Speedometer/Tachometer Install
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 8
From: Yorba Linda, CA
Speedometer/Tachometer Install
Just finished installing a 5 inch combo speedometer/tachometer in my 2006 FXD. The first time I put it in, a "VIN" error came on the screen indicating the unit had already been "married" to another bike. Just what I needed. So I take a pic and head off to my trusty H-D dealer and they say I have to have the techs take a look at it. Anyway, came home, re-installed it, and VOILA, it worked. Not sure why that happened and it makes me think this unit could have an issue or two or three. I am going to take a ride tomorrow to get in the 31.5 miles it takes to "marry" the unit to my bike and see what happens. Very strange and you know how H-D is about electrical items. Hope I don't get screwed considering how expensive that gauge is. Any of you all with a similar gauge experience?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,598
From: Danbury CT
Probably wasn't communicating with the ECM as maybe a connector wasn't plugged all the way in the first time. If it works now you're good to go. Use dielectric grease on all connectors.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 273
From: Minnesota
It's an almost universal issue with all electronic speed/odo/tach installs that's decades old now,, when it's a used unit that's been previously married to another vehicle.
It's a legal issue preventing fraud.
The old scam was to pull the speed/odometer out of a newer "totaled" ride with low miles and place it in an old high mileage vehicle so you could ask a higher price for the "low mileage" older ride.
There are legitimate reasons and work arounds like the OP has done.
You'll find that after you have ridin the miles needed to marry the clean speedo/tach to the new rides ecm,, that your original mileage will be displayed on the odometer,, it's not going to start clocking mileage from "0" again.
I'm surprised folks don't know this.
It's a legal issue preventing fraud.
The old scam was to pull the speed/odometer out of a newer "totaled" ride with low miles and place it in an old high mileage vehicle so you could ask a higher price for the "low mileage" older ride.
There are legitimate reasons and work arounds like the OP has done.
You'll find that after you have ridin the miles needed to marry the clean speedo/tach to the new rides ecm,, that your original mileage will be displayed on the odometer,, it's not going to start clocking mileage from "0" again.
I'm surprised folks don't know this.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 273
From: Minnesota
No, it wasn't a bad connection,, it was married to the other vehicle and your ecm told you so, you got it legitimately cleaned/reset.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 8
From: Yorba Linda, CA
I'll be darn. Sounds like that should be illegal or something. You think it was on the other vehicle for less than 31.5 miles?
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 8
From: Yorba Linda, CA
Get this.....The gear indicator works, but according to the instruction sheet, this function is not available to 2007 and earlier models (mine is an 06).
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,598
From: Danbury CT
If it was married to another vehicle it would not work on his vehicle at all. It was a VIN error because it did not connect properly. He probably did not have the connectors pushed in properly