Harley Speed Sensor

By Dennis Santopietro & filed under Harley Tips.

Question Actually 2 things on my mind. Speedo works when it wants but only at highway speeds and again randomly. Now blinkers are starting too work intermittently. Any ideas? Don’t believe both switches would go at same time, Short maybe or relay. Not sure and I would appreciate any ideas.

Answer Might be a failing Harley speed sensor. Remove the sensor and see if it needs to be cleaned. Sometimes, fine metal shavings or or a paste like film from normal transmission wear can cover the end of the sensor. This will cause the sensor to work intermittently or not at all. You will find that your turn signal problem is linked to your speedo issue. Your speed sensor reports to your module, information, that is used for signal cancellation based on distance/speed. Check your speedo head for stored diagnostic trouble codes. If your problem is not a bad speed sensor, it may be a bad TSSM (turn signal security module ). If you can pull any codes from your speedo head, it will aid in helping you make a quicker, more accurate diagnosis.


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119 Responses to “Harley Speed Sensor”
  1. Jim
    Jim

    I have a problem with my 2006 Heritage Classic. While on a ride today when I was just cruising it would just quit running. I would pull over,, sit for a few minutes & then it would start. Rode for 4 or 5 miles & it stops again. Sat for a couple minutes & it started. Happened I think 6 times & finally made it home. Any ideas on what to look for. Thanks for any help.

    Reply
      • Dan
        Dan

        Had exactly the same problem, riding along and the bike would just quit. Check the crank position sensor, take it out and clean it off. You will eventually have to change it.

        Reply
    • Don Melcher
      Don Melcher

      My 02 Dyna wide glide had the same problem. It stopped registering speed and turn signals would not cancel. Got a new speed sensor and cleared up my problem.

      Reply
    • Clinton Wallace
      Clinton Wallace

      Had the same problem on my 2000 ultra. Had to change to what my mechanic called a maxi fuse. The one under the seat left side that has the starter wires to it. Have not had the issue of dying at highway speed since. Ran me all of 15 dollars. Good choice for me. Hope this helps, respectfully Peanut

      Reply
    • Ryan Gatto
      Ryan Gatto

      Hi John, It’s near the end of your starter, looking from the right side of your m/c.

      Reply
  4. Ken
    Ken

    i can’t find out how to replace the rear directional bar on my Heritage Soft Tail….!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Customer Service Techs
      Customer Service Techs

      Hi, Ken. We have not filed this repair, but it is simple. Unplug your turn signals from behind your signal bar, or from inside your taillight (depending on the year of your Heritage). Use a small 1/2″socket, or a ratcheting box wrench to remove the two retaining bolts from inside the fender. It is, usually best to clean and reuse your stock hardware. Reinstall with red Loctite.

      Reply
  5. Jac Kirkpatrick
    Jac Kirkpatrick

    Hi, just went through somewhat the same thing. Also heard about the filings, etc. FIRST AND FOREMOST – check your battery cables. Mine were loose, and now tightened, everything is working well. Had to wait 10 days to get the bike in, when I could have checked them myself in 30 mins.

    Reply
  6. Adam James
    Adam James

    I have a 1999 Night Train that has the same symptoms as the subject . It does pop an error code on the speedo even though it is a carburated bike. The system says all clear, but it will not show mileage until I get going. I have replaced the speed sensor and get the same result as before. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  7. Gene Athey
    Gene Athey

    I just bought a 04 Fatboy. The right turn signal don’t work, but the left works fine. The speedometer dose not work, when I turn the ignition on the needle wiggles a little, when I turn to Access the needle goes all the way around and points straight down. I have checked for error codes, and it says none. where is the speed sensor located on my bike

    Reply
    • Customer Service Techs
      Customer Service Techs

      Hi, Gene. Usually, when your speed sensor is bad, your signals work but do not cancel. Sounds like you have two problems. Not so sure that your speedo issue and your signal issue are being caused by the same problem. Your speedo may be no good. For your signal issue. Would suggest getting out a test light to see where you do, or do not have voltage. If you have nothing at the bulb contacts, find the plug for your right side switch housings. Test to see if you have triggered voltage when you depress the right side signal switch. Should be looking for a white wire with a brown tracer.

