I have an '02 Fatboy FLSTFI and last week I ran out of fuel on the highway. After trying to start it about 6 or 7 times to try and get to the next exit to fill up I stopped and called for help (gas).

Since then, the check engine light comes on when you first turn on the bike for the initial 4 seconds then goes off. Then it comes back on for 8 seconds. I read online this is an indication that there is a diagnostic code stored. I assume it is because I ran the bike out of fuel and tried to start it empty.

I have viewed the codes through the odometer and all 10 of them show clear - but the damned light still comes. Is there a way to clear the code without having to by a tool or taking the bike to the shop?

I figure nothing is really wrong as the light goes out after the second time after 8 seconds.

 

Might have picked up some crap in the fuel line after running it empty.

?????

 

I haven't looked at this for a while, but I think the procedure for dumping "stored" codes which I believe is what your talking about is in this thread:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...odes-dtcs.html

 

After doing some more checking online I read that as long as there are no problems the code will clear itself after 25 - 50 full cycle starts. Guess I will wait and see.

 

Mine comes on once in awhile and I've never ran out if gas. I was told the computer is checking the system out and that it was normal.

 

This is correct. When the fuel pressure dropped, it might have thrown a misfire code for one of the cylinders. Since the code corresponded to running out of gas, you should see it clear after 50 (I believe) cycles.

This would be a good time to learn how to read the codes, since you have one stored. Hold the trip reset button while turning switch on. The speedo will go all the way up and back, and diag will show in the display. There are 4 subsystems, accessed in order by pushing the reset button- you will see it cycle through some letters in the display. At each one, hold the button in and see if any codes display.

 

Sorry man, but you aren't running a carb. Once you're outta gas with fuel injection, you aren't gonna get'er started again on just hopes and dreams.
As for that Check Engine light, I agree to just follow the steps and looks for the codes and clear any that are stored or in history. If the light still comes up but the bike is running fine I also say give it some more starts/stops to eventually clear itself. If it doesn't go out after a while and the bike is still running fine, then you might want to get it looked at. But I wouldn't worry about it too much.