03 Speedo Problems

Energy One

jimizee028

TRUE COLORS COLLISION
correct me if i am wrong but if it is allways the speed sensor that has failed why when the bikes go back to dealer under warranty do they replace the speedometer??????
 
You can test the speedometer sensor by lifting the rear wheel off the ground, disconnecting the speed sensor connector and attach a voltmeter on AC voltage across the two pins of the sensor. Put the bike in gear and turn the rear wheel by hand while watching the meter. You will see the voltage fluctuate, not a lot if memory serves you'll probably see it go to about 0.5vAC while you are turning it. The key does not have to be on.

On the new speedometers like the one it sounds like you have, the 2004 speedometer sensors did not always work. When replacing a speedometer with a newer black face on a 2004 or older bike the speedometer sensor is supposed to be updated to a 2005 or newer sensor at the same time. I do not have the number off the top of my head, you can call any dealer and tell them you need a speedometer sensor for a 2006 K9 and you'll get what you need. You may ask them to measure the pigtail length and compare that to what you have. I thought they were the same length but I am not sure on that.

If all else fails if you send me the speedometer I can test it for you and send it back.
 
Yea, I have a black face speedo. It isn't the original one. So the speedo I have won't work with the 2003 speed sensor? So If I call and ask for a 2006 K-9 speed sensor will it work on my 2003 pitbull even though it is left side drive?
 

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
Yea, I have a black face speedo. It isn't the original one. So the speedo I have won't work with the 2003 speed sensor? So If I call and ask for a 2006 K-9 speed sensor will it work on my 2003 pitbull even though it is left side drive?
If Night Train tells you it will work then it most likely will. Oh, he probably built part of your bike!! :D
 

Steamer Punk

New Member
I used to have cronic speedo problems. Not exactly what you describe, but I will share anyway.

When starting, I would turn the key and wait for the speedo sweep: indicating that the ecm had been initiated and was 'ready-to-go'. When I would start the engine, the starter would "suck up" every amp the battery could give it to turn over the engine. During this process, the current to the emc would drop so low, the emc would effectively shut down. Once started, everything functioned properly except the speedo. It would not function at all, or occasionally funtion erratically. Seems similar to your problem ...

The fix: I went out and bought a new battery with the highest cold cranking amps (CCA) I could find. I think it was 330 CCA. Since then, the speedo has functioned perfectly. Bottom line: the new battery has enough amps to start the engine and keep the ecm "alive" during the engine start.

Cannnot be certain this is your problem, but batteries are cheap (relatively speaking), and you can eliminate this as a cause if it does not help.

Personal disclosure: I do not sell or have ownership in any battery manufacturing company.

Steam on!
 

LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
I used to have cronic speedo problems. Not exactly what you describe, but I will share anyway.

When starting, I would turn the key and wait for the speedo sweep: indicating that the ecm had been initiated and was 'ready-to-go'. When I would start the engine, the starter would "suck up" every amp the battery could give it to turn over the engine. During this process, the current to the emc would drop so low, the emc would effectively shut down. Once started, everything functioned properly except the speedo. It would not function at all, or occasionally funtion erratically. Seems similar to your problem ...

The fix: I went out and bought a new battery with the highest cold cranking amps (CCA) I could find. I think it was 330 CCA. Since then, the speedo has functioned perfectly. Bottom line: the new battery has enough amps to start the engine and keep the ecm "alive" during the engine start.

Cannnot be certain this is your problem, but batteries are cheap (relatively speaking), and you can eliminate this as a cause if it does not help.

Personal disclosure: I do not sell or have ownership in any battery manufacturing company.

Steam on!
Hopefully, NightTrain will chime in but I believe the problem you were experiencing SteamerPunk was fixed via a software change, programmable EHC (with usb connector) or a combination of both. May want to get in touch with NightTrain about that one.


P.s.
Post an intro!:2thumbs:
 

Steamer Punk

New Member
Thanks LDO, I have an 2003 Chopper with the the old "Black Plastic" module (BD4030-B1). I would love to learn how to update or upgrade the module.

School me NightTrain!
 
