Crazy intermittent electrical problem........

[3fan4life]

The speedo on my Interstate is intermittently working and not working.

What makes it crazy is that this problem seems to be tied to the AVC on the radio.

Whenever the Speedo stops working the volume on the radio goes down.

When it begins to work again the volume comes back up.

Usually, the radio volume changes just before the speedo stops or starts working.

Just thought that i'd see if anyone else has had the same issue and knows what the cure is.

[Chrisj CMA]

I think I remember strange things like this on the IS being related to the alternator.

[Jess from VA]

Besides the alternator (which I recall intermittent speedo malfunction being an early warning of failure), if the speedo seems affected by the radio, go to the controls and reset everything all over again.  And or turn things off (like the auto volume control).

[old2soon]

I think I remember strange things like this on the IS being related to the alternator.

THIS. Do Not wait til the L C D display starts flashing. Maybe check the alt wires and the main ground for tightness and cleanliness. Maybe also a volt reading before and after? RIDE SAFE.

[3fan4life]

Haven't considered the Alternator.

The bike starts easily and the battery seems to be charging well.

I'm thinking that there's a loose ground somewhere but I don't know where to look.


It went out for a bit after I changed the front tire but that turned out to be me not leaving enough slack in the speedo wire.

I corrected  that and it hasn't been a problem in several months.

The front tire was off he bike recently for new fork seals, but I rode it 400 miles on Saturday with no issues. 

[hal47]

Check speed sensor and sensors wires.

[Hook#3287]

Hey Mark;

Although it didn't affect my radio, because I never use it, so I wouldn't know if it did, when my speedo did the same, it was the sender unit at the axle.

Took it apart and cleaned it up and it worked for a week, then quit again.

Put a new one in and it's all good.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I agree with Bill. The reason the radio goes up and down with it is because of the AVC being set. When my alternator failed the entire display would go out. I doubt that is your issue.

[Dusty]

 AVC is controlled by the speedometer signal. When the speedo quits the radio thinks you are going slower so it turns the volume down . My speedo was intermittent off and on . A new wheel sensor fixed the problem 1999 Interstate

Dusty