Speedo erratic and cruise control not working
Speedo erratic and cruise control not working
After I got the 2000 I noticed on my first highway ride that my cruise control didn't work. Then the next time it did then it has not since. Today on my way to work I notice that my speedo is bouncing all over the place. I know that the two are related and my first thought is a loose connection. So where are all the possible places that the connections could be? I know that there is the plug on the speedo under the fairing are there any others and where are they?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
the speedo sensor is on top of the tranny and is held in place with an allen screw ( the other is the neutral switch- which screws in).
pull the speed sensor "VSS", and wipe the end with a rag- it is magnetic and will grow a beard of metal particles over the years.
Mike
pull the speed sensor "VSS", and wipe the end with a rag- it is magnetic and will grow a beard of metal particles over the years.
Mike
That didn't work for long. In fact now the speedo just quits. It started out looking good but after about 15 miles it just quit.
I had to stop for a few minutes and when I started the bike back up and got going it worked but for only a couple miles then it quit again.
I had to stop for a few minutes and when I started the bike back up and got going it worked but for only a couple miles then it quit again.
the speedo sensor is on top of the tranny and is held in place with an allen screw ( the other is the neutral switch- which screws in).
pull the speed sensor "VSS", and wipe the end with a rag- it is magnetic and will grow a beard of metal particles over the years.
Mike
pull the speed sensor "VSS", and wipe the end with a rag- it is magnetic and will grow a beard of metal particles over the years.
Mike
this may sound funny But if you take a look inside the batwing on the right side you will see the two throttle cables,just move them around and make sure they are free and when you put the wing back on make sure the are not sticking anywhere. I had the same thing happen a few weeks ago when i changed out my lights in the clocks..
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 3
From: Chicago
IMO it sure sounds like the speed sensor, aka/VSS. The sensor on my '03 EG went kaput at 35K. I had the erratic/low idle and finicky cruise control symptoms that made me suspect the speed sensor. Same thing happened to me - speedo was initially erratic then just quit. I replaced the speed sensor about 2000 miles ago and haven't had any issues since. From the research I did here on the forums cleaning it serves a temporary fix. HD part #74429-97A. You can find them on eBay between $25-$40 or $45-$55 from the stealer. Replacing it is pretty straightforward - one bolt holds it in place, one connector under the seat ties it to the harness. The tricky parts: getting an allen wrench into the tight space down by the trans and routing the wire. Took me about 1 hour including coffee breaks.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 6
From: North London, UK
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I went to the dealer and got the sensor and replaced it last night. Now the speedo seems to be working correctly but not the Cruise Control. When this happened on my 98 the switch in the handle bar had to be replaced. Are there any other options. Is there a way to test the switch before I go there?
IMO it sure sounds like the speed sensor, aka/VSS. The sensor on my '03 EG went kaput at 35K. I had the erratic/low idle and finicky cruise control symptoms that made me suspect the speed sensor. Same thing happened to me - speedo was initially erratic then just quit. I replaced the speed sensor about 2000 miles ago and haven't had any issues since. From the research I did here on the forums cleaning it serves a temporary fix. HD part #74429-97A. You can find them on eBay between $25-$40 or $45-$55 from the stealer. Replacing it is pretty straightforward - one bolt holds it in place, one connector under the seat ties it to the harness. The tricky parts: getting an allen wrench into the tight space down by the trans and routing the wire. Took me about 1 hour including coffee breaks.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
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