronics. Somehow the security systems cause the BCU to fail in strange ways. I bet it's from techs hot-swapping components.
It happened to my bike when it was new and several others have experienced similar red-light issues.
It's the electronic brain for all non engine related electronics. Somehow the security systems cause the BCU to fail in strange ways. I bet it's from techs hot-swapping components.
It happened to my bike when it was new and several others have experienced similar red-light issues.
Oh. I didn't notice it was an '09. Probably the security module itself. The HD techs get lazy and hot-swap electrical components without first pulling fuses. I can't see a scenario in which a brake light switch would cause the security light to come on, but a failed security module (or BCM on the new bikes) would definitely cause other circuitry to act up.
Where can I search for that switch? Maybe I can clean it.
If it's a 2013, you are definitely experiencing a BCM failure. It happened to me and a few other guys on the forum.
The BCM is a module that snaps on to the ECM module, but I didn't do it myself, so I can say where exactly to find it.
The BCM is a module that snaps on to the ECM module, but I didn't do it myself, so I can say where exactly to find it.
Read this.
Then go to your dealer and have them check this.
Also, try this.
Remove the eltrical cover on the left side, just below the seat.
Remove the plastic fuse cover.
Turn your ignition on. This is important because your alarm will flip out if you try to remove the fuse with the ignition off.
Pull the main (large) fuse.
Wait a minute or so.
Plug the fuse back in.
Turn the ignition off.
Go for a ride and see if the issue is still occurring.
Then go to your dealer and have them check this.
Also, try this.
Remove the eltrical cover on the left side, just below the seat.
Remove the plastic fuse cover.
Turn your ignition on. This is important because your alarm will flip out if you try to remove the fuse with the ignition off.
Pull the main (large) fuse.
Wait a minute or so.
Plug the fuse back in.
Turn the ignition off.
Go for a ride and see if the issue is still occurring.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 201
Likes: 2
From: Colombia
I went out for a "late night forget about everything ride" and the red light didn't come on.
1st: From what I've read if it were BCU (which I dont know what that stands for), shouldn't I be having problems with my break light all the time and the red light would come on often? Just trouble shooting here.
2nd: And hopefully a DUHHHHH, before my ride I told a local Independent Harley Mechanic that rides with the group what the forum told me and what happend in the long drive. He said he knew what was doing that and walked towards the bike to pull back and point out the "Leather Brake & Clutch Fringe Grip Covers" I have on my bike. Hmmmm. Thats probably why i usually get the light in long rides or in windy season like now.
1st: From what I've read if it were BCU (which I dont know what that stands for), shouldn't I be having problems with my break light all the time and the red light would come on often? Just trouble shooting here.
2nd: And hopefully a DUHHHHH, before my ride I told a local Independent Harley Mechanic that rides with the group what the forum told me and what happend in the long drive. He said he knew what was doing that and walked towards the bike to pull back and point out the "Leather Brake & Clutch Fringe Grip Covers" I have on my bike. Hmmmm. Thats probably why i usually get the light in long rides or in windy season like now.
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BCU Body Control Module.
Failure will cause the security light to come on intermittently.
The BCU controls all non engine electrical items.
The leather could be the brake light issue.
Failure will cause the security light to come on intermittently.
The BCU controls all non engine electrical items.
The leather could be the brake light issue.
Last edited by SLV; Jan 10, 2014 at 10:37 AM.
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