Speedometer problem
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 3
From: New Smyrna Beach, Fl.
Speedometer problem
Hi everyone, I have an 05 Injected Road King that I have owned since new, and have had very few issues with it until now. My speedometer started bouncing around, then just stayed on 0 all the time. I thought that maybe the speedo sensor was the problem. Nope, new sensor, still stuck on 0. Bought another sensor, still stuck on 0. Soooo, I guess it's not the sensor. Since I live in Florida, I know there's a lot of humidity and maybe moisture has gotten inside the speedo. Does anyone have any clues? Thanks for any help, Jim
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
Push and hold the reset button while turning ignition on. The older models would actually give speedometer codes and calibration number. Not sure if yours does this since Harley changed the speedometers in 2004.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 3
From: New Smyrna Beach, Fl.
Thanks, I'll try it next time I get a chance. Supposed to rain tomorrow.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Good luck.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 3
From: New Smyrna Beach, Fl.
When you do that it should also light all the lights on the speedo and the needle should make a full sweep. It's a diagnostic to determine if it is working. If it makes a full a sweep but doesn't work while riding, I would think loose/bad connection. Have you checked the plug under the speedo? A simple trick that works often on dirty plugs is to plug and unplug the connector a few times, then apply dielectric grease.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 315
Likes: 3
From: New Smyrna Beach, Fl.
So I went thru the diagnostic test and everything lit up , but the needle never moved. I did it again just to make sure, and the needle never moved. What does that mean?
Need more help.
Need more help.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,458
Likes: 2,877
From: Oklahoma
If you have the electric speedometer (sounds like you do since you replaced the sensor a couple of times) it is really an electronic tachometer that counts pulses and displays the frequency as MPH. That the needle jumped around suggests some extra pulses from a poor connection and vibration causing extra pulses and then none. While it could eventually turn out to be an internal failure, checking all of the connections involved would be a good place to start. A service manual should have wiring diagrams and color coding of wires involved. If you can't find a bad connection or broken wire, the electrical manual may be required to go deeper. Many others have traced electrical problems, especially intermittent ones, to a fatigue failed wire inside the insulation in the vicinity of the steering head tube where all of the flexing from steering takes place.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,083
Likes: 1,127
From:
Voltage fluctuation can cause a speedometer problem.
For example a bad regulator can cause an over voltage situation.
By chance are the 4 FOUR ends of your battery cables tight? each cable has two ends.
Has anybody tested voltage at battery..at rest, while cranking and at high idle?
Did someone jump start bike from a running vehicle just prior to start of problem?
Does the odometer show miles on bike?
Was the cable from speed sensor connection back towards the ECM reviewed for damage/broken wire?
Are you sure that speed sensor wires are in correct orientation at connector?
Was center console removed and flipped over to conduct a sniff test of speedometer ? Does the speedometer bottom smell like smoke?
Is the cable that plugs into back of speedometer tight? free of corrosion?
You stated "My speedometer started bouncing around, then just stayed on 0 all the time."
Does that mean it happened the ONE time and then stayed at zero or was problem ignored and repeated several times until the needle stuck at zero?
For example a bad regulator can cause an over voltage situation.
By chance are the 4 FOUR ends of your battery cables tight? each cable has two ends.
Has anybody tested voltage at battery..at rest, while cranking and at high idle?
Did someone jump start bike from a running vehicle just prior to start of problem?
Does the odometer show miles on bike?
Was the cable from speed sensor connection back towards the ECM reviewed for damage/broken wire?
Are you sure that speed sensor wires are in correct orientation at connector?
Was center console removed and flipped over to conduct a sniff test of speedometer ? Does the speedometer bottom smell like smoke?
Is the cable that plugs into back of speedometer tight? free of corrosion?
You stated "My speedometer started bouncing around, then just stayed on 0 all the time."
Does that mean it happened the ONE time and then stayed at zero or was problem ignored and repeated several times until the needle stuck at zero?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
Friend of mine had the exact same issue , turns out there was a short in the connector at the back of the speedometer . As suggested , remove it and carefully check all the pins for corrosion . Sometimes the wires can break off inside the connector at the pin . There is a special tool , or a sharpened paper clip you can use to remove the pin , do one at a time , it will make it easier for you to check each one . I hope that's all it is .... and don't forget to disconnect your battery .
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Does it add miles when you ride? If it does, my guess would be the servo that operates the needle in the speedometer has failed and you need a new speedometer. But don't go buy one on my advice. I'm often wrong
Good luck.