New Speedo/Tacho installation problem???
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario
New Speedo/Tacho installation problem???
I just purchased a new 5" speedo/tacho combo gauge from the MoCo. When I plug in the adapter to the data link connector and cycle to IGN, the new gauge comes up No CAL (as expected) and then displays the % sign with a 0 (zero). It does not copy the odometer info. Dealer allowed me to take another gauge home, not knowing what the problem could be. But, the second ones shows the same results. Anyone have any thoughts, before I take it in. FYI, the original speedo/tacho had a sticky speed needle. Sometimes I'd be cruising through town doing 180k/hr and other times I'd be speeding down the highway doing 20k/hr. Speed sensors etc were OK as I verified the odometer was always counting correctly, at a measured mile (well, measured km).
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,956
Likes: 439
From: florida
Sticky needle could be VSS wearing out, no bearing on the speedo swap. If you plugged it all up right and followed the instructions it should work. Check the troubleshooting on the instruction sheet that gives "no transfer" or something like that and it should give a next step advice. I buried my instructions somewhere.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 244
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From: Kitchener, Ontario
I think if the VSS was the issue, the odometer would also be out of whack, which it is not. Checked the troubleshooting guide and it is kind of, not very helpful. Says maybe the gauge is incompatible but, according to the dealer, the internet and my trusty VIN number I have the correct replacement. Of course it does say to try again, but I'm getting tired of that loop. I'll likely have to let the tech look at it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 244
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From: Kitchener, Ontario
Doesn't appear there was much interest in this but for the record I thought I would update. First of all, the sticky needle on my original speedo/tach was caused by the display dial (backplate) swelling in the sun causing the needle to drag/stick.
I eventually was able to get the new speedo/tach installed, but a word of caution to anyone purchasing one of these new accessory speedo/tach units from Harley. Wether 4" or 5", once you install one of these if it should fail you are kind of screwed. The issue I was having installing the new unit was that an accessory speedo/tach can not read the odometer data from another accessory speedo/tach. I didn't have the original speedo from the bike as I am a second owner, so my option was to purchase a factory set speedo for the bike, install that and then follow the instructions to install the new speedo/tach. What a rat race!! Thankfully the dealer had another bike with a factory speedo with similar mileage that came in on trade and thankfully they wanted to help me out. They took the speedo from the other bike, installed in mine, read the odometer from that into my new speedo/tach and voila, Bob's your uncle.
So, just a word of caution about these new plug and play speedo/tach's that seem to be all the rage. Keep your factory gauge! The odometer won't be right down the road, but without it you too could be screwed screwed!
I eventually was able to get the new speedo/tach installed, but a word of caution to anyone purchasing one of these new accessory speedo/tach units from Harley. Wether 4" or 5", once you install one of these if it should fail you are kind of screwed. The issue I was having installing the new unit was that an accessory speedo/tach can not read the odometer data from another accessory speedo/tach. I didn't have the original speedo from the bike as I am a second owner, so my option was to purchase a factory set speedo for the bike, install that and then follow the instructions to install the new speedo/tach. What a rat race!! Thankfully the dealer had another bike with a factory speedo with similar mileage that came in on trade and thankfully they wanted to help me out. They took the speedo from the other bike, installed in mine, read the odometer from that into my new speedo/tach and voila, Bob's your uncle.
So, just a word of caution about these new plug and play speedo/tach's that seem to be all the rage. Keep your factory gauge! The odometer won't be right down the road, but without it you too could be screwed screwed!
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Cobrajet, I think you are bang on... I'm having the same problem. my Deluxe also has a gauge with a tach built in so I'm guessing it's a accy meter... I see if the dealer will help me also but perhaps buying a used original my help...
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 244
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From: Kitchener, Ontario
If you can buy a used original equipment gauge you are all set for the switch to the new accessory speedo/tach. Or, if you know someone with a 5" speedo in their bike, you could ask to borrow their speedo?? (I don't know people so that wasn't an option for me) It's a good thing the MTO doesn't yet track mileage in Ontario!! What year is your bike? Mine is an '08 Dyna Custom so for me an '06 to 2010 was what I was looking for. Something about after 2011 they changed the way the speedo interacts with the computer so one of them would not work.
I'm OK that I have a working speedo now and quite like the options of the new "plug and play" unit. Although it cost me $300 to do the pugging and playing. That part kinda pisses me off. But the dealer did what they could and I recognize that.
I have written to Deeley so express my displeasure and suggest that they speak to Harley about the continuity of this upgrade option. I'll see if they have anything to say.
Good luck.
I'm OK that I have a working speedo now and quite like the options of the new "plug and play" unit. Although it cost me $300 to do the pugging and playing. That part kinda pisses me off. But the dealer did what they could and I recognize that.
I have written to Deeley so express my displeasure and suggest that they speak to Harley about the continuity of this upgrade option. I'll see if they have anything to say.
Good luck.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Hi,,
My Deluxe is a 2006 EFI, I just bought it about 2 weeks ago so still kinda learning my way around Harley. I was wondering if I found someone that would let me use their meter does it need to be removed from the bike or can I simply plug into the data plug to get the mileage then install into my bike,, Since the gauge is not married to the bike till after 50km
Thanks
Craig
My Deluxe is a 2006 EFI, I just bought it about 2 weeks ago so still kinda learning my way around Harley. I was wondering if I found someone that would let me use their meter does it need to be removed from the bike or can I simply plug into the data plug to get the mileage then install into my bike,, Since the gauge is not married to the bike till after 50km
Thanks
Craig
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 244
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From: Kitchener, Ontario
This is the worst part.....You need to remove from their bike, remove your stock unit, plug in their stock unit, plug in your accessory and learn the mileage, put back theirs and install your accessory. Then you need to drive your bike for 50km, Trip B will count down to lock in the new speedo to your bikes VIN. Also, it may take a fill up or two for the fuel gauge too be accurate.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 47
From: Central Florida
I think those new tach/speedo combos are really nice. There is a guy on ebay selling a used one (some used ones have already been sold) and it's not going to work on whoever's bike it is reinstalled on.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 244
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From: Kitchener, Ontario
But, yeah, I like the gauge. I screwed with the colours for about 10 minutes and ended up just leaving it as is for now.