TT467: HAND CONTROL DIAGNOSTIC BEST
PRACTICES
2019-09-27
Electrical

APPLIES TO
All CAN operated hand controls

SYMPTOMS
• Hand Controls

Purpose for Technical Tip Bulletin
As Harley-Davidson vehicles become more complex, there are several settings and configurations
that should be taken into consideration when a customer expresses concern over hand control
operation. Depending on what the customer concern is, other related systems on the vehicle
should be inspected prior to replacing a hand control.

NOTE
The electronic diagnostic manual has been updated to include a new diagnostic procedure for
testing hand control operation.
The best practices should be performed when diagnosing customer concerns especially if no
DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) are present. Refer to Resolution.

Markets Affected
All markets are affected.

Issue
Misdiagnoses of hand controls.

Resolution
Vehicle Does Not Start In Gear
Trike:
• To start a Trike in gear the clutch lever needs to be pulled in, and one of the brakes needs to
be applied.

All Others:
• Check clutch lever for modifications, or if it has an aftermarket lever. These may affect clutch
switch engagement position and prevent a bike from starting in gear.
• Use DT II (Digital Technician II) to view live data of the LHCM (Left Hand Control Module) and
verify when operating clutch the switch value changes between:
• Pulled In
• Released

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DIGITAL TECHNICIAN II (PART NUMBER: HD-48650)

Trip Switch Inoperative
• Check for modified or aftermarket gauges.
• Check for modified or aftermarket switch caps.
• Remove switch cap and inspect for debris or mechanical binding.

Cruise Control Issues
• Use radio service menu to check button operation.
• Use DT II to check for Cruise/PTT (Push To Talk) button swap.

Radio Control Issues
• Verify software version, and update to latest version if necessary.
• Button pushed is not correlating to action performed.
• Use radio service menu to check button operation.
• Remove switch caps to inspect for debris, or binding.
• GT Radio: Check if Classic Mode is enabled.

Cannot Tune Radio Stations
• Check categories in radio menu and clear all.
• Use radio service menu to check button operation.

Cannot Skip Tracks During Media Playback
• Check menu in media and select “seek”.

Volume Control Inoperative (With WHIM Installed)
• Check rider headset volume menu and uncheck “Volume Controls Wireless Headset”.
• Use radio service menu to check button operation.

All Switches
• Remove the hand control covers, and use DT II (Live Data View) to test operation of each
switch on the hand control.
• Only file a warranty claim if a switch does not show activation on the Live Data View screen.
• Confirm no debris are preventing switches from operating properly.

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