Fuel Gauge
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: clayton, NC
Fuel Gauge
Any Ideas on a lazy fuel gauge 2004 Ultra Classic. It stays on full till I get about 89 to 100 miles on a tank then drops Quickly down to 1/2 tank then quickly drops the last half of the tank when it starts moving im down to 2 to 2.5 gallons. when the light finaly comes on im down to better be at a gas station within 5 miles. light came on, it started to buck a little I went 2 miles to an exit and put 5.2 Gallons in a 5 gallon tank!
I have an extened warrinty and the dealer put a sending unit in the tank but did not fix the problem. I took it back and called to check on it yesterday and they said it was almost ready they changed the sending unit...... I asked If they checked the Gauge and they said they would call me back..... No call and thay close on wensdays. I will be there in the moring but any Ideas? I checked the wiring diagram there are 3 parts to the circut Sending unit, Gauge, and wiring harness.
I have an extened warrinty and the dealer put a sending unit in the tank but did not fix the problem. I took it back and called to check on it yesterday and they said it was almost ready they changed the sending unit...... I asked If they checked the Gauge and they said they would call me back..... No call and thay close on wensdays. I will be there in the moring but any Ideas? I checked the wiring diagram there are 3 parts to the circut Sending unit, Gauge, and wiring harness.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 4
From: pittsburgh, pa
I have an '04 Ultra with the EXACT same problem/symptoms. I like to refer to the low fuel light as the "f--k you" light, 'cause I have roughly 3/10th's of a gallon left when it comes on-if I'm lucky! I have my bike in for spring service right now with my indie, and he thinks that the float wire may need adjusted. He's going to pull the tank and work on it, and doesn't believe it has anything to dow with the sending unit, purely an issue of having an adjustment made. I should have the bike back in a day or two, so I'll get back to you and let you know what he comes up with.
Mike
Mike
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 4
From: pittsburgh, pa
BTW-I am not saying you don't have electrical issues with your fuel gauge system. If you're under warranty, by all means have them investigate it. But if they don't find any issues in the electrical area, then you need to look elsewhere.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
You just can't count on the darn things.
I use my odometer and have a good idea of my typical fuel consumption.
So the fuel gauge is a guideline.
And it sounds like whether you wanted or not, you already have figured out in your head what the readings on the gauge really mean.
Mike
I use my odometer and have a good idea of my typical fuel consumption.
So the fuel gauge is a guideline.
And it sounds like whether you wanted or not, you already have figured out in your head what the readings on the gauge really mean.
Mike
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
Had an issue with my 11 RKC never reading full. They replaced the sending unit yesterday and all seems fine now. That may be your problem, not sure. It has never read full from day 1 until now.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: clayton, NC
well 2ed new sending unit seams to have fixed it, time will tell.
But when I picked it up my AUX imput did not work? WTF
Well the Tech said if it did not swap to AUX when pluged in the radio was shot!!!! glad I have that Warrintee
Now they are ordering me a new Radio.... The modle I have is discontinued so I guess I am getting an upgraded radio
I would just swap it out but no after market have the CB or Intercom built in. They said the radio would have cost 999.99 without the warrintee Between the radio and fuel sending unit the warrintee is paid for now
But when I picked it up my AUX imput did not work? WTF
Well the Tech said if it did not swap to AUX when pluged in the radio was shot!!!! glad I have that Warrintee
Now they are ordering me a new Radio.... The modle I have is discontinued so I guess I am getting an upgraded radio
I would just swap it out but no after market have the CB or Intercom built in. They said the radio would have cost 999.99 without the warrintee Between the radio and fuel sending unit the warrintee is paid for now
Trending Topics
Novice
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Fort Drum, NY
Glad you got good use out of that warranty.
My '04 Ultra's fuel gauge does the same thing. Boy did the pucker factor kick in this past summer on my return trip from a 2 day ride with my wife while home on R&R. Cruising through a NY state forest on my way back from Lake Placid the gauge dropped quick and I ended up riding for 15 miles with the fuel light on before finally coming to a lone gas station in the middle of nowhere. My motor doesn't get great mileage to start with (33-37mpg) and cell coverage sucked. I definitely learned a lesson to always top off the tank before starting a new leg, no matter what that stupid gauge says.
My '04 Ultra's fuel gauge does the same thing. Boy did the pucker factor kick in this past summer on my return trip from a 2 day ride with my wife while home on R&R. Cruising through a NY state forest on my way back from Lake Placid the gauge dropped quick and I ended up riding for 15 miles with the fuel light on before finally coming to a lone gas station in the middle of nowhere. My motor doesn't get great mileage to start with (33-37mpg) and cell coverage sucked. I definitely learned a lesson to always top off the tank before starting a new leg, no matter what that stupid gauge says.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Novice
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: South Central Indiana
Not sure this will help, but my 05 RKC had a similar problem a couple years ago. Took it to the stealer to get some other warranty stuff done. Told them about the fuel gauge and they said not under warranty but the float was hanging up on the side of the tank. Charged me to fix it (SURPRISED??) not me... Might be worth checking to see if the float is touching the tank and hanging up.. Good Luck. BTW mine still not like it was before and how the hell does it get bent or banged around to where it is binding up on the tank??