Security issues
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 931
Likes: 11
From: Orlando, FL
Same thing happened to me. Battery. I keep a spare in my tour pack now. Easy to use the code, too, after you have to do it once. If anybody hasn't set their code, better do it. My battery didn't give me much warning that it was dying.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Card in wallet!
The owners manual has a removable, wallet sized "smart security system and owners record" card in it. Once you set your code you should record it on the card and keep it on you while riding. Should the fob fail again you would not only have the code on you but the card also walks you thru the procedure for entering it. As for a spare battery, I would imagine that the shelf life would lessen over time and I would rather buy a fresh battery when needed. Replacement batteries are cheap, I don't think it cost me $3.00 last time. (cheapest thing I ever bought from Harley)
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 507
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
+15 to 20 on this one. I suggest once a year - its all of about a buck and a half. Then put the old but still working battery in your tool kit for a spare (in a zip lock of course so it doesn't ground out).
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 307
Likes: 1
From: Mission BC
well I don't think its the fob but the bike's battery on a 08 Ultra may be low on charge, had this very same thing happen last fall when I was using all my heated gear, came up to fuel up and wouldn't start after, signels all flashing but nothing else..........this is with everything still plugged in.........unplugged some of the gear and voila.......it started, so I tried the same scenario later and it yep did it again until it was unplugged........I'm thinking the bike battery isn't up to performance standards when its got a load on it IMHO
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
The owners manual has a removable, wallet sized "smart security system and owners record" card in it. Once you set your code you should record it on the card and keep it on you while riding. Should the fob fail again you would not only have the code on you but the card also walks you thru the procedure for entering it. As for a spare battery, I would imagine that the shelf life would lessen over time and I would rather buy a fresh battery when needed. Replacement batteries are cheap, I don't think it cost me $3.00 last time. (cheapest thing I ever bought from Harley)
thats my feeling as well. i would just as soon buy a battery when needed than have one go half dead while sitting in my saddlebag. my fob battery on my 07 lasted 3 years.
its easy enough to use the override procedure. if you have problems with it in your garage, how is it going to be in the middle of bfe? perform the procedure enough times that you get familiar with it. then once every couple of months, do it again just to make sure that you are still proficient with it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
I had to replace the battery on my 05 fob when I was in Sturgis this year. So at that point the battery was 5 years old. Seriously embarrassing to be sitting on Main street with your lights doing the flashy thing, and no way to turn them off. By the time I did the turn signal dance to turn the system off, there was a cop standing next to my bike. My insurance card and registration were neatly packed away in a ziplock bag.... IN THE VERY BOTTOM OF MY SADDLEBAG.
Not my finest hour.
Not my finest hour.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
I have parked in a few locations where there was radio interference that caused the FOB to fail. The battery was still fine each time. Another time it was so cold during a ride that the FOB in my jacket lost enough power it wouldn't work.
I strongly suggest setting the code and learning the procedure for overriding the security. Especially it you have the siren like I do - it's friggin embarrassing.
I strongly suggest setting the code and learning the procedure for overriding the security. Especially it you have the siren like I do - it's friggin embarrassing.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 4
From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
HELP NEEDED....I went to start my 08 ultra yesterday and it wouldnt start even though I had the fob in my pocket... I cant remember if I programmed a passcode or not when I brought the bike home.. What do I need to do to either override the passcode or reprogram the passcode without know the set code? Does anyone know the factory passcode in case I didnt program one? Any help is appreciated....
The reference of the battery in the fob is: CR2032 3v Lithium