Harley Davidson has made some of the most legendary motorcycles in the history. In newer models with electronic fuel injection, identifying various problems with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) is much easier. Each code refers to a specific problem so that you can promptly identify and solve it.
So, what does Harley code B1006 mean? B1006 indicates accessory line voltage is higher than 16.0 volts for over five seconds. A charging system malfunction or a faulty battery can cause this.
In this guide, we will discuss the possible cause, its symptoms, and how to fix the error code. Let’s get started.
What Does Harley Code B1006 Mean?
Codes starting with B mean the problem is with the motorcycle body. All accessories and electrical systems fall into this category. And a series of numbers are used to denote specific problems.
In this case, B1006 is an error code related to accessory line overvoltage. This means the accessory line is getting more voltage than it should. As a result, the accessories can be damaged.
Another example can be Harley Code P1510, which indicates the issue is related to the ECM, and the problem is EFI Limited Performance Mode. The oxygen sensor is also monitored by the ECM, so problems related to the system will show a code in the same category.
Harley Code P0132 indicates the front oxygen sensor is high or the engine is running rich.
How Does the Charging System Work on Harley Motorcycles?
The charging system on Harley motorcycles is responsible for charging the battery. This system ensures the ignition, lights, and accessories get enough power to run. It has two main components, the alternator, and the voltage regulator.
An alternator is responsible for generating AC voltage. That voltage is converted into DC voltage by a rectifier. The voltage regulator ensures the output voltage matches the required voltage for the battery. And any problems in the system would trigger the error code B1006.
What Are the Causes of Harley Code B1006?
Harley Code B1006 can happen for several reasons. Here is a quick overview.
- The Electrical Diagnostics Manual (EDM) says that the main cause of this error code is a charging system malfunction. The voltage regulator is one of the most important components of the charging system. So, a problem with the regulator can cause the code to come up.
- This code will also be displayed if there is a problem with the battery. A weak or dead battery can cause faults in the system to show the error code B1006.
- Faulty wiring connections are another common reason behind this error code.
What Are the Symptoms of Harley Code B1006?
There are two common symptoms to tell you the accessory line has overvoltage.
- The lights will start flickering and dimming. At first, headlights or indicators can get dimmed. And then the instrument lights will also flicker or get dimmed. This indicates the accessory line has overvoltage.
- Engine performance is affected due to accessory line overvoltage. Besides trouble when idling, the engine might stall at some point. It means the engine isn’t getting enough electrical power to run smoothly.
How to Diagnose and Repair Code B1006?
You need to go through several steps to diagnose and repair the code. Here is a step-by-step guide to solving the problem.
Test 1: Charging System Test
The test includes testing multiple components. You can do them in the following sequence.
Step 1: Test the battery first. If the battery is weak, you must fully charge it. And if the battery is dead, you need to replace the battery.
Step 2: Check all the connections. This includes checking stator connections. All the connections should be clean and tight. If you see any signs of corrosion or loose connections, fix them.
Step 3: The next thing to check is the voltage regulator. Check whether its connections are clean and tight. Both AC and DC connectors should be fully inserted into the regulator latch.
Step 4: Then, you can check the regulator with a multimeter. If it displays a voltage in the range of 11.6V-13.8V, the regulator is working fine. Otherwise, you should replace the voltage regulator.
Step 5: Once all these steps are complete, you need to move on to the next test.
Test 2: Odometer Self Diagnostics
Step 1: There is a trip odometer reset switch under the speedometer dial. You should press and hold the switch and turn the ignition on at the same time.
Step 2: Release the reset switch. You will see ‘diag’ on the odometer display.
Step 3: Press the reset switch once again and release it. The sign will change to PSSPtb. It indicates which module is responsible for the code.
Step 4: Pressing the reset switch once will take you through the letters. The selected letter will flash continuously. In this case, you should press the switch until the b flashes.
Step 5: Then press and hold the reset switch, and you will see ‘none’ on display.
Test 3: Checking Code Reset
Step 1: After resetting the code, turn the ignition off. Then turn the engine on.
Step 2: Twist the accelerator lightly and rev the engine at 3,000 RPM for five to ten seconds.
Step 3: If there is no code visible on display, the system is working fine.
Step 4: But if the code is reset to XL, it means there is a problem with the speedometer. You should replace the speedometer as soon as possible.
Step 5: If there is XR on display, it means the tachometer is faulty. You should replace the component.
FAQs
Check the answers to some frequently asked questions about Harley Code B1006.
Q: WHAT IS THE VOLTAGE THRESHOLD FOR THE REGULATOR?
A: The output voltage should never go below 11.6 volts if the regulator works properly.
Q: CAN I DRIVE WITH CODE B1006?
A: Driving a small distance with this error code might not be a problem. But if you ignore the error code for too long, it might damage the accessories in the system.
Q: DO I NEED ANY DIAGNOSTIC TOOL TO CHECK THE ERROR CODE?
A: There is a popular myth that you will need diagnostic tools to check an error code. But that isn’t the case. You can use the built-in diagnostic system to identify the problem.
Conclusion
Diagnostic trouble codes help us identify problems associated with different systems in Harley Davidson motorcycles. But it is crucial to know the right steps to complete the diagnosis and repair. We provided a detailed guide on how to diagnose and repair Harley Code B1006.
As you have all the symptoms and the causes of the problem, it will now be easier for you to run the diagnostics and address the specific problem. Get rid of the issues by repairing the necessary components and resetting the trouble code.