Speedo Issue

Question First let me say, thank God for you guys. It’s great to have an alternative to being bent over by the “Stealership” wrench jockeys that are more into selling parts than anything else.

Second, I have an electrical problem and a biker friend at work suggested that you might be just The guys to ask before I start tearing into things. I have a 2007 Harley Nightrain, which is basically just a Softail, and the other day my speedometer needle went crazy and then dropped to zero while I was on the highway. Other than the speedo issue, some of the indicator lights were randomly going off and the turn signals work but won’t automatically shut off. I checked the connections under the tank console and everything looked pretty okay. I started to remove the sensor from the tranny, but it is almost impossible to get at. After messing around everything worked the next day, but then went out again. I’m guessing it’s not a fuse problem. Does any of this sound familiar, and if so am I just looking at a bad sensor or wiring issue? If it is the sensor, what is your suggestion as to getting in there as far a special tool?

Thanks much, Scott S.


AnswerScott,
It sounds like a circuit breaker is tripping either because of a bad speedo head unit or because of age. Start by replacing the breaker with a new h/d one. It should be under the seat. Use the cover to ID which one. -Wrench Safe, FMH

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19 Responses to “Speedo Issue”

  1. tony smith

    2004 fatboy speedo works sometimes dont turn ignition switch on an off 3 times then it worsks leave off for a day an it starts over again

  2. Gordon Morgan

    I have a 1981 FXEF and the speedometer quit working... I installed a new speedometer cable and now the odometer and trip meter works... The needle always bounces around 55mph ... How do I get the speedometer back to zero or do I need a new speedometer also... I was able to stick old cable in and get it turned down to 0 but as soon as I remove cable it goes back to 55... I tried to get it turned with new cable and it won't...

  3. Devin burgess

    I have a 2005 Electra glide classic and the speedometer, odometer, and tachometer have quit working. When I turn the switch to the off position the radio still stays on but if I turn the factory acc. Button to the on position and then back off my radio will then shut off. Even with the bike completely off the speedometer and tachometer will bounce around. The bike runs like normal though. I have checked every plug and wire between the speedometer and tachometer and the ecm, seems to be no kinks, bare spots or naked wires. Thank you in advance

  4. troy

    2012 streetbob. Speed, gear change fuel not tracking. Everything lights up or switches to what I am looking for but Does not track. Speed scenscor issue?

  5. Perry Dickson

    I have a 2015 Ultra Limited and the trip meter does not match the odometer. It'll be off by as much as 70 miles. Any ideas

  6. Chris

    1998 Heritage softail odometer screen bleed out , how can i replace the digital display , locate the part

  7. Patrick Hamer

    My 2005 Road Kings OEM speedometer went blank, and its burnt out after replacing the fuse. I put another one in that wasn't linked, and all the lights work so I know its getting power. I know my circuit board fried on the old one. So, I bought the combination speed/tach from Harley, $314. You have to have a working speedometer in order to install it. I told them my speedo was broke, and they sold me this one. But I can't install it because I get a NO SPD code. I'm using the data link port, and following instructions to a T! It's not the VSS,

  8. Russ Newell

    My 02 Roadking speedometer dies to 0. Odometer stops, turn signals won't self cancel, and stalls when downshift to stop. Replaced idle control sensor, problem remains. Any suggestions?

  9. robert schilling

    Oh, Hi again. Have no manual for the 03 fatboy. not sure where the speed sensor is. can you give me a clue ???

  10. robert schilling

    just asked about the speedo on the 03 Fatboy. mispelled a few words sorry.