You can test the speedometer sensor by lifting the rear wheel off the ground, disconnecting the speed sensor connector and attach a voltmeter on AC voltage across the two pins of the sensor. Put the bike in gear and turn the rear wheel by hand while watching the meter. You will see the voltage fluctuate, not a lot if memory serves you'll probably see it go to about 0.5vAC while you are turning it. The key does not have to be on.

On the new speedometers like the one it sounds like you have, the 2004 speedometer sensors did not always work. When replacing a speedometer with a newer black face on a 2004 or older bike the speedometer sensor is supposed to be updated to a 2005 or newer sensor at the same time. I do not have the number off the top of my head, you can call any dealer and tell them you need a speedometer sensor for a 2006 K9 and you'll get what you need. You may ask them to measure the pigtail length and compare that to what you have. I thought they were the same length but I am not sure on that.

If all else fails if you send me the speedometer I can test it for you and send it back.
I called Hacienda Custom in AZ. The told me the part number for a 2006 K-9 speedo was BDM 170-00369. They said the pigtail length was about 9". I havn't taken mine apart yet to see how long the pigtail is on the 2003 pitbull, but from what I've found on this forum the 2003 have a long pigtail, about 2 feet. Is there another newer model speed sensor that has a longer pigtail that will work?
 

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
I called Hacienda Custom in AZ. The told me the part number for a 2006 K-9 speedo was BDM 170-00369. They said the pigtail length was about 9". I havn't taken mine apart yet to see how long the pigtail is on the 2003 pitbull, but from what I've found on this forum the 2003 have a long pigtail, about 2 feet. Is there another newer model speed sensor that has a longer pigtail that will work?
You need to look at yours and trace the wire under the seat/battery to see if it has a dis-connect plug there. If so then the 9" would work.

:cheers:
 

LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
Thanks LDO, I have an 2003 Chopper with the the old "Black Plastic" module (BD4030-B1). I would love to learn how to update or upgrade the module.

School me NightTrain!
My bad Steamer, didn't know you had an 03 like mine. I think the software upgrade was for the new EHC, not the old ones like ours.:bang:
 

Steamer Punk

New Member
No worries LDO! I should have qualified better.

Not sure about you, but with the exception of the battery/speedo issue, my '03 has been rock solid.

I hope SS1965 get's this speedo thing figured out and has the same excellent experience I have had with my chopper!
 

LDO

The Cleaner
Troop Supporter
No worries LDO! I should have qualified better.

Not sure about you, but with the exception of the battery/speedo issue, my '03 has been rock solid.

I hope SS1965 get's this speedo thing figured out and has the same excellent experience I have had with my chopper!
My Mastiff has been awesome. If it were a car, I would have welded the hood shut!:D
 

Raywood

The Pirate
Staff member
Calendar Participant
Troop Supporter
My Mastiff has been awesome. If it were a car, I would have welded the hood shut!:D
Hey, my 03 wasn't like that!!! I had a few issues but then again most were caused by me like different spark plug wires. EHC/ignition didn't like. :eek:
 

CCRainman

Well-Known Member
I called Hacienda Custom in AZ. The told me the part number for a 2006 K-9 speedo was BDM 170-00369. They said the pigtail length was about 9". I havn't taken mine apart yet to see how long the pigtail is on the 2003 pitbull, but from what I've found on this forum the 2003 have a long pigtail, about 2 feet. Is there another newer model speed sensor that has a longer pigtail that will work?
Chevy your is about 2 feet long. The 9" will work but you need to splice which you stated that you didn't want to do. I don't think any of the newer ones come in that lenghth, you should check with Nelson.
 
I can make you an extension harness with factory connectors so you do not have to splice. I will not charge you any labor just parts and shipping costs. My guess is that you would be looking at about $15 for parts give or take. I'll need to know how long you need it.

As for the programming question the 2003 module is not programmable however you can add a switch or relay to accomplish the same thing. There is a post on that in Tech. called "Troubleshooting speedo issue, need a little help" where we talked about this.
 
Does anyone know what year and model big dog this speed sensor is for (BD4122-04)? It is listed on ebay for a good price and if it's for a 2005 and newer model then I'll pick it up.
 
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