speedometer called it quits

[shrike]

Hey folks,

The speedometer on my 2005 Bandit 1200s called it quits. One morning it was working intermittently and since then nothing. Odometer also does not register. When I turn the key on the needles go to the end of their race and come back to 0 so I guess my instruments are fine. Anyone heard of that problem?
I checked my sensor on the sprocket and there's no dirt there.
How do I check the sensor or the ECU (can it be?)


Thanks..

[pmackie]

I'd clean and check the connections to the sensor first, then follow all the wires, checking connnections right up to the speedo.

You mentioned that the speedo was working intermittantly? Please describe.

[shrike]

What I meant is that it was registering only above 30 km/h or 40. But the next time it did not work at all anymore. I did not check the connections though like you say. I will do that.  I hope it's only that because I do not want to bring it to the dealer. I only found one that seems to be professional and know his stuff. Anyways back on the subject, I will do that probably this week end and hopefully it will solve it.

[rider123]

I had the same problem. The sensor was the culprit. Mine was under warrenty but new they are about 150 bucks you may want to try a wrecker if yours is not under warranty.

[shrike]

I just wanted to write about what I found out. It's still winter here so I did not ride it though to see if it works. And the battery is out of the bike, hopefully in 2-3 weeks I can do a short ride see if what I did fixed my problem.
I disconnected the wires and there was a lot of water trapped in the connector. There is no corrosion though.  I cleaned it but i did not have any dialectric grease to use. I will buy some and coat the connectors with it.

The bike is still under warranty. I just would hate to bring it to the dealer.

I'll post back whenever I get the chance to ride it and see if it was only the water in the connector causing problems.

[BikerEd]

Put the bike on the center stand and hook a set of booster cables to the battery leads. Start it up, put it in gear . It will tell u if it is fixed. Good luck.

[shrike]

I was thinking on doing that but I wanted to put the battery in the bike first. I am afraid I will screw up by just putting the battery leads. I heard of different opinions on that matter. I really hope next weekend I can take the bike out for s hort spin.

cheers!

[BikerEd]

Good to be on the safe side. Had the same prob. last year and it worked for me ,no prob. in 14000 Klm.      YET.

[shrike]

It works, it was just water in the connector. I am not sure if it came from rain or when I washed it. But I did not wash it with a pressurized washer. I was afraid it was going to be more complicated than that!

[PitterB4]

   Makes you feel good to get it fixed yourself, doesn't it?  Good job!

[shrike]

thanks...it's always better to do it yourself if possible.
Now this week is the 12000km maintenance I got to do. That's going to require a bit more time, valve check, spark plug change, I'll probably change the air filter too even if it's not really dirty.

[willo]

Thanks you lot for posting this stuff,and not getting rid of back dated pages. I was just about to spring about $170 (aus) on a new sensor, then something in the old noggin said check Bandit Alley, and as I should have guessed. I found out what to check and now after drying out conectors speedo is working again..Graham 

[shrike]

cool...happy you did not spend the dough for the sensor. Did you put some dielectric grease in the connector?

[willo]

Not yet ,haven't got any will have to remember to get some on payday thanks again Graham

[Red01]

Not yet ,haven't got any will have to remember to get some on payday thanks again Graham

You can use Vaseline (or other brand of petroleum jelly) if you don't have any dielectric grease.