2018 Speedometer Condensation?
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 45
Likes: 31
From: Philly
I just had it happen today with temps in 90's. I've had many H-D's over the last 50+ years and expect this kind of thing at times, but today's moisture was so bad it completely fogged the instrument while riding in the direct sunlight. It was so bad I couldn't read any of the digital section and the speedo was just plain fuzzy. After about an hour of this condition and a bit of cooler temps, the misty gauge condensed and "rained" inside the lens with water droplets falling to the bottom of the lens. Called my dealer and was told it would be warranted, but H-D wants photos first (I got 3 pic's for good measure).
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,215
Likes: 595
From: Living in a van down by the river
'18 Low Rider, I get it too. My 5th HD and the first one where this has happened. It's never been washed, hasn't been in rain yet. It usually happens in the sun after being out riding for an hour or two. For me it's in the lower 1/4 of the glass, makes it hard to read the LED display. Speedo only, tach (FXLR comes with speedo and tach) is fine. I'll add it to the list for the 1k service.
-jeff
-jeff
Novice
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: Northern VA
Reiterating what a few people have said in other threads; my dealership contacted me today about the second leaky gauge and said they are working the fix but won't replace it again at this time. Mine is jacked but is still readable if I lean forward to look at it. Not ideal but it is what it is until they get the issue resolved.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 504
Likes: 192
From: Atlanta
2018 FLCHS
This is my second speedo and it has started to do exactly what is described here and exactly what happened to my first one. I think we are attributing the problem incorrectly....I have artificially heated up my speedo and found no condensation. I think it is something happening inside the speedo with the vaporization of some glue or sealant inside the speedo. I’m not sure it’s water at all.....it leaves behind too much residue to be water.
This is my second speedo and it has started to do exactly what is described here and exactly what happened to my first one. I think we are attributing the problem incorrectly....I have artificially heated up my speedo and found no condensation. I think it is something happening inside the speedo with the vaporization of some glue or sealant inside the speedo. I’m not sure it’s water at all.....it leaves behind too much residue to be water.
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 72
Likes: 34
From: Alton Bay, New Hampshire
I have a Low Rider (2018) and it does it in Both Gauges. Only In the hot sun. Goes away in the shade or in the Garage. Leaves no Residue. Wonder if it's Gasoline fumes. Mine has never been in the rain or washed with anything other than a spray Detailer. Fogs about the bottom 1/2" with 3 or 4 drips on the bottom. I have never had this problem in any Harley I have owned. I have to say what a Dumb *** place for the Gauges. Try watching your speed on in heavy congested areas, Impossible. Got pulled over By Squam Lake for doing 50 in a 30. Officer let me go with a verbal. He was young enough to be my Grandson. I don't wear a helmet so the wind noise is louder than the engine or exhaust.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 504
Likes: 192
From: Atlanta
I am going to try an experiment...... next time the condensation appears, I'm going to remove my gas cap and see if pressure relief might affect gas vapors to speedo IF,IF,IF that is a possible cause.