{"id":1278,"date":"2023-05-31T18:02:23","date_gmt":"2023-05-31T18:02:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.roarontheshore.com\/?p=1278"},"modified":"2023-09-27T09:55:05","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T09:55:05","slug":"red-key-light-mean-on-a-harley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.roarontheshore.com\/red-key-light-mean-on-a-harley\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does Red Key Light Mean On A Harley? Here Is The Answer!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The red key light on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle means an issue with the security system, specifically the key fob or its lighting system. Though this is not a serious issue, most people still panic about it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are one of them, you should know why this light turns on, what to do in this situation, and how to prevent it. So, continue reading to learn about this in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What Does Red Key Light Mean On A Harley Davidson?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a Harley Davidson owner, you may have faced several issues. And red light activation is one of the most common issues among them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This red light is located on the bike’s dashboard, inside the trip odometer. And, when Harley detects an issue with its security system or unauthorized access, it triggers the red key light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basically, Harley uses a proximity key fob to activate and deactivate the main system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This key fob always emits a signal, and when it comes within range of the bike, the bike’s security system instantly detects the presence of the key fob. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, when it fails to detect it, the red key light starts to illuminate. But on Harley models that don’t have a security system or key fob feature, this red light means there’s a problem with the lighting system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This especially indicates the brake light. Besides, if you install a light that the bike’s computer doesn’t recognize, the red light on the trip meter may flash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, if the light stays on, not flashing, and the bike starts and runs anyway, it means the bike has received a DTC (diagnostic trouble code). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally, it happens because of the error code in the TSSM of the bike. In this situation, you have to scan your bike’s ECM to identify the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read Also:<\/strong> Best Year Heritage Softail Classic [Exploring The Legacy]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

4 Reasons Causes Red Key Light Activation In Harley Davidson<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Behind this red light turning on, there are several reasons. And, if you ask your Harley dealer about it, most of the time they\u2019ll advise you to take your bike to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will cost a significant amount of money. So, if you have an in-depth knowledge about why this red key light turns on, you will be able to solve it on your own. Here are those reason:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1- Low or dead fob\u2019s battery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The fob is a small electronic device that communicates with the bike’s security system and allows the rider to start their bike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But if the fob\u2019s battery becomes low or completely dead, it can’t successfully communicate with Harley’s ECM, which triggers the red key light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2- Defective control module<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The control module, also known as the Electronic Control Unit (ECU), is responsible for managing various functions of the motorcycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And when this starts malfunctioning because of software glitches, wiring issues, physical damage, electrical system failure, etc., it then triggers that red light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3- Issues with the LED Lights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Much like any other vehicle, Harley Davidson bikes have several brake lights. If any of these lights becomes damaged or doesn’t work as it should, it triggers the red key light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, if you install an aftermarket LED light, and your bike’s ECM doesn’t recognize it, the red key light will also turn on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4- Faulty brake switch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The brake switch is responsible for activating the brake lights when the brake pedal is pressed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this switch becomes faulty or malfunctions, it can badly affect the functionality of the security system, brake light on and off mechanism, which leads to the activation of the red key light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read Also:<\/strong> Best Year Harley Fatboy [Selected Top-Notch Models] <\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

What To Do When This Red Key Light Is Activated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a new Harley Davidson owner, you might become worried about its red key light and what to do in this situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But solving this issue isn’t as complex as you think. Here are some solutions you could follow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n