      Reply
      • Gene
        Gene

        Thanks for the info. I have cleaned the speed sensor, no change so I ordered another speedometer. I will be checking for voltage to the switch today. Thanks again for the help.

        Reply
  9. Scott
    Scott

    Is my stator faulty ? In your video you stated that it should show around 3 ohms of resistance, but mine is only between .5 and .8 ohms when I tested resistance in the two holes in the plug that goes into the motor to the staor. The battery is around 13 volts and it shows 14 when I rev up
    The motor.

    Reply
  10. Kalani
    Kalani

    Where is the Crank Position Sensor located on a 2008 Road King and how do you remove it?

    Reply
  11. Lee
    Lee

    Hey I have 2006/softail standard the owner put handlebars and grips which caused grounded wires in handlebars which started about them with issues it seems to been a fuel.pump issue and now won’t fire or fuel example plugs out in wires would fire if u grounded as u would normally on jug it would not fire at. All any help b grateful

    Reply
  12. Mitchel
    Mitchel

    I was driving earlier the bike was fine now it’s 10:55 p.m. and when I turn my engine on the transmission symbol turned on and everytime I accelerate with the throttle it only stops to 2000 RPM what could be the problem please help I’m stuck

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hi, Mitchel. We would be happy to assist you; we just need some more information. What is the make/year/model of your motorcycle?

      Reply
  15. al
    al

    Speedo not working and turn signals wont cancel.96 heritage classic.Looks like you cant get sensor bolt without removing starter

    Reply
  16. David
    David

    Got a 2002 Dyna Wide Glide and the speedo , turn signals, and horn does no work. including the speedo lights. I can’t pull the erro codes either

    Reply
  17. David Hill
    David Hill

    the speedo is stuck on 70 mph , turn signals will not flash, the horn does not sound, and the lights on the speedo is no coming on

    Reply
    • David Hill
      David Hill

      and the fuel gauge is not registering the fuel level either. It lights up but not moving

      Reply
    • Mike
      Mike

      04 ultra classic. I have no tach and no speedo and the hazards will not turn off w/o unplugging the battery.

      Reply
  18. Gage
    Gage

    I have a problem with my 07 efi fatboy. Runs and works fine until about 45 minutes into a ride then it will randomly die at idle when I’m pulling up to a stop with clutch pulled. No codes thrown and can start it right back up by just cranking the starters again and it runs fine for another 5 to 10 minutes then does the same thing. It seems to be to be some idle issue but can’t think what wouldn’t throw a code. Issue started after an oil change about a month ago.

    Reply
  20. william
    william

    My 2005 Road glide speedometer has stopped working.
    It would go to 100 mph then back to 0 then peg itself out?
    Any suggestions?
    where is the speed sensor and how do i clean it ?

    Reply
  23. Tim
    Tim

    I have a 2006 ultra classic electraglide my speedo has started maxing out and not reading correctly

    Reply
  25. Barry
    Barry

    Turn signal does not shut off when I turn a corner & speedometer is not working. Harley D.ultra classic 2001. Do you know whats wrong & how to replace it myself.

    Reply
  26. Dan
    Dan

    Hi I have a 2006 Harley ultra classic and it came up with two codes P0374 and P0562 need help thanks
    Dan

    Reply
  27. George
    George

    On my 2007 Road King occasionally while in sixth gear the sixth gear indicator light will start to flash on/off. Nothing else occurs during this. I am not sure how to track this down or if it is really a problem. VSS, TSSM ??

