Speedometer problems on Pitbull 2002 VDO

Hirter6Pack · May 8, 2017

As far as I know they are a sealed unit and can't be repaired.
Some have tried but I'm not sure of there success.
Maybe time to replace it. If you do save the little reset button. Someone is always in need.

BWG56 · May 8, 2017

Michael A said:
Hello Guy´s,

since yesterday my speedometer has a problem: It shows the right mph during the ride but the LCD of the daytrip and whole mileage is dead.
I´ve made a Speedo Calibration but it did´t show "P-U-L-S-E". There are some black parts on the LCD that´s all.
When I turn the key, the needle sweeps across the speedo but the LCD stays empty...

Could it be a Speedo sensor connection failure? If so, why it shows the correct speed?

Enclose a picture of the speedowhen it was still working correct. Only to show the typ.

Regards
MichaelView attachment 44797

If it shows the MPH while your riding it, the speedo sensor is fine. Many of us have had our OEM's die and have replaced them with Dakota Digital Speedo's

BWG56 · May 8, 2017

Michael A said:
If I had to replace it - which should/can I take that works without any changes?

You can order the Dakota for a Dog and its plug n play, I'm not positive on the fitment for an 02' though, I know they fit 05' and up

BigDogRick · May 8, 2017

Donna at BigDogPartsKing has the OEM replacement. Check out this thread.

Finally completely fried the ol' Thunderheart

It was my speedo that fried and took out the module. The one that fried was a second used unit I had on the bike for the last four years. My original had the LED turn to hieroglyphics and I found the used on eBay. I had no idea an OEM was available. This time I bought new.

BWG56 · May 8, 2017

Michael A said:
Hi BigDogRick,
Thanks, but unfortunately my english isn#t good enough to follow the thread really...
I had googled Donna and BigDogPartsKing, without success...
I hope it´s not to stupid to ask - its a shop, online shop, or something like this?
Sorry, absolute newbie

1-620-257-2009
or Ebay name- BigDogPartsKing
or PM him on this forum

BigDogRick · May 8, 2017

Michael A said:
Hi BigDogRick,
Thanks, but unfortunately my english isn#t good enough to follow the thread really...
I had googled Donna and BigDogPartsKing, without success...
I hope it´s not to stupid to ask - its a shop, online shop, or something like this?
Sorry, absolute newbie

Here is her phone number:
+1 (620) 257-2009

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

jarmet · Aug 4, 2017

Hello
I have the same problem in my 2002 Pitbull. Old VDO is not functioning properly. Speedometer needle goes up and down especially in higher speeds and high vibrations and some times the digital display is blank after starting the engine but comes then back later on when starting again. Really bizarre problem....Seems to me like a bad connection with wires?

Any ideas what to do and which new speedo you recommend Michael A and BigDogRick...

I asked from Dakota digital about their speedos and their answer was :
"If you do not have the stock Tach ring that was on some of the tank mounted gauges then you could use the BD-140. This gauge is a plug and play into your stock 3 wire harness and uses the stock mounting hardware."
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index....t_id=668/category_id=540/mode=prod/prd668.htm

I don´t think that this Dakota digital will work because to the old VDO comes 4 wires.

So now I am wondering what to do with this issue.
Thank you for help

Jarmo

Hirter6Pack · Aug 4, 2017

Are you sure you have a four wire?
12v, ground and signal. What else is needed? May want to look again and take a measurement. I'm thinking the BD-140 should work for you.

Doggin it · Aug 4, 2017

jarmet said:
Hello
I have the same problem in my 2002 Pitbull. Old VDO is not functioning properly. Speedometer needle goes up and down especially in higher speeds and high vibrations and some times the digital display is blank after starting the engine but comes then back later on when starting again. Really bizarre problem....Seems to me like a bad connection with wires?

Any ideas what to do and which new speedo you recommend Michael A and BigDogRick...

I asked from Dakota digital about their speedos and their answer was :
"If you do not have the stock Tach ring that was on some of the tank mounted gauges then you could use the BD-140. This gauge is a plug and play into your stock 3 wire harness and uses the stock mounting hardware."
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index....t_id=668/category_id=540/mode=prod/prd668.htm

I don´t think that this Dakota digital will work because to the old VDO comes 4 wires.

So now I am wondering what to do with this issue.
Thank you for help

Jarmo

Jamo, just a thought, I had an 02 pit and my stater and rotor were shot. It was mostly my rotor that the teeth rounded out so it wouldn't spin properly. After taking it off of the trickle charger it would work fine until the battery started to drain then the needle would go haywire. Are you sure your battery is good also?
Good luck.

BigDogRick · Aug 4, 2017

The OEM speedo is available from Donna but is pricey. Make sure it's not your sensor first. I had an issue early on where the connector was loose at the back of the console.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

jarmet · Aug 4, 2017

Thank you very much Guru´s

I have to say that I know as much about electrical stuff as a pig knows about space shuttles

I opened now the speedo. See attached pictures. There is a 5 pin connector. two pieces (red and black) go to their own connector which leads somewhere? I was not able to see. The other three (red, black and green) go to a connector and from there into the gearbox.

Although the bike is old the miles are quite low app. 17000 so I think that the stator and rotor are fine. The battery is also brand new and the battery bolts firmly tightened.
The old speedo is 84mm/3.3inches in diameter (on top) 77mm/3,03inch (on bottom) and the bezel or what ever you call it in english where you mount the speedo is 82mm/3.23inch diameter.

I would really like to get this blue Dakota...it is amazingly cool

Of course if the installation is not possible I have to forget it...
Thank you a lot for helping me

Jamo

BigDogRick · Aug 4, 2017

The gearbox connection is the transmission sensor. It tells the speedo your speed. It is a Thunderheart sensor and may be new enough to be adjustable (if so will have an LED light on it) and it will be mounted in a rubber boot. You can find the newer adjustable one on the Thunderheart website.

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jarmet · Aug 4, 2017

thank you BigDogRick and others for assistance. The gearbox sensor is a oldschool model without any LED. And by the way somebody has at somepoint probably changed the gearbox because it is manufactured by JIMS and so far as I have understood JIMS gearboxes should not be factory installed in BIG DOGS but do correct me if I am wrong in this. But this is a all different issue

I´ve taken today the speedometer apart. I had the speedo connected with cables in one hand and power on. Then I banged the speedo´s side with other hand and noticed that sometimes the needle starts to jump up and down. Digital meter did not have blinking or any problems. Same problem did NOT occur when I jiggled the cable connectors so probably there is some bad connection inside the speedo. Maybe I will take the whole speedo to local small electronics workshop guru who can check out if there is something to be done inside the speedo´s circuit boards..... Otherwise I have to consider of purchasing a new one. Of course original would be original..

HMAN · Aug 4, 2017

"And by the way somebody has at somepoint probably changed the gearbox because it is manufactured by JIMS and so far as I have understood JIMS gearboxes should not be factory installed in BIG DOGS but do correct me if I am wrong in this. But this is a all different issue

"

What you prolly have is a Baker gearset in a Jims case. Same on my 04 Pit.

jarmet · Aug 4, 2017

HMAN said:
"And by the way somebody has at somepoint probably changed the gearbox because it is manufactured by JIMS and so far as I have understood JIMS gearboxes should not be factory installed in BIG DOGS but do correct me if I am wrong in this. But this is a all different issue "

What you prolly have is a Baker gearset in a Jims case. Same on my 04 Pit.

Hello HMAN

So it can be like that. A baker gearset in a Jims case :O Do you know why it is like that? Just interested. I have a 5speed tranny.

Speedometer problems on Pitbull 2002 VDO

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