Speed Sensor Pickup Problem Symptoms

Here's the flow chart and specs for testing the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) located on the transmission.

VSS test 2.pdf - File Shared from Box.net - Free Online File Storage

If your speedometer stops registering speed and your odometer does not move as far as registering miles traveled, you also realize that your directional signals do not self cancel, your engine could be running differently and stalling, your problem is more than likely the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) on the transmission. It collects metal particles that are from the wear in the transmission being that it is a magnetic pickup that reads off the 4 th gear cog in the transmission. You can clean it off then replace it, but most times it will go bad again real soon. The best thing to do is replace it. I believe the cost is around $50. A simple repair requiring one bolt for removal. It's located on the transmission just behind the rear pipe. A good quality gear lube will just about eliminate this problem.

This will show the magnetic speed sensor pick up and how it gets fouled from the metal shavings in the transmission which causes the speedo to stop working and the directionals to stop self canceling because of no input to the ECM from the sensor. The ECM thinks that the bike is standing still because of no input. It will also set a code which gives you a red light on the dash.
Use of a good gear oil will almost eliminate this problem completely.

The sensor pickup is a bit more hidden on the later 07- model bikes under the starter.
To the right of the VSS in this pic is the Neutral safety switch with the two plugs on it and to the left is the main battery ground connection if you ever need to clean it.
Below the VSS on the left is the engine oil fill and on the right of that is the transmission fill plug.

This is for the sportsters.

bobby_wilson47 · 06-10-2008, 02:23 AM

Hi,
I just replaced the SSP and it still drops to needle to zero and then bounces a bit and then nothing. I also loose the odometer but the inst lights stay on. I didn't know I had the turn signal cancel option on my 2001 FLHT.
I have cleaned the speedo plugin with no good results. I tried to download the diagnostic for re-setting the speedo.
thx, bobby

glider · 06-10-2008, 06:56 AM

With the new VSS, and still no go, it's a possibility you may have a wiring problem in that circuit or a problem with the connections on the ignition switch or even some corrosion at a connector plug in the circuit. It's difficult to say where the problem lies and it;s a matter of tracing the circuit and finding the problem.
Not all bikes had the self canceling signals. It's more the later models that have it.

capnflapper · 06-10-2008, 05:03 PM

Have you ever experienced a miss in the engine when the SSR is not working properly?

glider · 06-10-2008, 06:10 PM

If you are referring to the VSS here, it can act up in many different ways including stalling, rough idle and a few other ways also but I don't remember anything about a miss in itself, just poor running which I would think could be construed as a miss depending on how you look at it.

capnflapper · 06-11-2008, 07:33 PM

Sorry, meant the VSS. Thanks for your tips.

tkdyna · 07-30-2008, 08:08 PM

is there a way of resetting a speedo as my bike is in mph and looking at getting a kph or both and would like to match the miles to kph

glider · 07-30-2008, 08:10 PM

The dealer has to do it when you get the replacement speedo.

06-10-2008, 02:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
bobby_wilson47 New Family Ride: 2001 Electra Glide FLHT Join Date: 2008, Jun 07 Posts: 2	Re: Speed Sensor Pickup Problem Symptoms Hi, I just replaced the SSP and it still drops to needle to zero and then bounces a bit and then nothing. I also loose the odometer but the inst lights stay on. I didn't know I had the turn signal cancel option on my 2001 FLHT. I have cleaned the speedo plugin with no good results. I tried to download the diagnostic for re-setting the speedo. thx, bobby

06-10-2008, 06:56 AM	#3 (permalink)
glider Community Liaison Ride: 07 Road King Classic Join Date: 2007, Jun 21 Posts: 10,146 My Mood:	Re: Speed Sensor Pickup Problem Symptoms With the new VSS, and still no go, it's a possibility you may have a wiring problem in that circuit or a problem with the connections on the ignition switch or even some corrosion at a connector plug in the circuit. It's difficult to say where the problem lies and it;s a matter of tracing the circuit and finding the problem. Not all bikes had the self canceling signals. It's more the later models that have it.

06-10-2008, 05:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
capnflapper New Family Ride: 2002 Electra Glide Classic Join Date: 2008, Jun 07 Posts: 2	Re: Speed Sensor Pickup Problem Symptoms Have you ever experienced a miss in the engine when the SSR is not working properly?

06-10-2008, 06:10 PM	#5 (permalink)
glider Community Liaison Ride: 07 Road King Classic Join Date: 2007, Jun 21 Posts: 10,146 My Mood:	Re: Speed Sensor Pickup Problem Symptoms If you are referring to the VSS here, it can act up in many different ways including stalling, rough idle and a few other ways also but I don't remember anything about a miss in itself, just poor running which I would think could be construed as a miss depending on how you look at it.

06-11-2008, 07:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
capnflapper New Family Ride: 2002 Electra Glide Classic Join Date: 2008, Jun 07 Posts: 2	Re: Speed Sensor Pickup Problem Symptoms Sorry, meant the VSS. Thanks for your tips.

Digg this Post to del.icio.us Newsvine Yahoo Bookmarks Technorati Google Bookmarks Facebook StumbleUpon Live Bookmarks What is this?
	Tip Tools	Display Modes

07-30-2008, 08:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
tkdyna New Family Ride: 2007 dyna streetbob Join Date: 2008, Jul 29 Posts: 3	Re: Speed Sensor Pickup Problem Symptoms is there a way of resetting a speedo as my bike is in mph and looking at getting a kph or both and would like to match the miles to kph

07-30-2008, 08:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
glider Community Liaison Ride: 07 Road King Classic Join Date: 2007, Jun 21 Posts: 10,146 My Mood:	Re: Speed Sensor Pickup Problem Symptoms The dealer has to do it when you get the replacement speedo.

Tip Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Speed Sensor Pickup Problem Symptoms

Electrical and Lighting Systems