Speedometer/odometer cutting out
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 26
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From: Mount Holly Springs, PA
Speedometer/odometer cutting out
I have a 2003 Dyna Wide Glide and recently the speedometer and odometer have been cutting out while riding. Sometimes they will come back on, sometimes not. Sometimes after I shut the bike off and start it back up after awhile they will work but sooner or later they cut out again. While the bike runs fine it is leaving me without turn signals, horn and I suspect my rear brake lights in the rear turn signals (main one still functions, I think). I can't seem to locate a loose wire and am starting to think it may be the module going bad. Any thoughts and help would be appreciated!
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 862
Likes: 2
From: WI
It's one bolt to pull the sensor, and, on the dyna, it shouldn't be too difficult to get to (as opposed to the sportsters - holy crap!). Clean the tip off - it's magnetic, and any metal shavings that stick on there can keep it from working properly.
If that is causing your issue, it's a very quick and free thing you can do yourself...
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 26
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From: Mount Holly Springs, PA
Thanks !
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll take a look at both the speedo sensor and the battery terminals and let you know what I find and if it solves the problem. Again thanks for the insight !
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 800
Likes: 408
From: Middle Tennessee
Same thing happened on my 03 Super Glide. Speedo would come and go. i could wiggle the key or turn the bike off and back on and make my speedo come back on. It turned out to be a faulty ignition switch in my case.
If it is bad, it will strand you if you do not replace it.
It appeared to be a common problem from the amount of switches my dealer sold.
I ended up buying a switch from drag specialties that was much cheaper than the HD switch. An easy fix on my FXD with the switch under the seat. Probably a little more work with your switch in the console.
If it is bad, it will strand you if you do not replace it.
It appeared to be a common problem from the amount of switches my dealer sold.
I ended up buying a switch from drag specialties that was much cheaper than the HD switch. An easy fix on my FXD with the switch under the seat. Probably a little more work with your switch in the console.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 26
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From: Mount Holly Springs, PA
Hoping that the problem is solved!
I checked the battery cables to make sure they were tight and then pulled the speedo sensor and cleaned it off with a rag (should I have used anything else?). The speedo/odometer came on about a mile down the road with all other aforementioned items working and stayed on. Came right on after getting gas and then after letting the bike rest for 6 hours, it stayed on all the way home (30 miles). I'm hoping that this solves my problem and that it doesn't creep up again, otherwise I guess I will have to look into the ignition switch. Hopefully that won't be the case, however I am still confused as to why the turn signals, horn and auxiliary brake lights weren't functioning. I guess I will have to keep my fingers crossed and keep riding to see if it stays working. Thanks for all the suggestions, I really appreciate not having to take it into the shop, especially if it turns out to be just a dirty speedo sensor. One last question - is it normal to have metal shavings clinging to the speedo sensor, and if so where are they being generated from? The bike does have 60,000 + miles on it so I expect same natural wear and tear. I change all of the fluids religiously every 5k and use synthetics all around. I would think that after the break-in period many moons ago I wouldn't see a lot of metal shavings but I could be wrong, won't be the first or the last time!
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: MD just outside DC
A bunch of us are having a similar set of problems in the softail sections. You should check out the thread there is a set of things people are checking but mainly it is all in the battery harness or senors related to that.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 26
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From: Mount Holly Springs, PA
Looks like it is the Ignition Switch after all
So I go to start up my bike and I noticed that when I turned the switch ALL the way to the right , no odometer, speedometer & speedo backlight. I accidentally bump it a hair back towards center and it all comes on. Talk about a Eureka moment! I wiggled it back and forth a couple of times to make sure and sure enough that seems to be the problem. I pulled the console off to see if anything was loose and it doesn't feel like it so I called the local dealership to see if they can get me a switch already keyed to my bike keys, waiting to hear back from them on how much. I know there are new switches on JP for under $30 but I have the 2003 "Gold Key" that came with the package when I bought the bike new in Sep '02. Thankfully I still have all the paperwork which included the key code. Depending on how long it will take and how much $$ it will cost I might just go ahead and order one from JP so as not to worry about getting stranded if/when it fails.
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Shelley Shumaker
Dyna Glide Models
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Sep 12, 2012 08:06 AM