    Reply
  28. Jeremy
    Jeremy

    My 2012 wide glide keeps slipping out of fear when i try to accelerate. Could that be due to speed sensor if not what could be the problem

    Reply
  29. Bret Lee
    Bret Lee

    I have a 1999 Road King FLHP last summer my speedo stopped working. so I replaced the speed sensor and everything worked properly. At the end of the season my speedo stopped working again, so I removed the sensor and cleaned it. Yet the speedo still does not work. I have a feeling it is the sensor again, but I am Just confused on what made it go bad. Could it be a short in system somewhere? Or could it just be a faulty speed sensor? The speed sensor was not after market, I got it straight from the dealer. Any help would be great. Thank you for your time.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      It is not common for one bike to continuously go through speed sensors.
      However, if your speedometer’s back light is illuminated, you are probably looking @ another speed sensor.
      Suggest inspecting your speedo wiring harness including the speed sensor harness.

      https://www.fixmyhog.com/videos/electrical/

      Reply
  30. Rick
    Rick

    Hey all. I have an 05 fat boy and the speedo, neutral light, and fuel gauge are not working. Went out a few days ago. Trying to figure out what the problem is. Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks

    Reply
  31. Rick
    Rick

    My 05 fat boy just starting having this issue. The Fuel Guage, Speedo, and neutral “N” doesn’t work??? Any ideas. Checked my speed sensor and it’s clean. Thanks

    Reply
  32. CARLOS
    CARLOS

    Just got a Sportster 05 without a speedometer. Does it use a cable driven speedometer, or does it work with a speed sensor? Need to know what to order. Thanks.

    Reply
  34. Mark
    Mark

    I have a 06 heritage softail classic I’m trying to wire in a after market speedo anyone know what wire is what on harness

    Reply
  38. Jimbo
    Jimbo

    My bike is a 1998 FLHR Road King. Where is the TSSM for the speed sensor located. My speed sensor has been replaced new. I think the connection at the TSSM maybe where my problem is? No speedo, turn signal auto shut off.

    Reply
  39. PastorJerry Snowden
    PastorJerry Snowden

    I need the location of the VSS on my 2012 Road Glide Ultra
    Thanks Love and Respect

    Reply
  40. Brad Hollis
    Brad Hollis

    2006 Sportster XL883C

    Rode for 2 hours straight, no problems. Stopped and got gas, headed back 2 hours, at a higher speed, Until I hit Baton Rouge Interstate traffic. It was stop and go for miles.
    Finally started moving again and noticed the speedometer was sitting at zero, Odometer wasn’t turning, Then check engine light came on not far from home. I noticed the blinkers were working but not shutting off after I turned. Haven’t had a lot of time to work on it but I did run through the codes.

    P0501 VSS Sensor Low
    P0562 Battery Voltage Low

    Those two showed up. Parked..the blinkers all work, high and low beams work, horn works, press the foot pedal and the brakes lights come on.
    Pull the hand brake, brake lights do not come on.
    What do you suggest I do first? Check fuses? Pull Speed Sensor and clean it?
    I appreciate any input.

    Reply
  42. ben davidson
    ben davidson

    06 street glide runs great after shutting off after long ride let it set for about 10 minutes restart it and it idles about 2000 rpm for the first few miles of riding its injected with no vacuum leaks that im aware of

    Reply
  45. John
    John

    2013 heritage speedometer stopped working and bike keeps dieting starts right back up but keeps dieing

    Reply
  46. Kathy
    Kathy

    Need help. No speedometer or odometer. Lights on the speedometer. Error code d025EE. What does this mean? Also my blinkers won’t blink or cancel. Help please

    Reply
  47. Kathy
    Kathy

    I have 1998 HD Sportster XL 883. Odometer & speedometer do not work. The needle moves slightly when I turn the ignition on. The display shows mileage but it isn’t really working. Error code on speedometer d025EE. My blinkers won’t blink they come on and won’t cancel. Could this be related to the speedometer problem? Help please. Kathy

    Reply
  48. tony
    tony

    I have an 03 electraglide I rode close too 500 miles over the weekend come Monday the engine light is on and off the bike will go from running great to like it’s out of gas just nothing then comes back to life and at times will hold itself at 3k rpm and all 10 d codes show clr. this is my first harley and this is very upsetting

