Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[ultrarider123]

I'm spit-balling here knowing I'm probably going to take Beauregard into the dealer Saturday morning but I also like to troubleshoot my own issues in the garage just in case they occur out in the boonies.  This morning I hoped to ride into work.  Hit the power switch and while everything came on including the normal start-up procedure, I had no fuel or volt gauge and no idiot lights on my speedo/tach pod and no lights or tach operation.  It started fine along with the radio operations.

Went home at lunch to check all the fuses and all the connections I could without removing the faring....no issues.  All the fuses tested good and the fuse slots looked fine (no corrosion).  I contacted OBB since we have the same bike but he had not had that issue (thanks for the quick reply, OBB). 

Anyone else had this issue?  It's still under warranty but, again, if I can learn from others if they've had this issue AND can repair it at home, I save the trip to the dealer and helps me with issues if this happens out in middle-of-nowhere, TN.  Obviously if it's more than a fuse and/or connection, I would still drag it to the dealer for warranty repairs along with getting the issue in the HD database.

[05Quadrasteer]

I had this happen to me once as well.  By the time I got to a dealership 3 days later all was working well.

According to the dealership and some posts I had found elsewhere some of the clusters just go bad, some go bad after a heavy rain or washing.

Bill

[ultrarider123]

I had this happen to me once as well.  By the time I got to a dealership 3 days later all was working well.

According to the dealership and some posts I had found elsewhere some of the clusters just go bad, some go bad after a heavy rain or washing.

Bill

Thanks Bill. 
Yep, I did clean ol' Beau up Saturday week ago for her normal Spring cleaning but nothing was done this time that had not been done in previous thorough cleanings.  They were working when I pulled it back into the garage so if the cluster went bad, it was after the fact (maybe water left that I didn't blow/wipe off?).  Anyway, thanks for the reply.  It's always good to know the MoCo has good part suppliers where everything is water tight and will hold up to low pressure wash water as well as heavy, soaking cats-and-dogs rain events.....

[05Quadrasteer]

I fully understand, if I recall correctly when mine acted up the one time it was a couple days after having been through a big rain storm.  But it has worked fine since that one hiccup.

Good news is if I read your post correctly you are still under warranty so you can get it fixed for free.

I know when I was discussing it with the dealership before mine started to work I had told them I was going to let them diag it.  If it turned out to be the cluster hook it back up until they got the new one in so I could keep riding the bike.  Wasn't about to leave it there for who knew how long before the cluster would arrive.  The bike still run fine, just could tell what speed you were going.

Bill

[ultrarider123]

Rode it to church tonight. Ran fine but still no gauges. I used the nav for speed so as not to get a ticket on top of this. Weird not having a Speedo and while the turn signals work, the dash indicators don't.
Taking her to the dealer I guess.

[motor1]

A friend has a 2016 Road Glide Ultra (none CVO) same problem last summer, also after a wash. First visit dealer replaces gauges, second visit (same issue) they replaced main wiring harness as per the factory. They said some 15 and 16 Road Glides were affected. I have extended warranty but I really hope I don't experience this issue; don't want dealer ripping entire bike apart. I hope you issue stays minor.

[ultrarider123]

A friend has a 2016 Road Glide Ultra (none CVO) same problem last summer, also after a wash. First visit dealer replaces gauges, second visit (same issue) they replaced main wiring harness as per the factory. They said some 15 and 16 Road Glides were affected. I have extended warranty but I really hope I don't experience this issue; don't want dealer ripping entire bike apart. I hope you issue stays minor.

Very good information....thank ya, sir.

[ultrarider123]

Beauregard is at the dealer as of yesterday afternoon.  I'm interested in what they find....and will post an update when fixed.

[ultrarider123]

Update:  The gauge cluster on the handlebars is bad.  Looking at the part number for replacing and the MoCo is already on revision "C" (third change) on this cluster since introduced in 2015.  This cluster also controls/feeds the fuel and voltage gauges in the upper part of the faring which is why they aren't working.  The cruise control won't work because it's tied to the same cluster due to the operational lighting in that cluster.  The gauge package should be in today.

[motor1]

Glad to hear new gauges will fix it.

[OBB]

Oh boy. Glad it wasn't a pain but not having the bike for a week would suck. Mine was down for two weeks last summer for the water pump.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[RonandJanet]

Glad the dealer is handling it quickly.   Do you think the washing made it go out (water leak) or something else?

[ultrarider123]

Not sure but from some discussion with the service manager (friend of mine), sounds like a moisture issue with the first, second and third design. Revision "C" is supposedly fixed. Time will tell

[ultrarider123]

Still at the shop.  The MoCo has not produced a replacement as of yet...13 days and counting for a warranty repair....

