Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Putting miles on those Diablos
Posts: 73 
Likes: 16
Joined: Jul 30, 2015 14:52:52 GMT -5
|
Post by thecollector on Sept 27, 2016 18:21:05 GMT -5
I mentioned this in the thread about my new to me Kymco.
When I bought it, I was told it had an intermittent speedometer and that all attempts to correct it had come up short. I was told it "passed the tests" so they were not sure where the problem was located.
After riding it, and seeing the symptoms, I had the idea that the problem it wasn't just located in the speedometer system. The speedometer flakiness was a symptom of too much dirt accumulated throughout the wiring harness.
I won't post the wiring diagram or go into a lengthy explanation of conductivity. Just keep in mind that the battery is located at the very back end, the stator about where you expect, and the speedometer sensor is at the front wheel. I believe that enough dirt and grime had accumulated at just about every wired connection and electricity was being robbed a bit at each point. Therefore, there was not enough electricity reaching the front end of the bike to operate the speedometer.
I ran a short loop today and the speedometer, while not accurate, was registering some speed almost the whole way. Miles were logged at a discounted rate. This is an improvement over all observations since I bought it.
I think another round or two of cleaning all the excess grime off the electrical system will result in a fully functioning speedometer.
I am reminded of an old roommate who had the mantra "A clean car runs better" when I commented on his very regular visits to the car wash. It applies to bikes as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by oldchopperguy on Sept 27, 2016 22:17:29 GMT -5
Whew, that IS a poser...
Your explanation sounds very likely, so any possible cleaning up of the electrics may help a lot. I don't know if yours uses an LCD speedo readout like my Grandvista, or, an analog moving needle (which I prefer). Either one must use electric components interfaced with the speedo cable.
The cable setup at the front wheel hub is NOTORIOUS for acting up, so it also needs checking. Your test hookup however indicates your dirt analysis is likely correct.
My Kymco is an '07, but the wiring is amazingly clean. Don't know why, but I've had no problems with electrics. The "Darth Vader" all digital dash still works perfectly, but I'd REALLY prefer analog gauges like the smaller-displacement Grandvistas have. Oh, well... No complaints!
You'll probably get it working OK on your own, but if it persists, and there are no other electric issues... worst case scenario, you could add an aftermarket speedo. They can be had at pretty affordable prices.
If your lights are steady, the battery stays charged, etc. then the problem is likely in the circuitry of the speedo. I'd continue the way you're going, cleaning and checking all connections possible and you'll probably find the fix.
Electrics on these Kymcos are known for being "bullet-proof" but it might still have an issue with the wheel-cable unit, or, the speedo itself. I rode a "People" 200 loaner while my dealer changed my tires out, and it had a problem with the analog speedo. It had to be replaced. I know taking off the plastics is a pain, and reminiscent of working on Chinese rides, but it's not often necessary on Kymcos... When I removed the nose on mine, to mount driving lights, I was amazed at how well-made the wiring was... NO crumbly Chinese-type connectors, good wires, all heavy duty.
You got a GREAT scoot at a GREAT price. You'll get it fixed and enjoy the ride!
Ride safe,
Leo
|
|
Sophomore Rider
Currently Offline
Posts: 168
Likes: 30
Joined: Feb 26, 2013 15:44:08 GMT -5
|
Post by cookees on Sept 28, 2016 11:21:00 GMT -5
If all else fails....just remember: If everyone is passing you, you're going too slow; if you're passing everyone else, you're going too fast.  |
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Putting miles on those Diablos
Posts: 73
Likes: 16
Joined: Jul 30, 2015 14:52:52 GMT -5
|
Post by thecollector on Dec 17, 2016 15:55:59 GMT -5
Recently, without doing much of anything, the speedometer is working "better." I had made an attempt to check on the speed sensor/wire and some of the possible electrical connections for problems. None of that seemed to improve it. It still has the LCD display section fade out when it gets wet or cold. I was waiting for a chance, meaning better weather, to go through it more thoroughly and narrow down the issue. As the temps have dropped but I've kept riding, I reinflated the tires because the pressures have dropped. At first, the speedo seemed to respond to hard throttle but drop off after I eased the gas. Now more recently, with it a bit colder, it seems to be working almost completely as it should.  I still think there is a loose/weak connection that causes the LCD to fade but the sensor might just be slightly off. Perhaps the front end just needs to be adjusted with regard to both brake calipers. I don't think I'm going to need new parts. |
|
Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
Putting miles on those Diablos
Posts: 73
Likes: 16
Joined: Jul 30, 2015 14:52:52 GMT -5
|
Post by thecollector on Mar 28, 2017 10:50:28 GMT -5
I have the speedometer working correctly, for now. I had suspected the issue was located in several possible areas, at first. While doing some work on the front end I couldn't help touching the sensor cable and it went from about 80% operational to way off. I was sure it was the sensor wires now. I did a little more searching and realized that Kymco makes the sensor wire differently these days. Aha! With my original version, the three wires are sleeved from the sensor almost all the way to the four prong plug. There is about an inch and half length where the wires are not sleeved. The new version has a boot behind the plug to prevent kinking of the wires behind the plug. I removed the sensor and gently massaged the wires in the sleeve until they were as smooth as can be. I added a piece of electrical tape to make a boot behind the plug. I also zip tied the connection to the wire harness to move the junction to a horizontal position to prevent the kinking behind the plug. It works now within "normal parameters." I find it is really important to know how fast I'm going and how far I've gone. Whew!  |
|
|
|
Post by dollartwentyfive on Mar 28, 2017 17:12:40 GMT -5
mine came with a LED type speedo/ tach/ clock.
the speedo could be set for MPH or KPH.
those gauges did not weather well, 3 years and they were all but gone.
i opted for some sealed analog gauges, but i had to figure out the mileage multiplier and where the tach wires went.
since they weren't made for my bike, i had to also figure out how to mount them.
granted, some chinese stuff is better than others and your experience will vary.
|
|
