Harley Davidson Softail: How to Read Diagnostic Trouble Codes

This article applies to the Harley Davidson Softail (All Years).

Diagnostic trouble codes are used to help locate problems throughout the many sophisticated computer systems on your Harley. As the computers monitor the bike's systems, data is analyzed and a trouble code is set if data is found out of normal ranges. These systems monitor the powertrain, braking system, security system, and the communication between them. Often times, a trouble code will be your first warning to a problem and may give you enough time to correct it before expensive repairs are needed. Harley Davidson developed a quick and easy method most Softail owners can use to check their trouble codes anytime and anyplace. For owners that modify and perform their own service work, a scan tool may be of great use with its live data and programming ability.

Diagnostic modules are represented with one of four different letters on 2004 to 2013 models.

• P = PCM
• S = Turn Signal/Security Module
• SP codes: Speedometer
• T codes: Tachometer

Codes are designated by the letters P, C, B, or U.

• "P" represents a code in the powertrain control module.
• "C" represents a code in the anti-lock braking system.
• "B" represents a code with the radio, instruments, and body control module.
• "U" represents a communication error between systems.

Method 1 – Using odometer button (2004-current models)

This method works for 2004 to 2013 year models. Move your kill switch to the run position. Press and hold the black odometer reset button and turn the ignition switch to the ignition position. Hold the reset button until the message "DIAG" appears. Press and release the odometer button to access the module selection menu. The message "P55PtB" will appear. The letters and numbers stand for the different systems. Press and release the odometer button to move through the message characters. The first character "P" stands for PCM (powertrain control module). Press and hold the odometer button to access the PCM codes once the "P" is flashing. If a code is present, the code will display. Record the code number to research possible causes. Press and hold the odometer button to clear the code, and then shut off the ignition to exit the menu. Repeat the process to check the other systems.

For 2014 and later models, hold the odometer button down on the lift grip. Move the ignition switch to the ignition position. You'll see the "DIAG" message displaying. Release the odometer button and press it again to read the different codes at each module. The first module will be the ECM (electronic control module). If you see a "N" displayed next to the module abbreviation, there are no codes present in that system. If you find a "Y" displayed next to a module abbreviation, hold down the odometer button to view the trouble code. To clear the code, press and hold the button until "CLEAR" displays, then press and hold the button again to erase it. Once you clear the code, a part number may display that correlates to the affected module. Press and release the odometer button again to move back to the module selection menu. Turn off the ignition to exit the module selection menu.

Some newer models are equipped with the "boom box." To access the codes on this system, leave the ignition off for 15 seconds. Press and hold the mute/power button, and then turn the ignition switch to accessories. Keep the mute button held as the system starts up and for three seconds after the warning screen appears. Press the accept option on the touchscreen, then select "DTC's." Any active codes will be displayed at this time.

A quick google search of your code should reveal most of the possible fault causes.

Method 2 – Installing jumper wire (2000-2003)

The second method is installing jumper wire across the diagnostic link connector. Make a jumper wire out of a 4" length of 14 gauge wire. Remove a half inch of wire insulation from each end. Locate the data link connector by removing the right side saddle bag and cover (if equipped). On some models, the diagnostic connector is located under the seat. Refer to the article How to Replace Battery to remove the seat. Remove the protective plug from the data link connector, then connect the wire to terminals one and two. Move the ignition switch to the "Ignition" position and wait ten seconds. The check engine light will start flashing. The number of flashes represents the first digit of the code. After the first digit is discovered, the flashing will pause for 1.2 seconds and the process will repeat for the second digit. If there is more than one code, a three second pause will occur followed by another series of flashes. If you record the same trouble code twice, you can be sure you've viewed all trouble codes.

Here is a list of common codes:

1. Current 53 ECM flash error
2. Historic 53 ECM flash error
3. Current 54 ECM EEPROM error
4. Historic 54 ECM EEPROM error
5. Current 63 ECM serial data low
6. Current 63 ECM serial data open/high
7. Current 63 TSSM serial data low
8. Current 63 TSSM serial data open/high
9. Current 61 Loss of TSM/TSSM serial data
10. Current 14 Loss of all ECM serial data (state of health) 10 24 Loss of vehicle speed 10 33 Loss of vehicle inhibit motion 10 43 Loss of powertrain security status
11. Current 33 System relay contacts open
12. Current 33 System relay coil high/shorted
13. Current 33 System relay coil open/low
14. Current 33 System relay contacts closed
15. Current 99 Incorrect password
16. Current 99 Missing password
17. Current 41 CKP sensor intermittent
18. Current 41 CKP sensor synch error
19. Current 11 TP sensor open/low
20. Current 11 TP sensor high
21. Current 12 MAP sensor open/low
22. Current 12 MAP sensor high
23. Current 14 ET sensor voltage low
24. Current 14 ET sensor open/high
25. Current 15 IAT sensor voltage low
26. Current 15 IAT sensor open/high
27. Current 24 Front ignition coil open/low
28. Current 25 Rear ignition coil open/low
29. Current 24 Front ignition coil high/shorted
30. Current 25 Rear ignition coil high/shorted
31. Current 24 Front cylinder combustion intermittent
32. Current 25 Rear cylinder combustion intermittent
33. Current 23 Front injector open/low
34. Current 32 Rear injector open/low
35. Current 23 Front injector high
36. Current 32 Rear injector high
37. Current 16 Battery voltage low
38. Current 16 Battery voltage high
39. Current 43 VSS sensor low
40. Current 43 VSS sensor high
41. Current N/A (no speedo code for this) Check engine light open/low NO CHECK ENGINE LAMP AT KEY ON or CHECK ENGINE LAMP ON CONTINUOUSLY
42. Current N/A (no speedo code for this) Check engine light high NO CHECK ENGINE LAMP AT KEY ON
43. Current 35 Tachometer low
44. Current 35 Tachometer high
45. Current 25 Rear cylinder no combustion
46. Current 24 Front cylinder no combustion
47. Current 34 Loss of idle speed control IDLE AIR CONTROL
48. Current 35 Accelerometer fault
49. Current 34 Starter output high
50. Current 25 Ignition enable output high
51. Current 21 Left turn output fault
52. Current 22 Right turn output fault
53. Current 11 Battery voltage high
54. Current 31 Alarm output low
55. Current 32 Alarm output high
56. Current 41 Ignition switch open/low
57. Historic 63 ECM serial data low
58. Historic 63 ECM serial data open/high
59. Historic 63 TSSM serial data low
60. Historic 63 TSSM serial data open/high
61. Historic 61 Loss of TSM/TSSM serial data
62. Historic 14 Loss of all ECM serial data (state of health)
63. Historic 33 System relay contacts open
64. Historic 33 System relay coil high/shorted
65. Historic 33 System relay coil open/low
66. Historic 33 System relay contacts closed
67. Historic 99 Incorrect password
68. Historic 99 Missing password
69. Historic 41 CKP sensor intermittent
70. Historic 41 CKP sensor synch error
71. Historic 11 TP sensor open/low
72. Historic 11 TP sensor high
73. Historic 12 MAP sensor open/low
74. Historic 12 MAP sensor high
75. Historic 14 ET sensor voltage low
76. Historic 14 ET sensor open/high
77. Historic 15 IAT sensor voltage low
78. Historic 15 IAT sensor open/high
79. Historic 24 Front ignition coil open/low
80. Historic 25 Rear ignition coil open/low
81. Historic 24 Front ignition coil high/shorted
82. Historic 25 Rear ignition coil high/shorted
83. Historic 24 Front cylinder combustion intermittent
84. Historic 25 Rear cylinder combustion intermittent
85. Historic 23 Front injector open/low
86. Historic 32 Rear injector open/low
87. Historic 23 Front injector high
88. Historic 32 Rear injector high
89. Historic 16 Battery voltage low
90. Historic 16 Battery voltage high
91. Historic 43 VSS sensor low
92. Historic 43 VSS sensor high
93. Historic N/A Check engine light open/low NO CHECK ENGINE LAMP AT KEY ON or CHECK ENGINE LAMP ON CONTINUOUSLY
94. Historic N/A Check engine light high NO CHECK ENGINE LAMP AT KEY ON
95. Historic 35 Tachometer low
96. Historic 35 Tachometer high
97. Historic 25 Rear cylinder no combustion
98. Historic 24 Front cylinder no combustion
99. Historic 34 Loss of idle speed control
100. Historic 35 Accelerometer fault
101. Historic 34 Starter output high
102. Historic 25 Ignition enable output high
103. Historic 21 Left turn output fault
104. Historic 22 Right turn output fault
105. Historic 11 Battery voltage high
106. Historic 31 Alarm output low
107. Historic 32 Alarm output high
108. Historic 41 Ignition switch open/low

Method 3 – Using a scan tool

There are various brands and types of scan tools for the Softail. Some of the most common types are the Kent Moore/Harley Davidson Scanalyzer (part number HD-41325), the official Harley Davidson scan tool (part number MS531-HD), and the Harley Davidson Code Master Service code reader. There are some aftermarket options, as well. These include the Fuel Moto Dynojet Power Vision and Screamin' Eagle family of tuners.

The Scanalyzer and scan tool are complete diagnostic scan tools. In addition to viewing and erasing trouble codes, these scanners can view and record live data, such as engine speed and sensor voltage. You also have the ability to program once updated software is released and make changes to parameters such as engine idle speed. The Code Master is a more generic code reader. It gives you the same access as available to you when using your odometer button, although an extra feature allows you to view you Softail's current calibration I.D. The aftermarket scan tools offer a good mix of scan tool and code reader, and provide the capability to use your own tune. This is great for the Softail owner with modifications who is looking to extract maximum amounts of power with dyno tuning.

When purchasing your scan tool, make sure the cables are included to match up with your model years computer system. Earlier year models use the J-1850 cable, while later model CAN-BUS equipped versions use a cable unique to the CAN-BUS system.

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