[grc]

Not sure but from some discussion with the service manager (friend of mine), sounds like a moisture issue with the first, second and third design. Revision "C" is supposedly fixed. Time will tell

Perhaps it's time to fire the engineer responsible for this fairly simple system and find someone who understands you can't use automotive solutions for things like driver/rider controls and gauges on a motorcycle.  Cars have controls and gauges that are inside an enclosed and hopefully weather tight compartment, whereas bikes of course have all that stuff exposed to the elements.  The reason I included controls in this post is that they also had a multitude of moisture related issues with the handlebar control switch packs on the Rushed More bikes that resulted in multiple revisions.  Any time it takes three or more tries to fix a simple moisture issue, you know you have the wrong person or persons assigned to the task.  It is NOT rocket science.

Jerry

[ultrarider123]

Update on warranty repair....20 days and counting to replace the instrument cluster....and "cluster" is a word that is also appropriate for how long this is taking to replace...

[KGB]

Update on warranty repair....20 days and counting to replace the instrument cluster....and "cluster" is a word that is also appropriate for how long this is taking to replace...

I would call MoCo customer service and complain, in the auto world (BMW) if we had a situation like this we had the authority at the dealer level to take care of the customer, be it a lease payment or two, accessories or a payment of a determent amount if it was a not leased. Most of these bikes don't cost as much as BMW's but there not far from some models and granted most people do not use motorcycles as there main mode of transportation, but you didn't pay 36k for that beautiful machine to be sitting at the dealer getting dirty and dented waiting for a part.   

[FLSTFI Dave]

Wow.  That is totally unsatisfactory.  The dealer should be all over corporate's azz to get that instrument cluster.

[ultrarider123]

Wow.  That is totally unsatisfactory.  The dealer should be all over corporate's azz to get that instrument cluster.

I think they were which is why they actually received a reply from the MoCo.  They bugged them until they received an explanation.  Yes Dave, that is unacceptable for a warranty repair (or any repair for that matter).  Painted parts I can see may take a while but this?  What if I had been in the middle of S. Dakota when this happened?  Yes, I could have limped in using my GPS mph but still, it's the principle of the repair and customer service.

I've never had a MoCo product strand me anywhere but I've had issues on a few over the years that supplied me with interesting stories and memories.  However, this little exercise has me in a quandary as to where my next purchase of two wheels may send me.

Some have suggested that I try to get something free from the dealer (free bike rental, free service, etc) for this issue.  It's not the dealer's fault that the MoCo doesn't respond promptly on parts.  The dealer has offered, by the way.  I thanked them for that but my gut feeling is I don't want to punish the dealer for the poor response from Harley.

Jerry is correct in this isn't rocket science.  I've had plenty of Harley and non-Harley bikes that never had a failure or moisture issue of this type.  They've made it work in the past....what the heck is going on this time? 

[coloradotom]

Some have suggested that I try to get something free from the dealer (free bike rental, free service, etc) for this issue.  It's not the dealer's fault that the MoCo doesn't respond promptly on parts.  The dealer has offered, by the way.  I thanked them for that but my gut feeling is I don't want to punish the dealer for the poor response from Harley.

Well, 30 days out of service and you hit Lemon Law territory. Then they must purchase the bike from you or replace it. You can hang that on their head and see if that lights a fire under their backside.

[grc]

Rather than rely on what the dealership is telling you, I think it would be a good idea to contact H-D Customer Service yourself.  I'm not trying to say anything about your dealership, but I have known of occasions when having the customer directly contact the manufacturer has resulted in a part or repair being expedited.  That old expression about the squeaking wheel is still true in many places.

Jerry

[KGB]

Some have suggested that I try to get something free from the dealer (free bike rental, free service, etc) for this issue.  It's not the dealer's fault that the MoCo doesn't respond promptly on parts.  The dealer has offered, by the way.  I thanked them for that but my gut feeling is I don't want to punish the dealer for the poor response from Harley.

I wasn't suggesting that the dealer giving you something for free, but rather them contacting there HD Rep to either expedite the part or if that's impossible for some reason, MoCo should offer you a "Goodwill" adjustment of some sort at there expense and not the dealer's and maybe your dealer tried to offer you something, making you think its on there dime, but in reality its the manufacture is paying.

I have been in this line of work all my life first with motorcycles and then with cars, all manufactures have a goodwill fund that the dealer could offer you something for a situation like this, its not your fault or the dealer's fault that the part isn't available, also I would highly recommend calling HD customer service as Jerry has recommended. If they knew how long the part would take to get there, that is one thing, but at this point it sounds like you don't know when it will arrive and it could be 20 more days, all the reason to call now.

Good Luck!     

