How to Reset Check Engine Light on 2017 Harley Davidson

Resetting the check engine light on your 2017 Harley Davidson doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide walks you through safe, effective methods—from using a diagnostic tool to manual reset techniques—so you can clear the light and get back on the road with confidence.

Key Takeaways

Understand why the light came on first: Never reset the check engine light without diagnosing the underlying issue. Ignoring problems can lead to engine damage or safety risks.
Use a diagnostic scanner for accuracy: A Harley-specific OBD2 scanner (like the Harley-Davidson Digital Technician or a compatible third-party tool) is the most reliable way to read and clear codes.
Manual reset methods exist but have limitations: Some riders try turning the ignition on and off or disconnecting the battery, but these may not fully clear codes or reset monitors.
Check for pending codes after reset: Even after clearing the light, the system may store pending codes. Recheck with a scanner to ensure the issue is truly resolved.
Resetting doesn’t fix mechanical problems: The light will return if the root cause—like a faulty oxygen sensor or loose gas cap—isn’t repaired.
Keep records of repairs and resets: Documenting when and why you reset the light helps with future maintenance and resale value.
Consult a dealer if unsure: If you’re not comfortable diagnosing or resetting the light yourself, visit an authorized Harley-Davidson service center.

How to Reset Check Engine Light on 2017 Harley Davidson

So, you’re cruising down the highway, wind in your face, when suddenly—bam—the dreaded check engine light pops up on your 2017 Harley Davidson. Your heart skips a beat. Is it serious? Can you fix it yourself? And most importantly—how do you get that annoying light to go away?

Don’t panic. While the check engine light can signal anything from a minor glitch to a major mechanical issue, resetting it on your 2017 Harley is totally doable—if you follow the right steps. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from understanding what the light means, to diagnosing the problem, and finally, safely resetting it using proven methods.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a weekend warrior, this guide is designed to be clear, practical, and easy to follow. We’ll cover both professional tools and DIY tricks, so you can choose the method that works best for you. By the end, you’ll not only know how to reset the check engine light on your 2017 Harley Davidson—you’ll also understand why it came on in the first place, and how to prevent it from happening again.

Let’s get started.

Understanding the Check Engine Light on Your 2017 Harley Davidson

Before you even think about resetting the light, it’s crucial to understand what it’s trying to tell you. The check engine light—also known as the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)—is part of your bike’s onboard diagnostic system (OBD2). When sensors detect something out of the ordinary—like a drop in fuel efficiency, a misfire, or an emissions issue—the system triggers the light to alert you.

On a 2017 Harley Davidson, this light can illuminate for dozens of reasons. Some are harmless. Others? Not so much.

For example, a loose gas cap can trigger the light because it affects the fuel vapor system. That’s an easy fix. But a failing oxygen sensor or a problem with the fuel injection system? That could impact performance, fuel economy, and even emissions compliance.

So, the first rule of resetting the check engine light is this: don’t just clear it and hope for the best. You need to know what caused it in the first place.

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light on a 2017 Harley

Let’s break down some of the most frequent culprits:

Loose or faulty gas cap: This is one of the easiest fixes. If the cap isn’t tightened properly, it can cause a vacuum leak in the fuel system, triggering the light.
Oxygen (O2) sensor issues: These sensors monitor the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. If they fail, your bike might run rich or lean, hurting performance and fuel economy.
Spark plug or ignition coil problems: Misfires can cause the light to come on. Worn spark plugs or faulty coils are common on high-mileage Harleys.
Mass airflow (MAF) sensor malfunction: This sensor measures how much air is entering the engine. If it’s dirty or broken, your bike might hesitate or stall.
Evaporative emissions (EVAP) system leaks: Small leaks in the fuel vapor system can trigger the light, even if they’re hard to detect.
Catalytic converter issues: A failing converter can reduce performance and increase emissions. This is a more serious issue that may require professional attention.
Electrical glitches or software bugs: Sometimes, the system just throws a false alarm. A quick reset might solve it—but only if there’s no real problem.

Understanding these causes helps you decide whether you can handle the fix yourself or if you need to visit a Harley technician.

Tools You’ll Need to Reset the Check Engine Light

Now that you know what might be causing the light, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need to reset it. The method you choose will depend on your comfort level, budget, and access to equipment.

Option 1: Harley-Specific Diagnostic Scanner

The most reliable and recommended way to reset the check engine light on a 2017 Harley Davidson is by using a diagnostic scanner. Harley-Davidson offers its own tool called the Digital Technician, which is used by dealerships. It’s powerful, accurate, and can read manufacturer-specific codes that generic scanners might miss.

