Speedometer 1998 FXDWG
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 67
From: Hooterville, Fl.
Speedometer 1998 FXDWG
Hello All,
First off! I always go to the evo section to check the posts when I sign on because of the knowledge and no-nonsense BS in this section. Haven't posted here in a while though.
Last week my speedometer and odometer just suddenly quit working on the way to work. Last weekend I removed the sensor from the top of the trans and cleaned it. There was quite a bit of small shavings and debris on it. I also followed all the wires and found the plug connections using my service manual and parts book. I disconnected them and made sure of no corrosion or possibly a bad connection or pinched wire. I also removed my instrument panel from the tank and disconnected those connections and reconnected looking for any possible cause. I found nothing. After doing all that, I cranked the bike and while idling the odometer is lit up. I could throttle up the engine and the odometer would go out. Thursday on the way home from work, I had to brake fairly hard and noticed the speedo started working, but as soon as I gave it throttle it quit working again. I would brake hard yesterday just to see what would happen and the same thing only it would read about 20 mph while traveling down the highway. Even stranger, today on the way home from work, it started working perfectly again at any speed.
Here is what I think! You experts tell me if you think I am on the right track.
At first I was thinking that it was a pinched wire that was intermittently making contact, but now I am thinking that the sensor still had some debris on it from the pick up and it has cleared itself today. What do you guys think?
First off! I always go to the evo section to check the posts when I sign on because of the knowledge and no-nonsense BS in this section. Haven't posted here in a while though.
Last week my speedometer and odometer just suddenly quit working on the way to work. Last weekend I removed the sensor from the top of the trans and cleaned it. There was quite a bit of small shavings and debris on it. I also followed all the wires and found the plug connections using my service manual and parts book. I disconnected them and made sure of no corrosion or possibly a bad connection or pinched wire. I also removed my instrument panel from the tank and disconnected those connections and reconnected looking for any possible cause. I found nothing. After doing all that, I cranked the bike and while idling the odometer is lit up. I could throttle up the engine and the odometer would go out. Thursday on the way home from work, I had to brake fairly hard and noticed the speedo started working, but as soon as I gave it throttle it quit working again. I would brake hard yesterday just to see what would happen and the same thing only it would read about 20 mph while traveling down the highway. Even stranger, today on the way home from work, it started working perfectly again at any speed.
Here is what I think! You experts tell me if you think I am on the right track.
At first I was thinking that it was a pinched wire that was intermittently making contact, but now I am thinking that the sensor still had some debris on it from the pick up and it has cleared itself today. What do you guys think?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 20
From: Eagle River WI
I think your close When was the last time you changed your trany fluid ? The way electronics act up I would even disconnect the bat + term for several minutes It still could be a bad speedo after all this diagnosising
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 67
From: Hooterville, Fl.
Thanks for the reply George! I change my trans fluid every time I change my engine oil. I use Mobil 1 75-90 syn. I haven't tried disconnecting the battery, but have disconnected all the connectors to the speedo and dash panel.
The self canceling turn signals was not affected, they continued to work like normal and had no other symptoms besides the speedo not working.
Any other ideas and tests to try anyone?
The self canceling turn signals was not affected, they continued to work like normal and had no other symptoms besides the speedo not working.
Any other ideas and tests to try anyone?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
You either have a bad/intermitent connection(don't forget the grounds) as you suspected, the needle is loose, or the head is going bad. You are obviously getting an impulse to the speedometer or the self-cancelling would not work. The light is on a different circuit if I remember correctly, so check to ensure that you are getting 12 volts to the speedometer. Hope this helps.
Last edited by miacycles; Jul 20, 2009 at 07:25 PM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 67
From: Hooterville, Fl.
Thanks John,
I was hoping you would jump in here, but did not want to call you down.
I will check the voltage. Those intermittent problems can be a real PIA. On the way home Saturday it worked, so I will see what I have on the way to work tomorrow.
I have chased grounds before and found that was a problem when my head light would trip the breaker on high beam. Now since you mentioned it, a few months ago I I did add a ground wire to an existing bolt under the seat for an accessory plug. I will have to check that also.
Thanks again!
Mike
I was hoping you would jump in here, but did not want to call you down.
I will check the voltage. Those intermittent problems can be a real PIA. On the way home Saturday it worked, so I will see what I have on the way to work tomorrow.
I have chased grounds before and found that was a problem when my head light would trip the breaker on high beam. Now since you mentioned it, a few months ago I I did add a ground wire to an existing bolt under the seat for an accessory plug. I will have to check that also.
Thanks again!
Mike
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,699
Likes: 15
From: Qualicum Beach, B.C. CAN
Hope you find the source, Mike.
I had to actually change out the sender on mine when I first got it. Had the shavings on it, and was intermittent. Cleaning just wouldn't fix it.
My brother's fighting this on his Sporty too.
(I learned what the problem was right here on HDF!)
I had to actually change out the sender on mine when I first got it. Had the shavings on it, and was intermittent. Cleaning just wouldn't fix it.
My brother's fighting this on his Sporty too.
(I learned what the problem was right here on HDF!)
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 200
Likes: 2
From: manitoba canada
hey wide.on my 98,my speedo needle would jump up and down while driving.sometimes even go right down to zero.i took the sensor out and like you i had some filings on it.i cleaned them up and tried again.still same chit.so tonight i took the speedo wire connector apart to check it.it looked good. then i put dielectric grease in the connector.i followed it up to the speedo.checked everything there.all looked good.i remember somewhere in a thread here about someone saying check the ignition switch,so i did.what i found was some green in the middle connector.so some emery cloth and dielectric grease we tried it.now i only tried it tonight but no jumping.i'm not saying its your problem but maybe check that out.i sure hope that it fixed my problem and maybe yours??take care.
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Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 67
From: Hooterville, Fl.
Thanks Uncle Bo! I read your post this morning and before work, I pulled the dash and disconnected the ignition switch plug, sanded the terminals and put them back on. I did not have any dielectric grease so I just reconnected it. It did not make a difference. I will pick up some dielectric grease and try that.
How about you? Have you had a chance to ride to see if it fixed yours?
How about you? Have you had a chance to ride to see if it fixed yours?
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,344
Likes: 67
From: Hooterville, Fl.
Hope you find the source, Mike.
I had to actually change out the sender on mine when I first got it. Had the shavings on it, and was intermittent. Cleaning just wouldn't fix it.
My brother's fighting this on his Sporty too.
(I learned what the problem was right here on HDF!)
I had to actually change out the sender on mine when I first got it. Had the shavings on it, and was intermittent. Cleaning just wouldn't fix it.
My brother's fighting this on his Sporty too.
(I learned what the problem was right here on HDF!)
Hey Dale! Haven't heard from ya in awhile. I tend to think my sender is good because my turn signals are auto canceling. I still believe it is a bad connection some where and will keep searching.
Have you made your reservations for the Florida Rally yet?