97 wide glide speedo/odo stopped working
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Stage II
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Newport Beach, CA
97 wide glide speedo/odo stopped working
Hi guys, I've searched this site before posting to narrow down possible culprits as to why my speedo/odometer quit working on my 97 fxdwg with orig speedometer.
Two weeks ago I was riding on the hwy at about 70mph when I looked down at the exact time the speedo dropped to zero and the odo (digital) stopped displaying mileage. It hasn't worked since. The speedo/odo still light up with the backlights but no mileage is displayed.
After reading these forums it appeared as though I needed a new VSS which I've swapped out and it didn't solve it.
I've checked the fuses and they all function. There are four metal capped fuses but not sure if any have to do with the functionality of the speedo and odo.
Other than having to buy a new speedo are there any other areas to look at to fix? I've pulled the speedo and checked the connections but they seem fine.
Any tips will be greatly appreciated as new speedos are $500. Harley doesn't even make mine anymore as it's an obsolete part but I've found a dealer that has one left in stock. I really don't want to go aftermarket because I like the look of the original. Another question I have is if I did spring for the new speedo, will it display 0 miles or the current mileage on my bike (≈11,000)
Two weeks ago I was riding on the hwy at about 70mph when I looked down at the exact time the speedo dropped to zero and the odo (digital) stopped displaying mileage. It hasn't worked since. The speedo/odo still light up with the backlights but no mileage is displayed.
After reading these forums it appeared as though I needed a new VSS which I've swapped out and it didn't solve it.
I've checked the fuses and they all function. There are four metal capped fuses but not sure if any have to do with the functionality of the speedo and odo.
Other than having to buy a new speedo are there any other areas to look at to fix? I've pulled the speedo and checked the connections but they seem fine.
Any tips will be greatly appreciated as new speedos are $500. Harley doesn't even make mine anymore as it's an obsolete part but I've found a dealer that has one left in stock. I really don't want to go aftermarket because I like the look of the original. Another question I have is if I did spring for the new speedo, will it display 0 miles or the current mileage on my bike (≈11,000)
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 52
From: Ottawa Canada
Not sure what a VSS is , but did you check your speed sensor, sometimes a cleaning will solve it, as for new speedo it will say zero miles but the dealer or HD can program the correct mileage for you, you could also look for one on Ebay for a used one with mileage that is close to yours
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 931
Likes: 112
From: Oregon
Not sure what a VSS is , but did you check your speed sensor, sometimes a cleaning will solve it, as for new speedo it will say zero miles but the dealer or HD can program the correct mileage for you, you could also look for one on Ebay for a used one with mileage that is close to yours
OP,
I would have your speed sensor checked first. About a year ago I had the same thing happen on my 99 WG. I assumed that it was the speedo and immediately popped for a new Autometer Speedo/tach combo. If you go this route make sure that they set the mileage before they ship it. The dealership cannot do this they have to be set from the factory. I learned this the hard way. I had to take mine back off and send it back to set the odometer.
In my case it was actually the speed sensor that had been smoked by a short in the harness. Fixed the harness and replaced the speed sensor all is good to go now.
I would have your speed sensor checked first. About a year ago I had the same thing happen on my 99 WG. I assumed that it was the speedo and immediately popped for a new Autometer Speedo/tach combo. If you go this route make sure that they set the mileage before they ship it. The dealership cannot do this they have to be set from the factory. I learned this the hard way. I had to take mine back off and send it back to set the odometer.
In my case it was actually the speed sensor that had been smoked by a short in the harness. Fixed the harness and replaced the speed sensor all is good to go now.
Thread Starter
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Stage II
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Newport Beach, CA
Not sure what a VSS is , but did you check your speed sensor, sometimes a cleaning will solve it, as for new speedo it will say zero miles but the dealer or HD can program the correct mileage for you, you could also look for one on Ebay for a used one with mileage that is close to yours
VSS = vehicle speed sensor
Yes, first tried a cleaning as it had some metal shavings on it but not too bad. After that didn't work I bought a new one and still no dice.
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