Intermittent speedometer 2002 GL1800 FI error code 11

[Dudleygray]

Speedo does not work for about the first 8-10 miles & FI Light comes on. Engine slows slightly as though there is current draw on alternator. Once speedo comes to life, switching the ignition off momentarily & turning back on, the FI light goes off & everything works normally including the cruise control, which doesn't work whe speedo is dead.

Is there a speed sensor that has a loose connection?


Anyone with similar experience. Fault has been persistent for a month or 2. Ride daily 38 mi commute to the office & back. Bike has 102,000 mi and has performed flawlessly otherwise. Loving it since new in Oct 2001.

[WingAdmin]

First let's read the fault code to see what the bike thinks is the cause. Read this and get back to us:

How to read the FI (fault indicator) light

[Dudleygray]

Fault code is 11 (one long and one short)

[WingAdmin]

OK, chances are the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) is bad. It is located here, on the right side of the bike:

GL1800 Vehicle Speed Sensor

First disconnect the 3 position connector and check it for corrosion. Clean and reseat it and re-check the operation.

We can just replace the VSS, which is around $80:

(see part 17, 37700-MCA-003):

http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.com ... &b=22&c=25

If you do replace it, make sure you also replace the O-ring, part 30, 91302-MAL-601

If you like, we can go through a few more diagnostic procedures to confirm that in fact the VSS is the problem, but knowing that they are a fairly common failure item, I'm willing to guess this is your problem.

[Dpkal]

I have a 2001 similar issue. The VSS has 3 wires I can't remember the exact colors off hand but one gives battery voltage the middle is ground (I think it is green) the third (I think white with black line) is your signal wire. If you turn the key to on don't start the bike and a with a multi meter read the voltage from the signal wire while slowly spinning the rear tire. The voltage should bounce from 0v to 5v. If you don't have that then it is the VSS. If you have the correct voltage The problem may be in the wiring or plug.

[WingAdmin]

I have a 2001 similar issue. The VSS has 3 wires I can't remember the exact colors off hand but one gives battery voltage the middle is ground (I think it is green) the third (I think white with black line) is your signal wire. If you turn the key to on don't start the bike and a with a multi meter read the voltage from the signal wire while slowly spinning the rear tire. The voltage should bounce from 0v to 5v. If you don't have that then it is the VSS. If you have the correct voltage The problem may be in the wiring or plug.

Yes you should see +12 volts between the brown/white wire and green (ground). When +12 volts is applied to the brown white wire, you should see an alternating 0 and +5v on the white/black wire as the rear wheel is rotated.

Vehicle Speed Sensor Connector

[Dudleygray]

Does the shelter have to be removed to replace the vehicle speed sensor? I have the new part and the oring seal.

[Dpkal]

Yes you will need to take the bike apart. You will need to access the computer located over the air filter to test, and the VSS plug located above the lower vent on the right side. You will also need to remove the exhaust shroud on the right side to show the VSS.

[Dudleygray]

new sensor has bern installed inclufing the recommended new oring will finish reassembly tomorrow & test for success by riding it.
will let you know the outcome.

Thanks

[MusiksMyLife]

I have no speedo running on a gl1800 2001
I have just under 5 volts supply on the brown white and green wires - am I to assume I have a voltage issue then as a supply or is it 5 volts to the sensor and the sensor simply breaks the signal into pulses?

[Dudleygray]

Mine was an easy fix; simply replaced the sensor. Happy Days-

[Dudleygray]

Mine was an easy fix; simply replaced the sensor. Happy Days-

[Dpkal]

I have no speedo running on a gl1800 2001
I have just under 5 volts supply on the brown white and green wires - am I to assume I have a voltage issue then as a supply or is it 5 volts to the sensor and the sensor simply breaks the signal into pulses?

Mine was the same thing... I replaced the computer thinking it was bad, come to find out the sensor was bad. Replace the sensor first easy cheap fix

[Dpkal]

Running the wires up to the top was probably the hardest part I think

[MusiksMyLife]

I have mine torn down as I did the Air filter while i was at it - sensor should be here tomorrow I hope - but the info even in the manual just says battery voltage and 0-5 v output - is the input (brown/white and green being ground) 5 volt or 12 volt?
this is what is confusing me - My assumption while awaiting this part is that since I am not seeing a change in voltage when I turn the wheel that it is indeed a sensor - but the input voltage information is nowhere to be found to clarify my questioning mind

[Dpkal]

The sensor works off the crank shaft I believe. You should pull the sensor out and do a read with a piece of metal at the end of the probe. Think of a square sign wave you have at the top 12 volts and at the bottom 5 volts. It measures the distance between the change. If the voltage is stuck at 5 volts then the magnetic switch inside the device is stuck

[MusiksMyLife]

thanks DPKAL - that confirms - I will update myself here with results...thank you