If your Harley-Davidson touring bike suddenly throws a check engine light or starts acting strange, one of the first things you should do is check for stored diagnostic trouble codes.
In this quick shop tip, we show how to enter diagnostic mode on newer Harley touring bikes like the Street Glide and access stored trouble codes using the factory controls.
Fortunately, most fuel-injected Harley-Davidson models have a built-in diagnostic mode that allows you to pull codes directly from the bike without needing a scan tool.
On many Harley touring models—including newer Street Glides—this process is quick once you know where the button is and how to enter diagnostic mode.
🏍 Harley Diagnostic Mode Basics
Most fuel-injected Harleys allow you to enter diagnostic mode by:
Turning the ignition OFF
Pressing and holding the trip/reset button
Turning the ignition switch to the ON position while still holding the button
On many models, this will enter the bike into diagnostic mode where you can scroll through and view stored trouble codes from different systems on the motorcycle.
🔧 What Systems Can Display Codes?
Depending on the model and year, Harley diagnostic mode can show codes related to:
Engine management
ABS system
BCM/body control module
Speedometer or gauge systems
Electrical faults
Sensor issues
This can help narrow down problems before replacing parts unnecessarily.
⚠️ Newer Touring Bikes Can Be Slightly Different
On some newer Harley-Davidson touring models—especially 2014–2022 Street Glides and related bikes—the button location and process can be a little less obvious than older models.
That’s one reason for this quick tip video: to show where the button is located and simplify the process for riders trying to pull codes themselves.
Sometimes knowing how to access the codes is half the battle.
Watch the video here
https://youtube.com/shorts/csx1xLjvox4?si=BUwvK8mqOJMPe1F0
🛠 Why Checking Codes Matters
Reading stored trouble codes can help identify:
sensor failures
charging issues
communication faults
throttle-by-wire problems
intermittent electrical issues
Even if the issue seems minor, pulling codes early can save a lot of guesswork later.
🔥 Real-World Shop Tip
A check engine light doesn’t always mean catastrophic failure.
Sometimes it’s something simple—but checking codes first can point you in the right direction before spending money on random parts.
📍 Built From Real Shop Experience
At Lil Chub Customs, we regularly work on Harley-Davidson touring bikes, diagnostics, electrical issues, and real-world repair situations.
This is the kind of practical motorcycle troubleshooting information we like sharing from the shop.