I have 2010 Fatboy with factory hands free security. I was on a roadtrip when after a stop, the bike wouldn't start. The bike finally started the next morning when I put the FOB on top of the seat, close enough to disarm the system. (BTW, I also figured out the PIN method by then and made sure that it worked also, however that is not the reason for this post.)

After some diagnosing, I've come to the conclusion that the range of the security system is down to about 6". I've replaced the FOB battery, I've used the second FOB, I've removed the seat and checked the connections. Nothing changes. The bike battery is new, just replaced about 1 month ago.

Bottom line, is there any reason why the range of the security system would be reduced to this degree? I've read a number of the threads on this forum about the security system and haven't found one that exactly matches my problem. I haven't replaced the antenna but it just seems so unlikely that it would be the problem.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

As funny as it may sound, it is still the FOB battery. You can get bad fresh ones, and you can install if upside down.

The old FOB can also be bad, especially if it is on the same age of the original one.

Get fresh batteries, change both and I bet you are fine.

If the FOB is working when you pull it out of your pocket, it is a bad battery, almost always.

Z

 

Thanks Zanotti, I'll give the batteries another try. I should have an answer tomorrow.

 

So what is FOB an acronym for? Forward Operating Base?

 

frequency operated button

 

Another thing to consider, is damage to, or improper position of, the antenna. In your case, this looms large for reasons I'll explain.

TI noticed when I installed the optional siren kit, that the installation instructions call for you to run the antenna up above the battery and under the seat, isolate it from the bike chassis via a Velcro strip, and then sandwich the antenna wire between that velco strip and a matching Velcro "top" strip.

Unfortunately, this area of the bike is very busy. It is where the diagnostic port is. It is also where you attach your GPS if you use the HD GPS wiring harness kit, and there is also commonly a battery charger connection here to. Installing, or connecting to or disconnecting from, any of these can disturb the antenna, and even break it.

In your specific case, I noted that you had the BIKE battery replaced recently ("1 month ago"). That may have disturbed the routing of the antenna, and could even have broken its internal wire. I would check both the position and the integrity of that antenna.

The Harley tech that installed my antenna was not the one I normally insist on when work is done to my bike, as he was away that day. The mechanic who did the work did NOT route the antenna properly, nor did he secure it. I found the antenna hanging down on the right side of the bike, outside the battery and chassis area, flapping in the breeze. Naturally, it did not work all that well in tha position, and probably would have suffered a breakage over time via wind whipping, bike washes, etc. Check yours.

Jim G

 

That's a new one.

 

I suspect that the antenna that you refer to being secured with Velcro is the one attached to the siren module and used for the remote alarm status device.

The antenna used for the key fob is rectangular - of course as you point out it should be mounted correctly.

 

Jim, thanks for the advice and I'll give this another look. But frankly, I removed the seat and moved the antenna (the removable rectangular piece, right?) into a very open position and the range of FOB was not changed. It is possible that I damaged the wiring to/from the antenna or the antenna itself while installing the the bike battery so I'll keep that in mind after I try a new FOB battery.

 

New battery in the FOB - no change. I'm going to check the antenna connector and wiring next.