However, the Digital Technician is expensive and not practical for most riders. The good news? There are third-party OBD2 scanners that work just as well—and cost a fraction of the price.

Look for scanners that are compatible with Harley-Davidson motorcycles and support the following:

Reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Viewing live data (like engine temperature, RPM, and sensor readings)
Resetting the check engine light and emissions monitors
Supporting Harley-specific protocols (like J1850 VPW)

Popular options include:

Harley-Davidson Digital Technician (HDDT): The gold standard, but pricey. Best for shops or serious enthusiasts.
Foxwell NT510 or NT520: Affordable, user-friendly, and Harley-compatible. Great for DIYers.
Innova 3160g: A solid mid-range scanner with Harley support and live data.
BlueDriver Bluetooth Scanner: Pairs with your smartphone via an app. Convenient and portable.

Option 2: Smartphone Apps and Bluetooth Adapters

If you prefer a more modern approach, consider using a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter paired with a smartphone app. These devices plug into your bike’s OBD2 port and send data to your phone via Bluetooth.

Popular apps include:

Torque Pro (Android): Highly customizable, supports Harley codes, and can reset the check engine light.
OBD Fusion (iOS and Android): Clean interface, supports live data and code clearing.
HarleyScan (iOS and Android): Specifically designed for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Offers advanced features like tuning and diagnostics.

These setups are great for riders who want portability and don’t mind a bit of tech setup.

Option 3: Manual Reset Methods (Limited Effectiveness)

Some riders try to reset the light without tools—by turning the key on and off, disconnecting the battery, or using the trip odometer. While these methods might work in rare cases, they’re not reliable and often don’t fully clear the codes or reset the system’s monitors.

We’ll cover these methods later, but keep in mind: they’re not recommended as a first solution. Always try a diagnostic scanner first.

Step-by-Step Guide: Resetting the Check Engine Light with a Scanner

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s how to reset the check engine light on your 2017 Harley Davidson using a diagnostic scanner. We’ll use a Foxwell NT510 as an example, but the steps are similar for most scanners.

Step 1: Locate the OBD2 Port

First, you need to find the OBD2 port on your 2017 Harley. On most models, it’s located under the seat or near the battery. Here’s how to find it:

Turn off the ignition and remove the key.
Lift the seat using the key or a screwdriver (depending on your model).
Look for a rectangular port—usually black or gray—with 16 pins. It’s often tucked near the battery or under a protective cover.
If you can’t find it, consult your owner’s manual or search online for your specific model (e.g., “2017 Harley Street 750 OBD2 port location”).

Step 2: Plug in the Scanner

Once you’ve found the port:

Plug the OBD2 scanner into the port. Make sure it’s fully seated.
Turn the ignition to the “ON” position (but don’t start the engine). This powers up the scanner and the bike’s computer.
Wait a few seconds for the scanner to boot up and establish a connection.

Step 3: Read the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Now it’s time to see what’s causing the light.

On the scanner, select “Read Codes” or “Scan for DTCs.”
The scanner will communicate with the bike’s ECU and retrieve any stored trouble codes.
Write down the codes (e.g., P0135, P0301). These tell you exactly what’s wrong.
Use the scanner’s built-in code library or search online to interpret the codes. For example, P0135 means “O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1, Sensor 1).”

Step 4: Diagnose and Fix the Problem

This is the most important step. Don’t skip it.

Once you know the code, research the issue. Is it a loose gas cap? A bad sensor? A wiring problem?

If it’s something simple like a loose gas cap, tighten it and see if the light goes off after a few rides.
If it’s a faulty sensor or component, you may need to replace it. Some fixes are DIY-friendly (like replacing spark plugs), while others require a mechanic.
If you’re unsure, consult a Harley service manual or visit a dealership.

Remember: Resetting the light without fixing the problem is like turning off a smoke alarm while your house is on fire. It doesn’t solve anything.

Step 5: Clear the Codes and Reset the Light

Once the issue is resolved:

On the scanner, select “Clear Codes” or “Erase DTCs.”
Confirm the action when prompted.
The scanner will send a command to the ECU to clear the stored codes and turn off the check engine light.
Wait a few seconds, then turn the ignition off and back on.
The light should be off. If it’s still on, the problem may not be fully resolved, or the system hasn’t completed its self-check.

