Speedometer stopped working
Stage II
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, Florida
Faulty Speedometer
Ok, I have seen many replies to the problem with blowing the fuse for the speedometer, brake light and turn signals. I have been having this problem on my 2003 Super Glide. My speedometer was getting locked up at last speed when my fuse blew. I finally tore this thing apart. It seems that the problem with mine was that the wires that are run from the rear turn signals and plug into the tail light had been wore thru. Both the positive and negative wire were bare and after a few minutes of riding were shorting out the bike and blowing the fuse. There is hardly no clearance room bwtween the rear fender and the wheel. Road grim could wear these wires down but I am not certain if that was the reason they were bare. We removed the tail lights and ran new wires to the tail light using the original connectors. We also took the upper bolt out that holds the license tag and made a clamp to fit on it to hold the wires in a more secure fashion.
So far so good on the road. I hope this helps others with the same problem.
So far so good on the road. I hope this helps others with the same problem.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: California
I just got my first HD. It's a '96 fxds-conv, with a similar issue. FXD2003Rider mentioned that he pulled the speed sensor and cleaned it. Where should I be looking for this speed sensor? I'm assuming that this is the first step, then secondly looking under the seat at a connection mentioned there by roofer.
My needle sits at 0, but bounces a few mph while riding. The digital odometer/trip diplay is usually blank, but again sometimes I'll get a zero, or some value, to blink while riding. My first guess would be a bad wiring connection. Thanks.
My needle sits at 0, but bounces a few mph while riding. The digital odometer/trip diplay is usually blank, but again sometimes I'll get a zero, or some value, to blink while riding. My first guess would be a bad wiring connection. Thanks.
I just got my first HD. It's a '96 fxds-conv, with a similar issue. FXD2003Rider mentioned that he pulled the speed sensor and cleaned it. Where should I be looking for this speed sensor? I'm assuming that this is the first step, then secondly looking under the seat at a connection mentioned there by roofer.
My needle sits at 0, but bounces a few mph while riding. The digital odometer/trip diplay is usually blank, but again sometimes I'll get a zero, or some value, to blink while riding. My first guess would be a bad wiring connection. Thanks.
My needle sits at 0, but bounces a few mph while riding. The digital odometer/trip diplay is usually blank, but again sometimes I'll get a zero, or some value, to blink while riding. My first guess would be a bad wiring connection. Thanks.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,279
Likes: 1,138
From: southeast PA
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FXD2003 was being nice and did the legwork for you, but you can look up the part here: http://www.shopronniesharleydavidson...partfinder.htm
FXD2003 was being nice and did the legwork for you, but you can look up the part here: http://www.shopronniesharleydavidson...partfinder.htm
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: California
So I cleaned off the speed sensor and it didn't appear to do anything. I checked the connection under the seat and it felt ok. The connections on the back of the speedo are tight. Here's a quick vid(sorry sideways): http://www.mediafire.com/watch/2i3d7...173510_079.mp4 when I turn the ignition, the backlight is on, but no display and when I'm riding, the needle just bounces a little.
Last edited by barfcark; Aug 4, 2014 at 12:21 AM.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: California
Thanks 128auto. I just went through checking the 3-wire plug. It's all good. Each wire had continuity through the plug/connection. I turned on power and was reading 6.5vdc on the white wire, 8vdc on the red wire and 0vdc on black. I was reading these values on the speedometer side of this plug/connection under the seat. I'm not sure where to go from here. Should I attempt to remove the speedometer and check voltages there? I'm not sure what voltage to expect on the terminals though. So I wouldn't know what is correct. Thanks again for all the tips so far.