    Reply
  49. Ricky Brown
    Ricky Brown

    I have a 96 heritage , went for ride and discovered that the speedometer is stuck on 5 mph and the mileage window lights up but does not show the miles . Everything on the panel works – lights – turn signals – bikes runs like always . I have removed the tank panel and checked all connections , wires , cleaned the speed sensor but this one has me stumped . Hope someone can help

    Reply
  50. Jim Bell
    Jim Bell

    NB Ticket 18622 I have a 95 sportster that has a tach but no speedo. I want to buy a speedo and tach combo. I know how and where to hook up the tack, but have no idea where to plug in the triangular end of the speedo. Can you help this novice?

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Dear Jim,

      Thank you for your patience. In regards to your question-

      This speedometer will not work with your 1995 XL. Your year and model uses a mechanical speedo drive & cable to physically turn the speedometer head.
      There is no allocation in your cases for a speed sensor.
      https://www.fixmyhog.com/video/how-to-search-fix-my-hog-008641/

      Sincerely,

      Mark
      Fix My Hog Video Membership

      We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first-year membership.

      https://go.fixmyhog.com/C13443

      Reply
  51. Dorian Lopes
    Dorian Lopes

    I have a 2006 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide. I changed the oil and filter today, and now the bike won’t start. I think I may have done something to the crankshaft position sensor and/or sensor cable. If so, how difficult a problem is it to fix? Could I possibly do it myself, or will I need to go to a dealer?

    Reply
  52. MIKE
    MIKE

    Ticket 19124 i am working on an 06 xl1200c the left blinker starts out fine then speeds up. i replaced the bulbs did not help. What do you think mite be the problem

    Reply
  53. katrina maguire
    katrina maguire

    NB Ticket 19892 Hi Can You Help Please with An Intermittent Problem
    My bike started getting hot an revving high, when I was starting her, and idol.
    I ride a 2016 1200 Sporty and the Harley mechanics can’t find what the problem is at this point?
    It started out 8mths after I bought my New Sporty in 2016.When I would start her up and let her sit idol for a bit, she started to get really hot, it looked like steam, was coming out from the engine, and at another time would rev out on high then drop back down.
    Then, I was riding along when all of a sudden she just started revving out at a high level on me, when I was in traffic, so I pulled over, clutch in, and sat on the side of the road, then she wound back down, so I crawled back home about 15mins away.
    So we got her to the Harley shop, and the guys said yea, we seen this before. But I had to wait weeks for a machine to come from America, for them to test it out properly.
    So they done code testing on her, and found the ET Sensor failed.
    So they replaced that, 8 months later it started again but was getting worse,same thing, but happening a little bit more frequently, and revving out longer at 100%.
    Back to the shop she went, and long story short, they replaced the ECM.
    And you guessed it,3mths later, the Harley shop had to come and pick her up to go back in to try and fix the problem again, or try too, as she is too dangerous to ride.
    I went for a ride just local, and man she revved out several times on me and she wouldn’t wind back down, so I had to turn her off completely and wait.
    Then I road the next day and they same thing, so my friend rode, I’m pillion and she done the same to him, the next day we went for another ride and she got so bad it revved out on us for about 5 klms or more continuous on our way home.
    She’s been in the shop for about 6 weeks now, and no one can seem to find the problem.
    they tell me a few people have ridden her and she wont play up for them.
    the mechanic new it had been intermittent, but then started to be more frequent.
    I would appreciate any help, as I’m hanging to go for a ride.
    Thanks Katrina

    Reply
  54. johnny
    johnny

    does anyone know where the speed sensor is located on a 15 road king cant find it

    Reply
  55. fransec11
    fransec11

    I have the same problem my 1999 sportser 883, speedo not working, and left indicator at about 20% brightness and not flashing.

