Speedo Flickering

[tatt22er]

Hey guys, hope evryone is having a great holiday weekend, I could use some input though.

About a couple of weeks ago after filling up the bike, I reset the trip to zero before starting the engine, usally I reset after I have started it. Soon after I did this the speedo started acting funny, jumping around and displayed 45550 I think, then it would go back to normal with no problems. Then progressivley every time I started it, it would do the same thing, the needle would jump around and the display would read 45550, but after I put it into gear and rode off everything would be normal. That is until last night, which did the same thing only it kept acting all screwed up, needle jumping around, display reading the same number, it seemed better as I rode but everytime I stopped at a light it would flicker, needle jumping around and now the backlight is flickering (maybe it was before but because it was night I noticed it). All the rest of the lights and tach work fine, just the speedo, backlight and display are giving me trouble. Did a lot of searches, but nothing that seems to be just the speedo acting up. Going to start looking at the wires, but don't know where to even start. Want to go riding tonight but don't want to screw things up even worse.

Any info or input would be greatly apreicated. Thanks,

Mike

 

[BigDogBro1]

Sounds like the power/ground connection going to, or inside the speedo head is intermittent.

That's what's causing the 45550 to show and the needle to sweep is a speedo electronics power on RESET, I would guess.

A 2008 BDM wire diagram would be helpful to you.

You may have to remove the speedo from its mount and dissassemble the gauge head to check the three wire speedo head connection inside.

 

[tatt22er]

Thanks bro I will check those first.

 

[woodbutcher]

check your speed sensor. could be battery, also.

 

[tatt22er]

Which one is the speed sensor Butcher?

 

[Nukeranger]

If I were in your shoes and were going to remove the speedometer to try and fix it, I would order a Dakota Digital from Don at ValueTec http://valuetec.startlogic.com//page12.html and it will only take 30 to 45 minutes to swap it out at a leisurely pace. You will be so happy you did this.

You can still fix your BD speedo and keep it as a spare but I changed mine out and it didn't really have any issues except for the speed was way off unless you were in 6th gear. The Dakota Digital is spot on.

 

[BigDogBro1]

Save yourself some money and do some up front investigating first.

I think the speed sensor is down under the RH side of the trans. An intermittent sensor signal should not cause the type of speedo reaction you are seeing. Sounds more like a power up reset caused by loose power/ground plug connection or a solder joint inside speedo guts. The solder joint is not user repairable but has been done by some here.

 

[woodbutcher]

from the right side of the bike, look at the transmission. you will see the cover with the neutral switch to the front center. on the angled portion just below the cover farther to the left side of the bike there will be a wire leading to the speed sensor. sensor itself could be bad or the connections could be loose. might be easier to get to it from the left side, i'm not sure.

 

[woodbutcher]

the dakota digital is supposed to really be the shits but if there is a problem with the sensor, unless you replace the sensor, you will/may still have the problem. just sayin'

BDB1, i'm just saying to check both ends for bad signal.

 

[tatt22er]

I removed the sensor, it has a hex nut holding it on, it is a magnetic sensor, looked fine, cleaned it off, checked the wires and reinstalled it. Started the bike, same thing happening, the backlight flickers also, but the tach lights are normal. Really can't afford the digital dakota right now, would like to fix it myself and not take it to the dealer if possible.

 

[BigDogBro1]

What happens to the speedo when you just turn on the key without starting engine? NO VIBRATION.

You should see the speedo needle sweep to vertical and the calibration pulse number be displayed.

The speedo backight runs off the same power source as the speedo so there you go.

Speedo backlight flickering = intermittent power or ground connection causing a speedo electronics power and needle reset.

The Tach LEDs are powered via the annunciator power and signals by a different connector.

 

[tatt22er]

Okay guys, I think I found it. Bro, I went down and turned the key on, nothing, no light at all, then I tapped the housing, light came on, needle did it sweep, display fine, tapped it again and it flickered, must be a short in the housing. So now what, I have to take the housing off to find the loose ground? Is it a soldered connection?

 

[Nukeranger]

I can see a Dakota Digital in your future

 

[BigDogBro1]

You will need to remove the speedo/tach housing off the mount and remove the bullet cover to check the connector first.

If it is connected then disconnect it and reconnect, it could be a poor wire crimp in the connector on either side as well.

Or could be a wire rubbing in the housing, mount or elsewhere.

Search the forum for some info on its dissassembly in the HOW TO's under Technical forum.

http://www.bigdogbiker.com/forums/how/20328-installing-dakota-digital-speedometer.html

It may be a solder connection inside the sealed speedo unit.

 

[tatt22er]

Thanks for all the help guys!! Will let you know how it ends up.

 

[BigDogBro1]

Cover the speedo bucket with blue painters tape and anything else you want to protect from getting scratched.

 

[tatt22er]

Thanks BigDogBro1, you helped me greatly and everyone else who chimed in. I removed the speedo bucket and found a zip tie that had broken keeping everything tight. Tightened the wires together, checked the power and started the bike, BINGO!, fixed! Put it all back together and weather sealed everything per Raywood's How-To instuctions, checked it agian, everything is perfect. You guy's on this site are great, thanks agian!

Mike :flag: :2thumbs:

 

[Hoss]

Glad you got it figured out Mike.

Now, lets RIDE!
Chris

 

[BigDogBro1]

Glad you could save some cash........ Enjoy the ride!

 

[JimmyDLV]

Backlight not working

Hey, new to the forum and have already found lots of good info.

Bought the 2001 Husky off of my bro-in-law who was going back in the big house and needed the money. No manual, no nothing and it's really tough to get info on the Husky on-line. Is the speedo supposed to be backlit? Right now, there's no light at all which makes it a little tough to see at night.

Thanks