DOC HARLEY: ENGINE LIGHT AT START UP

Doc Harley from the Service Clinic at Low Country Harley-Davidson to help you with the health of your motorcycle! This week he answers Robert’s question about what happens or can go wrong if you don’t wait for the yellow engine light to go out to start the bike?

Doc Harley is a motorcycle technician at Low Country Harley-Davidson with over thirty years working on motorcycles. Over the years at the dealership he has worked on Harley-Davidson, Buell, and Triumph motorcycles with a few other brands here and there from trade-ins. There are thousands of how-to videos out on YouTube and other websites across the world. Doc’s goal is to help solve problems that people run into when using their service manual, share insights only found as a certified Harley® technician, and some of the tips he’s picked up over the years.

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Looking to meet Doc and the other members of the LCHD team? Visit us at:
Low Country Harley-Davidson, 4707 Dorchester Road, Charleston, SC 29405

[matte]

Just got my very first motorbike, a sportster 48, absolutely thrilled about it. Owned it for a few days now and never knew about waiting for the check engine light to come off. Just waited for the fuel pump to do it’s thing. Thank you for putting my mind at ease anyway 😂
Didn’t think the bike would let you start it if it was bad for it, but you never know.

[nycdollarvan]

I was looking for an oil light answer to normally pop up when in “accessory”?! Mode. Much appreciated..also as to when to confidently start the bike.

[Johnrus]

That was a very good topic to address. Now when the engine light comes on on my bike I just put black electric tape over the light. That works every time. .😜

[richardlennards]

Thanks so very much for this information my engine light just came on on my 22 street glide st

[infini]

Historical code. Got it thank you!! Just had a low voltage code and had the battery checked and booster charged. So I guess this is just that the code has not been reset??

[fwschnaar]

Ok... You’ve got Me Click’n Like before the Video is 20 Seconds in... Keep Up all You do for Us Harley Owners! 😃

[cjmueller]

As always, good useable info. I wondered about that and I let all the lights go out as a matter of habit. Glad to know I was right!

[hughbrannen]

Thank you for that answer! Love watching you videos! I have a question. The manual states to shut off the motorcycle by the kill switch on the handlebar, then turn off the master switch. I see techs never do that. They only shut off the master switch. Which way is correct, or is it okay either way?

[odariwhyte]

Thank you sir!! This video and swerved my question perfectly!

[vics.]

Thanks Doc! You just answered a concerning question for me. I have a history code on my V-Rod that needs to be checked. Makes sense. Lots of recent work done on my engine. You guys are awesome!

[davot.]

Thank you for teaching me something and answering a question that I've been curious about for quite some time thank you again be blessed

[daviddunn]

Top shelf info as always. Thanks again Doc.

[Bizio]

Thanks for your video. I recently bought my first EFI Harley Davidson, 2004 FXSTDI. If I dont wait for the check light turn off I have sometime some malfunctions like turn light not working or speedometer LCD dial not working. Is it related to the uncomplete check? Thanks you

[roadtaco]

You are great. Tks for explaining the historical codes. Be safe.

[rudpp]

Hello Doc, thanks for all your videos!
I have a 1999 Road King Classic and my fuel gauge illumination light does not turn on?
Is there two bulbs behind the gauge ?
One for low level and another for illumination of the gauge at night?
And can you replace it?
Thanks

[dadtrap]

Good video. However if you have the WHIM with the Harley branded Sena headset you need to start your bike before it starts going through its diagnostic mode or it may not sync properly. Also the processor needs to be speeded up so you are not sitting there waiting for the ECM to bring your intercom and CB online. Nothing is perfect but this needs to be addressed. If I use my wired stock system it comes right up.

[keeprollin]

Doc, I hope you can help. My 07 ultra classic gauges have lots of condensation on the glass. Can I turn off the gauge lights for in the daytime?

[bigdaddy]

My 2021 Electra glide standard shows when it's low on engine oil. If the engine light comes on and stays on check your oil level before going to the dealership.

[g-man]

Another very informative video, Thanks. I understand tuning a bike with a tuner that goes outside of EPA standards, a non Harley tuner can get my powertrain warranty voided. The question is after two years warranty and I'm on the Harley ESP is the motor monitored for this? Would powertrain get flagged? Assuming the problem I have is not from result of using a non Harley tuner.

[Otis]

Hey Doc,
I was looking to put after market fish tail slip on mufflers on my 2010 Road King. Your opinion matters, good idea, bad idea, what else do I need to know that I might be missing. Thanks Doc your the best.