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Need help with ECM issue

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Old Jul 23, 2023 | 02:34 PM
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Default Need help with ECM issue

I purchased a damaged 2021 street glide from Copart. When I had it shipped to my house I noticed that the ECM, BCM and alarm module were stolen. I purchased a used ECM because the new ones were on back order until September. After purchasing it I learned that they cannot program a used ECM for a 2021. I then got lucky and purchased a new ECM that a customer had ordered and no longer wanted. I purchased a new BCM, alarm module and fobs and brought the bike to Chi Town Harley. They were able to program the ECM and BCM and alarm fobs but they couldn’t get the ABS module to activate which left the red trouble light on and they were unable to do a stage one download. They were very cooperative but said the issue was that Harley had to program the VIN into the new BCM.

After having the bike at Chi Town for 3 weeks, Harley corporate finally called back and refused to assist possibly because it is a salvage bike.


I was able to resell the used ECM, which makes me believe that someone can program these 2021 bikes with the new BCM. I repaired the bike and it looks great but I’’m stuck with an 800 pound paper weight. And help would be greatly appreciated. Will the Thundermax work? Should I buy a used 2020 wiring harness and a new 2020 ECM? Techno research said that they can only program 2020 and older bikes. I guess they haven’t cracked the Harley software code yet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Old Jul 25, 2023 | 10:40 AM
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If you can't get a dealer to program the BCM I think you have to replace it with aftermarket as well as the ECM.
 
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Old Jul 25, 2023 | 10:51 AM
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That deal isn’t so much a deal after all? That said, I have no idea on what to do, a lot of help huh? I imagine a real knowledgeable individual will chime in with a fix. If so keep us posted on how it turns out.

Newer Harleys are no different than newer cars. The ones you/we can wrench, are the old ones. Ever see a new car at drag strip? Or at dirt tracks or cruise nights? Exceptions are out there but all in all anything new is basically not repairable, just a scheduled maintenance requirement that allows one to enjoy worry free utilization.

I am betting you will get a workaround and enjoy riding. Good Luck!
 
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Old Jul 25, 2023 | 11:22 AM
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Does the ABS actually work? If so, Diag4bike can shut off the ABS telltale light. Not ideak, but better than looking at that light til you get it figured out. They are also working on VIN assignment, as well, after 2020
 
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Old Jul 25, 2023 | 07:45 PM
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The ABS does work but the brakes work fine. The bike runs good, I just don’t have ABS and the red trouble light stays on because of this. Thanks
 
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Old Jul 25, 2023 | 09:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Lemmint
The ABS does work but the brakes work fine. The bike runs good, I just don’t have ABS and the red trouble light stays on because of this. Thanks
So the bike runs fine except no abs? That isn't a paperweight, its a good bike without abs.

If it is setting the light it should be setting codes. Can you pull and post those codes?
 
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Old Jul 25, 2023 | 09:38 PM
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Firstly, I think it's important to consult with a qualified technician who has experience with these specific models and their programming requirements in person. They may have insights or alternative solutions that could help resolve the issues.

Regarding the Thundermax, it is an aftermarket ECM that is compatible with "certain" Harley Davidson models. However, it's best to consult with someone with experience.

As for purchasing a used 2020 wiring harness and a new 2020 ECM, it's difficult to say without knowing the exact compatibility requirements.
 
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Old Jul 26, 2023 | 07:18 AM
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The centurion can do every thing you need done. The got around the 2021 ECM 3 month are it was released.

Savage bikes are most often only a good deal for the one that slapped it back together and pawned it off on someone.
 
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Old Jul 27, 2023 | 09:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Lemmint
Techno research said that they can only program 2020 and older bikes. I guess they haven’t cracked the Harley software code yet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I just noticed this part. My Centurion appears to be capable of the ecm and bcm replacment functions for 2021+ models, although i think the charge extra for using them. When did you talk to thechnoresearch?
 
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Old Aug 4, 2023 | 05:04 PM
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How did you come out on this

WP
 
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