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Fuel Gauge Problem

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Old Apr 14, 2013 | 11:52 PM
  #1  
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Default Fuel Gauge Problem

After a nice 250 mile ride I got home and took my daughter out for dinner on the bike and on the way home the reserve/low fuel light came on and the gauge light went out. I figured burned out bulb. i stopped under a traffic light and discovered the fuel level was near empty. At the next light the gauge was flat on the E so I pulled in for fuel and found it only down 2 gallons but still the warning light was flashing and the gauge pegged E. I pulled it out and fiddled with the wires and it came back to life. Moments latter it was dead again. At home I played with it again and nothing brought it back to life.
Looks like a visit to the dealer for a warranty call.
Bob
 
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Old Apr 15, 2013 | 06:33 AM
  #2  
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PKellyMc
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From: PacNW; Beacon of Conservatism in a Sea of Liberals.......AZ Snowbird; Just another Conservative
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Donno what's so difficult for MoCo to design a gauge that's reliable, accurate and linear. I loved the gas gauge in my old Z-car that had a mini analog gauge for the last 1/4 tank set within, and distinct from the main gas gauge; think trip meter set below odometer.
 
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Old Apr 15, 2013 | 10:58 AM
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I chaulk it up to spit happens. I would really like to hear from guys who have had this problem, was it the gauge, the wiring, some sort of sensor, or something else.
I accept it if it is a defective part issue, if it is a wiring issue that is inexcusable.
Bob
 
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Old Apr 15, 2013 | 10:58 PM
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bob
I had the same thing happen to me. the fuel level sensor acts up causing the problem. they replaced it under warranty. after I replaced the speedometer with the new speedometer & tach combo I found the fuel gauge in that unit more accurate than the tank unit.
 
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Old Apr 15, 2013 | 11:33 PM
  #5  
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efexdeedoubleyougee
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What did you change/do when you fiddled with the wiring and it came back for a second? Seems to me that if it came back for a minute there's a loose connection somewhere. On the harness connector under the tank, when you pull it apart, are the male pins in the connector bent or in bad shape at all?
 
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Old Apr 16, 2013 | 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by efexdeedoubleyougee
What did you change/do when you fiddled with the wiring and it came back for a second? Seems to me that if it came back for a minute there's a loose connection somewhere. On the harness connector under the tank, when you pull it apart, are the male pins in the connector bent or in bad shape at all?
That was my first thought, a loose connection. What I did was pull the gauge and press on the connection on the gauge (boy not even enough extra length in the wiring to remove the gauge more than .25" off the tank) I could barely fit my fat Italian fingers under it.
I will search for the connector under the tank, where exactly is it?
Bob
 
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Old Apr 16, 2013 | 03:45 PM
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Really? A Harley with a fuel gauge problem? lololol The only thing that would be odd about that is if it DIDNT have a fuel gauge problem!
 
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Old Apr 16, 2013 | 06:01 PM
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Originally Posted by DesertDyna
Really? A Harley with a fuel gauge problem? lololol The only thing that would be odd about that is if it DIDNT have a fuel gauge problem!
LMAO!!! I guess it would be like a Dyna without a wobble right? DUH!
What's funny (or not depending on your sense of humor on these sort of things) is I spoke with Brian at Old Road HD and he confirmed that they have had some issues involving the fuel guage but nothing specific like they all being a defective gauge. Seems to run the gammit of gauge, wiring, connection, and sending unit. He said from my description it sounded like the gauge was shorting itself out somehow. Either way he assured me it would be no big deal to resolve quickly and under warranty. I am really happy with their service department as well as the dealership overall.
Bob
 

Last edited by HYPR; Apr 16, 2013 at 06:13 PM.
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Old Jul 19, 2013 | 02:02 AM
  #9  
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Default fat bob fuel issue

Here is my problem, I have a 2013 fat bob and since day one it only gets 159 miles to a five gallon tank. At first I thought there maybe some break-in, but after first schedule maint. I still have the same issue. I have waited several times until the low fuel warining is displayed and it still will only take 3.5 gallons. I have even ran it out of gas and still no joy. I took it to the harley dealer and everything checks fine but they realize it is not right but they are at a lost.
 
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Old Jul 19, 2013 | 08:45 AM
  #10  
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From: sand mountain Alabama
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The Dyna bike fuel gauge sucks.
i also went with a speedo/tac combo and found the gauge is better.
 
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