MR. WOMO Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 Here's the deal: This weekend I finished installing 2 different mods - one was the McCulloch (sp?) HID headlight upgrade (w/Euro switch), and the other was finally installing the Illumigo gauges on my instrument panel. The HID lights don't have anything to do with my problem (that I know of!) but I wanted to mention it as I worked on both projects at the same time. After getting everything put together (I tested all the gauges for operability, EXCEPT the speedo as the weather was to crappy to take it for a spin) I did have the rear wheel in the air due to it being on the centerstand, and shifted it into 1st, and the speedo didn't move - but I couldn't remember if it needed the front to move or not! Anyway, after taking it for a quick spin, all seems right as rain but the speedo. The one thing I thought of after looking through the service manuals was that perhaps the Speedohealer I have might be the culprit? It connects to the speed sensor connector, and some of the troubleshooting things that the manuals said to check was the speed sensor. Now, I'll have to go home and attempt to unplug and plug back in, or reset or whatever the Speedohealer to see if that cures it, but I was just wondering if anyone might have any other suggestions to try? The 2 multi-connectors that I plugged back into the dash seemed in really great shape, and as I say, all the other gauges worked just fine. I'm hoping it's something as easy as this Speedohealer, I just didn't have as much electrical troubleshooting experience to know for certain. It's a '98 Bird by the way, and I noticed that the odometer was operational. As always, any and all help is much appreciated! Cheers, Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockmeupto125 Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 If the odometer works, you are getting signal from the speed sensor. I'd be concerned that the indicator needle is binding on your Illumiglo installation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR. WOMO Posted May 19, 2008 Author Share Posted May 19, 2008 Maybe possible, but it seemed to install very well - that was actually one of the easier needeles to get the thing over. The temp/gas gauge was a bit more of a pain. After I put it one, there was easy/free movement of all the needles that I could tell. Could JUST that gauge be not working if all the others are due to the connectors? It looked like they shared the plugs, if not the exact connectors obviously. And for future reference, can I just prop up the rear wheel and check the speedo from it alone - or do I need the front wheel in motion? Cheers, Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CxBXR Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 oops see below for answer ......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockmeupto125 Posted May 19, 2008 Share Posted May 19, 2008 The speedo/odo functions entirely off the speed sensor in the top of the engine/transmission case, sensing rotation of the countershaft (which the front sprocket is bolted to). The front wheel is entirely uninvolved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexxus Posted May 20, 2008 Share Posted May 20, 2008 Just a thought,Have you tried the speedo healer's,Speedometer self test, Thats makes your needle move to make sure the healer is installed and working properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR. WOMO Posted May 20, 2008 Author Share Posted May 20, 2008 OK, I tried to unplug and replug the Speedohealer from the Speed Sensor plug, and still nothing. In detail here are the first couple of steps in the Speedohealer instructions: "5. Move the SH's no. 1 switch into ON position (the rest of the switches should be down). Have the engine stop switch in RUN position and Turn the ignition ON. The SH's red light will flash once, and the speedometer shows a steady speed. This is the SH output test. (The indicated value depends on the model of your bike.)" I did this step, and did not see the speedometer show any kind of "steady speed" - unless the steady speed is 0! "6. SH input test: Rotate the rear wheel by hand. The SH's red LED flashes as the wheel turns." I did this step, and indeed the Speedohealer's LED flickers as the rear wheel turns. I guess at this point, I am going to have to take off the windscreen (only, I hope - I am really sick of having to take the fairing panels on and off!) and see if I can mess around with the multi-connectors as that to me is the only thing I messed with that would keep the speedo from working. I do find it odd that ALL of the other gauges and digital clock that function through those multi-connectors work perfectly fine though. The service manuals have steps to check the voltage/continuity from the various leads on those connectors - and not being all that versed in electrics, feel I will be less than dialed in as to what I'm doing. Other than something electrical, is there anything else I should look at in regards to the needle, etc. not working correctly? As I said, it seems as though there was completely free movement of that and all other needles after installing the Illumiglo pieces. Arghhh - I hate electrical problems! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR. WOMO Posted May 23, 2008 Author Share Posted May 23, 2008 A follow-up for those with any interest: I went back and took off the windscreen to get to the back of the dash. Seems that adding the ignitors/ballasts to that area was compromising the multi-connectors space (extremely finicky little bastids if you ask me!), so after moving some wires etc, I was able to get them to connect well enough to get things working. Odd though, when I've started out in the AM the past couple of days (or after it's been sitting for a good amount of time) the speedo just sticks at zero until I get it up to say 30-40 MPH and then is SUDDENLY kicks into gear and shows the speed? Any reason for that that anyone could think of? Just a still less than ideal connection? Anyway, all gauges working well, and the Illumiglo mod is very nice! So much easier to see at night! Cheers, Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CxBXR Posted May 23, 2008 Share Posted May 23, 2008 Have you tried using electrical contact cleaner & then applying dielectric grease to the dash connection ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR. WOMO Posted May 23, 2008 Author Share Posted May 23, 2008 Nope! But thanks for the suggestion - if it keeps being sluggish, I might just do that and see if it fixes the problem. Thanks again, Kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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