2001 FLHTCI, 20,000 mi. Intermittent speedometer. Cleaned the sensor, no change. Bought a new sensor --not-- yet installed. I think it's a wire harness problem because, it only fails intermittently --AND--... while riding and it fails, if I lock my throttle and then use my right hand to reach the harness between the tank and the fork/fairing and then move the wire harness up and down, the speedo will function although may be only intermittently, then, when continuing to move the wire harness after a few tries the speedo will work fine for a long time, then later or the next day repeat. This happens at least once per day riding. If someone can tell me they had the exact same problem and replacing the sensor solved it, I will be happy because replacing the sensor is a lot easier than finding and repairing a wire harness problem. If it is the wire harness, any shared experiences or knowledge about how to find which wire and where the intermittent break is will be fantastic help. Thoughts? Thank you, Mike

 

I don't have an answer, but am interested to see where this goes as I have a similar problem.

 

Had a similar problem. ('01 Ultra Classic) Cleaned and later replaced the speed sensor and still intermittent. Noticed that turning to the right the speedometer would start working. Turning to the left the speedometer stopped working. That suggested a loose wire or corroded connector pins. Pulled the speedometer related connector (20A/B) apart and cleaned the contacts. Seems to be working fine now.

 

Were you throwing any diagnostic codes?

 

No, I don't have the diagnostic equipment for that. I did it the old fashion way, trial and error.

 

It probably won't throw a code for the speedo. 2001 codes are only for EFI related items. I think you have your answer if you wiggle the wires, and can get it to work, and not work. Try what luv2bike54 said. If that doesn't work the next thing is to check grounds, then individual wires for breaks/ shorts. You can go to the Harley website, under owners, and insert your VIN number. You should be able to access the schematic from there if you do not have a service manual.

 

For future reference and for others who might have this problem later, the codes I'm referring to are Onboard Speedometer Diagnostics, accessible through the speedo by holding the trip reset switch in while turning the ignition / light key switch from off to Ignition: No tools required, the codes are displayed on the speedo. This is specifically for diagnosing speedo problems, at least that's the case on my 2000 Ultra.

 

This same intermittent problem on my 01 drove me nuts. I replaced the sensor, sensor plug, the complete wire to the speedo and cleaned the plug going into the speedo. Seems to be working well this season so far. Between a broken wire in the harness and corroded plug contacts, this will drive you nuts too.