    Reply
  56. James m stray
    James m stray

    I have a 2006 sportster that the speedometer randomly works then quits,sometimes if i rev the engine a pit it starts working on its own also if i cycle the ignition it comes back on … seems to stay working at hwy speeds until today. its progressively getting worse ive cleaned then replaced the vss with no change i just replaced the speedometer thinking that was the issue but it still doesn’t work

    Reply
  57. Stewart Kidd
    Stewart Kidd

    I have a 2000 Softail Night train. My needle on my speedometer quit working, & the digital mileage does not show. When I came to a stop later the mileage showed. But as I rode it disappeared. Sometimes the needle worked from 0-50, then it would drop to zero again. My turn signals blinked, but my high beam headlight went out. Previously my turn signals would not blink, they would stay on. Please help me, I have to go on a long ride soon.

    Reply
  58. Bobby
    Bobby

    2007 heritage softtail how do I get to speed sensor do I got to take off seat oil bag and starter

    Reply
  59. mark blewer
    mark blewer

    My 2004 Softail FXST,while riding back from Myrtle Beach,the engine reved up real quick, one time only, and that’s when the speedo, fuel gauge,stopped working, and the blinkers do not cancel out after that.I put another speedo on it, and it is still doing the same thing.I tried to break the speed sensor bolt loose, with the tiny 3/16 allen wrench, and it just won’t budge, can not get a ratchet under there, and already sprayed liquid wrench on it, let it sit, and tried for hours to get it loosen luck.Any tips on what to do here?Thank you in advance.

    Reply
  60. Marty
    Marty

    I have an ’02 Sporty that is on its 3rd speed sensor. I’m curious if its just my luck that they are going out or if there is an underlying problem. The second sensor was relatively clean (not much oil coating or shavings) and was an OEM replacement. The third seems to be doing alright for now. So my question is what should I be keeping an eye out for or do I need to dig into something deeper?

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hey Marty!

      That’s a great question!

      The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!

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      Reply
  61. steven
    steven

    I also have a problem with my 2006 dyna low rider. Speedo sits on 90mph when sitting still. It does move when I ride but way off. Help.

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Hey Steve!

      That’s a great question!

      The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!

      Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:

      1. Click on the email link: https://go.fixmyhog.com/c18060
      2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
      3. The Checkout page will display your Premium Membership purchase.
      4. Fill in your Billing Details and create an account password.
      5. Fill in your debit/credit card information.
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      If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-231-0653 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

      Sincerely,

      Jessica
      Fix My Hog Video Membership

      Reply
  63. George
    George

    Looking for the placement of the variable speed sensor on my 02 road king?

    Reply
  64. David
    David

    I have the same issue going on with my 2014 Fatboy Lo. The gear indicator on the instrument panel is stuck on “1” (RPM does register), speedometer doesn’t work (randomly worked for a short period before going staying at “0”), auto-cancelling turn signals don’t work, and the speedometer light goes on and off randomly. The bike finally gave me an error code of P0503. I’m guessing it’s the speed sensor, but why would the instrument lights go on and off? Wondering if it’s a voltage regulator issue. Any help is appreciated!

    Reply
    • Customer Service
      Customer Service

      Great question! Please refer to our Tech Q&A page for more information. https://www.fixmyhog.com/posts/harley-tips/
      Our Premium Members enjoy ‘Ask an Expert’ as a part of their paying membership. By becoming a member, you will have access to our expert’s knowledge in motorcycle repair, great discounts on products and hours of Premium video content.

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      Reply
  65. Danny
    Danny

    Ticket 37921 I have a 01 road glid flthr fuel injected my problem is I lost my hot wire going to my Speedo when I chase the wiring from the speedo in the transmission through the harness up to the speedo there is only three wires red wire white wire and a black wire my question is how does a speedo get fire to the sensor I know the ECU send signal to the speedo my problem begin when I went to put a aftermarket digital Speedo & tach the speedo wiring diagram said only four wires Hotwire the12volt a ground wire an accessory wire and the white wire from the speedo input signal which leaves other wires needs to be connected can anybody help me with this problem thank you

    Reply