Problems with Harmon Kardon and HD
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Problems with Harmon Kardon and HD
I have a 2006 model Ultra Classic. However my Harmon Kardon Radio has locked up on me. Cannot switch it off, cannot access any functions.
To replace I am told I will probably have to pay upwards of $1000 US.
Can anyone help me with this issue? Is this a common problem? If so can the unit be repaired ? Or does it mean I have to replace the whole unit.
Is their a cheaper after market unit I can get hold of?
I am not interested in bells and whistles (DVD) etc I simply want the radio for, bike to bike, passenger to rider, radio and CD. I had heard that HD had 'locked' these radios to your bike via the Engine Management System thus preventing you from fitting aftermarket units (each radio being unique to your bike). Down here; in Australia I have not found anyone who repairs these units and dealers simply sell you a new unit imported direct from HD. Charging over $2000 Aus.
To replace I am told I will probably have to pay upwards of $1000 US.
Can anyone help me with this issue? Is this a common problem? If so can the unit be repaired ? Or does it mean I have to replace the whole unit.
Is their a cheaper after market unit I can get hold of?
I am not interested in bells and whistles (DVD) etc I simply want the radio for, bike to bike, passenger to rider, radio and CD. I had heard that HD had 'locked' these radios to your bike via the Engine Management System thus preventing you from fitting aftermarket units (each radio being unique to your bike). Down here; in Australia I have not found anyone who repairs these units and dealers simply sell you a new unit imported direct from HD. Charging over $2000 Aus.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 815
Likes: 50
From: Grand Rapids, MI.
I had mine replaced under a "Good will warranty"
after my warranty had run out. I had to pay 100.00 USD.
If you have a good relationship with your Dealer, they may be
able to help you with this. Good luck
Another option is to check here to see if someone is
willing to sell one they took out to replace with an aftermarket.
Check E-bay also
after my warranty had run out. I had to pay 100.00 USD.
If you have a good relationship with your Dealer, they may be
able to help you with this. Good luck
Another option is to check here to see if someone is
willing to sell one they took out to replace with an aftermarket.
Check E-bay also
Last edited by NoKenDo; Jan 5, 2009 at 03:49 AM. Reason: More info
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 868
Likes: 51
From: Illinois
May want get an electrical service manual and go through troubleshooting guide for radio. Could be a handlebar switch? If everything points to radio, you can remove radio and have dealer send out for repair. Repair shop use to charge $75 just to look at it.
I'm assuming you have no extended warranty.
I'm assuming you have no extended warranty.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 12
From: Commerce, Mich.
2006 was the first year that HD used the Harmon Karden radios. There was a known issue with alot of them. Mine was replaced twice while still under warrenty.
Here in the states, the replacement radio is over 1300.00, so its not something you really want to replace. You can replace it with aftermarket, its not locked to a specific bike as you have been told.
Personally, I would talk to my dealer, letting him know that YOU know this was an isue that wasn't addressed, and if that doesn't do it, vontact HD directly. Perhaps they will believe that taking care of the customer is more important than making a buck on a known problem
Here in the states, the replacement radio is over 1300.00, so its not something you really want to replace. You can replace it with aftermarket, its not locked to a specific bike as you have been told.
Personally, I would talk to my dealer, letting him know that YOU know this was an isue that wasn't addressed, and if that doesn't do it, vontact HD directly. Perhaps they will believe that taking care of the customer is more important than making a buck on a known problem
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 163
From: Mt. Airy, MD
in the words of Larry the Cable Guy... now THATs funny right there I don't care who you are... lol. my display quit working for more than 3 WEEKS after washing the bike one day. Bike was still under warranty, dealer was going to replace the radio, but the display magically started working the day BEFORE my appt for them to swap the radio, and they refused to do the service... even tho they had already looked at the bike to verify the problem, gone thru their 'fixes' (which didn't work), ordered and received the replacment radio (which was a reconditioned unit, btw).
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,373
Likes: 5
From: Northern Virginia
You didn't say whether you tried pulling the fuse to reset the stereo unit.
If that doesn't work then you can always go aftermarket but if you want to use all your functions like the CB and intercom then you need to stick with the HD stereo as those funtions are built into the stereo head unit.
If that doesn't work then you can always go aftermarket but if you want to use all your functions like the CB and intercom then you need to stick with the HD stereo as those funtions are built into the stereo head unit.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
