Problem with Speedo/Fuel Gauge and then total power failure

[squeete]

Hi All,

I have been noticing an intermittent failure on my Fuel Gauge on my Midnight Star XV1600as (2003) for some time, where it would either just read empty when partial or fully filled, or it might give an incorrect reading (like at 1/4 when it was full).

About a month ago, the speedometer above the fuel gauge (and which is factory, to my knowledge), started doing the same thing. It would give a zero reading or a reading that was obviously inaccurate, or it would work fine.

Now, after noticing this issue with both the other day, the next day the bike was dead, no power at all.

I wouldn’t be thinking that there was a relationship between the speedo/fuel and the total power failure but when I recycled the speedo fuse in the fuse box (by simply pulling out and checking), the bike clicked and then the speedo cycled to full and back to zero. After that, there was still no power, but it happened twice that it would do that re-cycle when the fuse was replaced. A suggestive coincidence it would seem to me.

I’ve checked the battery, which is basically full. I’ve checked the main fuse, which does not appear to be blown, and I’ve tried the spare main fuse. All the other fuses look fine. Still no power.

Can anyone think of any explanation for how a faulty speedometer or speedo wiring could lead to a total power failure, for example, if the speedo itself was faulty and causing some sort of short to the main power?

I’m flummoxed and would be very grateful for any guidance.


Thank you kindly.
Squeete

[Mr. Miyagi]

From Texarkana, in the Arklatex.

[squeete]

thank you!

[Brad_G]

from Solon, IA.

When you say you checked the battery what does that mean. Have you had the battery load tested to make sure it's capable of starting the bike? I've seen where a battery will appear to have a charge and as soon as load is put on it, it craps out. As for the gauges, there are two connectors under the bezel/tank up near the key switch. Might try pulling those apart and using some electrical contact cleaner in them. I'd also put some dielectric grease on them to help keep any moisture and corrosion out.

[squeete]

Hi Brad - well, specifically, i connected it to my drip charger which gave me a reading of at least +90%, but i'm getting nothing when it's connected to the bike. I've had battery issues before where there wasn't enough juice to turnover but still had some gauge/dash lights, etc . i will check those connections under the tank as you suggest.

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond.

[Ratl]

Keep it simple.

Start by cleaning the battery posts and the terminals thoroughly! Check that the battery cable connections are tight on both ends.

A poor connection will give you all kinds of anomalous indications that will seem to have other causes.

[Brad_G]

Good suggestion. I've also seen batteries die in peculiar ways so a load test is helpful as well. As you say, start simple and with the most likely suspects.

[squeete]

I'm happy to report back that the two issues (Speedo/Fuel vs. total power) were unrelated. I cleaned the connectors on the speedo (and, indeed, everywhere) and in the process of doing so discovered that someone had intentionally and manually disconnected my ignition switch, which was hidden away underneath the tank and chassis! Plugging that in reversed the problem and cleaning the terminals seems to have fixed the speedo issues.

As to the sabotage, I know who it was and will choose to look at it as a mindless prank rather than criminal mischief, but the fact that it coincided with the issues with the speedo sent me down an annoying research tailspin for a few days. thanks to all who responded and know i'm even more the wiser for your consideration.

[Brad_G]

So I presume you're up and running now? That's great news if so. Electrical things can get us chasing our tail a bit. So slow systematic work is often our best bet.

[Sharpman66]

from Ontario, Canada. Glad you figured it out!

[squeete]

thanks.