HarleyTechTalk

Had both of my key fobs fail to disable the alarm this morning on my 2013 flht. Don't ride it much but have been noticing the signal seemed to be getting weak as I had to place the key fob closer than normal for it to detect a signal. Going to change the battery on the fobs and see what happens. Has anyone had the sensor on the bike fail? Would a low batt on the motorcycle abuse this? Haven't checked that yet.

Never heard of the bike sensor failing but surely they have before.  A low battery on the bike will cause a multitude of problems but can't say with certainty this would be one of them. 

I do change my fob batteries every year though, toward the start of the riding season.  Changed them about a month ago now that I think about it.

The battery in the fob may be part of the problem. If it doesn't correct the problem take a look around for any changes close by that may be emitting an electronic signal. Some have reported microwave tower interference or at the pumps when fueling up. (The pumps often send a wireless signal to the till that interferes with the fob signal.)  Moving the bike to a location away from the interference usually confirms the problem. 

Thanks for the input. I'm betting it's the key fob batteries as they are the original from 2013 when I bought the bike.

There you go. 

I forgot about the interference.  Years ago on the earlier bikes with security systems, the local dealer had a dead spot in their parking that you would have to move the bike away from to start it up.  Some towers close by.

It was the key fob battery.

 

Gotta like that!

Just be glad you were not the guy that replaced both fob batteries and the security still would not disable. Long story trouble shooting, but in the end he found he had put the batteries in backwards in both fobs.

Always change the battery when headed out for a long trip, just in case.  Also keep a new one in the saddle bag, next to the KPS sensor and extra fuses.  All else fails, the roll of duct tape will suffice!!

it almost always is a weak battery    you can also try touching the key fob under your chin then press the button for some reason it extends the range of the fob

No button to push on the new ones, just proximity. Get close.

Quote from: Templar2 on May 10, 2017, 07:13:55 AM
Always change the battery when headed out for a long trip, just in case.  Also keep a new one in the saddle bag, next to the KPS sensor and extra fuses.  All else fails, the roll of duct tape will suffice!!

What is a KPS sensor? Never heard of it.

Quote from: hanger on May 10, 2017, 02:28:43 PM

Quote from: Templar2 on May 10, 2017, 07:13:55 AM
Always change the battery when headed out for a long trip, just in case.  Also keep a new one in the saddle bag, next to the KPS sensor and extra fuses.  All else fails, the roll of duct tape will suffice!!

What is a KPS sensor? Never heard of it.

Crank positioning sensor.

Another idea?? wrap your fob in a piece of thin leather, have a small pocket put on the top of the leather that holds a extra battery. Leather wrapped key fob?
If you added a security module to your ride after you picked it up then, they suggest that the WIRE/antenna be run under the seat. They give you enough tape/velcrow to cover wire top and bottom. BE CAREFULL you do not pinch the wire under the seat or were it is routed. DEtuning antenna causes problems with how close you have to be to the bike. TRY also inputting the bypass code for your bike at the blinker switchs per the HD instructions. Used bike ya say  . Code s are input when you take delivery of a new bike and seldom given or remembered when you sell 1. Cost @ dealership to plug in and reset $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ WHO THE F changed the code ya say???     PAY!!!!!!!!!!       

There are instructions in the manual to set a new code, or you can find the old code if you want.  When I bought my 06 Fat Boy the dealer didn't give me the code but I changed it that day.  The  Limit is easier but either can be changed as long as you have a working key fob and the ignition is not locked.

Photo the instructions and your code onto your phone, when it happens you will the info you need to get it going again.

first ride every spring I go to my local HDWR store and buy new batteries for the FOB,, cheap and safe insurance,, 

Old fob batteries, like on my '04 would almost last forever, the late model one's, a year and time to replace. Yeah some will say mine lasted.......blah, blah, don't want to dig out your manual instructions while your friends wait for you to start the bike, for less than 3 bucks, keep a fresh battery. Or go back to a carb, and a padlock for the forks. 

I would try to replace fob batteries every year, but I know a couple times I forgot so it was a couple years on 'em. I always kept and extra in the tour pack. They don't take up much room!

As long as the bike has not been sitting for a long time, as the op said his was, the batteries give a visual clue when they need replacing. The signals will wig wag several times (instead of flash twice).  My friends bike did it for a week after he bought it used. He thought is was how it was supposed to be. New battery and it went to normal.
I start my bike with the fob bypass procedure at least once a year. It's easy, but a pia if you are frustrated and unfamiliar with doing it. One jostle of the bike and it's a no go.