Step 6: Test Ride and Monitor

After resetting:

Take your bike for a short test ride (10–15 minutes).
Drive under normal conditions—accelerate, brake, idle.
Check if the light comes back on. If it does, the issue may still exist, or a new problem has emerged.
Use the scanner again to check for pending codes. These are codes that haven’t yet triggered the light but are being monitored.

Manual Reset Methods (And Why They’re Not Ideal)

Now, let’s talk about the DIY methods some riders try. While they might work in rare cases, they’re not reliable and can even cause problems.

Method 1: Turning the Ignition On and Off

Some riders believe that turning the key to “ON” for 10 seconds, then “OFF,” and repeating this cycle three times will reset the light. While this might clear a temporary glitch, it won’t erase stored trouble codes or reset the ECU properly.

Method 2: Disconnecting the Battery

Another common trick is to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for 10–15 minutes. The idea is that this will reset the ECU by cutting power.

However, this method has drawbacks:

It may reset the check engine light temporarily, but it won’t clear stored codes.
It can reset other systems—like the radio, clock, and trip odometer—which is annoying.
On newer Harleys, the ECU may retain codes even after power loss.
It doesn’t address the root cause of the problem.

Method 3: Using the Trip Odometer

A few forum posts claim you can reset the light by holding the trip odometer button while turning the key. While this might work on some older models, it’s not effective on 2017 Harley Davidsons.

Troubleshooting: What If the Light Comes Back On?

So you’ve reset the light, but it’s back on after a few miles. What now?

Don’t panic. This is actually common. Here’s what could be happening:

The Problem Wasn’t Fixed

The most likely reason? The underlying issue still exists. For example, if you cleared a P0455 code (large EVAP leak) but didn’t replace the gas cap, the light will return.

Pending Codes Are Triggering the Light

Even after clearing codes, the system may store “pending” codes. These are issues the ECU has detected but hasn’t yet confirmed. If the problem persists during a drive cycle, the light will come back on.

The Drive Cycle Isn’t Complete

Modern vehicles—including Harleys—use “drive cycles” to test emissions systems. If you reset the light but don’t complete the required drive cycle, the monitors won’t reset, and the light may stay on.

To complete a drive cycle on a 2017 Harley:

Start the bike cold and let it idle for 2–3 minutes.
Drive at a steady speed (30–50 mph) for 5–10 minutes.
Accelerate and decelerate gently.
Let the bike idle again for a few minutes.
Repeat if necessary.

Intermittent Issues

Some problems come and go—like a loose wire or a sensor that fails only when hot. These can be tricky to diagnose. Use your scanner to check for intermittent codes or live data fluctuations.

When to Visit a Harley Dealership

While many check engine light issues can be handled at home, some situations call for professional help.

Visit a Harley-Davidson service center if:

You’re getting complex or multiple codes (e.g., P0300 – random misfire).
The light flashes (this indicates a severe misfire that can damage the catalytic converter).
You’re not comfortable diagnosing or repairing the issue.
The problem involves the fuel system, ignition system, or engine internals.
You’ve tried resetting the light multiple times, but it keeps coming back.

Dealerships have access to factory tools, software updates, and expert technicians who can pinpoint and fix the problem quickly.

Preventing Future Check Engine Light Issues

The best way to deal with the check engine light is to avoid it altogether. Here are some tips to keep your 2017 Harley running smoothly:

Perform regular maintenance: Follow the service schedule in your owner’s manual. Change oil, replace spark plugs, and inspect sensors.
Use quality fuel and oil: Cheap fuel can cause carbon buildup and sensor issues. Stick to reputable brands.
Tighten the gas cap after every fill-up: A loose cap is one of the top causes of the check engine light.
Inspect wiring and connectors: Look for frayed wires, loose connections, or corrosion—especially around sensors.
Keep your bike clean: Dirt and grime can affect sensors and airflow. Wash your bike regularly.
Upgrade wisely: If you modify your exhaust or air intake, make sure it’s compatible with your bike’s ECU. Otherwise, you might trigger false codes.

Conclusion

Resetting the check engine light on your 2017 Harley Davidson doesn’t have to be a mystery. With the right tools and knowledge, you can diagnose the problem, fix it, and clear the light safely and effectively.

Remember: The light is there for a reason. Don’t just reset it and hope it goes away. Take the time to understand what’s causing it, whether it’s a loose gas cap or a failing sensor. Use a diagnostic scanner for the most accurate results, and avoid unreliable manual methods.

By following this guide, you’ll not only reset the check engine light—you’ll also gain confidence in maintaining your Harley and keeping it running at its best. So grab your scanner, check those codes, and get back to what matters most: the open road.

Ride safe, and keep the rubber side down.