[ultrarider123]

The idea of contacting HD customer service as suggested by some here and others has been floating around the old noggin over the past couple of days.

I called this morning.  While I did get the "we are experiencing higher than normal call volume" message between musical phrases, I only had to wait about 10 minutes.  Very nice person on the other end, very good discussion on what had transpired up to today to this call and what can be done to address this issue.  It is a part supply issue that also has all Road Glide production on hold...although it is about time for them to stop 2017 and prep for 2018.  The release date of May 12 for not being on back order is still in effect but, according to the rep, they would do their best to make sure I received one as quick as possible...which was going to happen anyway....but did I move my name to the front of the line?  No telling....

My calling, hopefully, gets this on the books as a complaint and, hopefully again, can help to help alleviate this happening to the next person.

26 days and counting....

[longlast]

Say Howard, sorry you're having so much hassle l sincerely do hope it's​ resolved before the the snow fly's.
The only one bit of advice I can offer you on the condensation with the gauges and what may help with the switches once all is resolved. Give them all a shot of ACF 50.
I had condensation on my fuel and voltage gauges l put the ACF 50 around the chrome rims and and the condensation has not reappeared. I also gave all the switches a good shot using the little tube on the spry can to get it in behind the rocker switches.
I don't know how much it will help you after your repairs are done, but it won't do any harm at the same time.
All the best, hope it gets sorted ASAP.

[ultrarider123]

Thanks Pete. 

Yep, I've had condensation on the inside of gauges before but this time the design allowed for water to enter the housing which caused the gauge package failure.  The MoCo has attempted to fix this and are on their fourth model number/change in that attempt.  As Jerry stated earlier in this thread, it ain't rocket science.  I whole heartily agree with that statement.

Speaking of issues, have you resolved your rectifier issue with a change?

Keep it between the ditches, brother

[longlast]

Haha! I did see the bit on rocket science. Maybe that's part of the problem you're having MoCo looks at it like rocket science
On the note you're not being   , I got the charging regulator rectifier on order. I've put it all back together Saturday started it up the gauge showed a good charge did a test on the battery connections and was showing a charge of 16v. So the next  day Sunday went with my niece and nephew (Kam on her new Indian scout and Marcuse on his new Breakout) along with Twyla for a day out. We had about a 150 mile run it was a good days ride out. Had no issues with the charging system but I must admit I was constantly looking at the gauge expecting a failure, but it was good.
Good luck I'll be checking on your progress.

[grc]

If it was 16V, you definitely have a regulator problem. The spec is 14.3 - 14.7V.

Jerry

[RonandJanet]

Yes 16 volts is high and that can ruin a battery.

[ultrarider123]

After the call yesterday, I received an email from the customer service rep stating he was able to get a replacement gauge cluster from the supplier and shipped directly to the dealership, overnight.  It should be there today.

One expects the customer service of a company to actually be customer service.  While that is expected, it's not always delivered as such.  I was very pleased with the discussion and resolution of this issue through Harley customer service.  While I don't like to go that route, it's good to know issue resolution can be had through that avenue.  If the gauge cluster moisture issue has been resolved with this fourth version, that's icing on the cake.

[FLSTFI Dave]

That is good to hear customer service actually helped you Howard.

[longlast]

Bit of good/satisfying news​ for you Howard, the next hurdle is how long will it take the shop to sort it?

[Cat Eye]

WOW....I find it hard to believe that HD has not been making any RG for 30 days!

I almost went to the York plant to see for myself.

My guess is that your call to customer service just got the part reallocate from production to the squeaky wheel!

[grc]

WOW....I find it hard to believe that HD has not been making any RG for 30 days!

It almost went to the York plant to see for myself.

My guess is that your call to customer service just got the part reallocate from production to the squeaky wheel!

If true, and the only reason was this cluster problem, then my earlier comment about incompetence in the engineering department was obviously correct and understated.  I'm not buying the idea that a gauge cluster supposedly designed for motorcycle use fails from moisture ingestion and hasn't been fixed after three attempts (plus the original of course).  Where I worked someone, or several someones, would have been shown the door long before the third revision.

Jerry

[ultrarider123]

Bit of good/satisfying news​ for you Howard, the next hurdle is how long will it take the shop to sort it?

Well Pete, it's completed.  Got a call from service manager and the new gauge cluster was waiting for them when they opened this morning at 0900.  It's installed, working properly and the bike is ready to come home.

[longlast]

  that's is good news! Iooks like that call to customer service should get a star or you just had more luck then horse shoes and hand granads, either way glad it's sorted out mate.
Looks like it's going to be my turn now to visit my local Sycamore dealers shop. It's going to be a couple of weeks before my new regulator gets here. On a ride today my bike voltage gauge was reading just over 14v and some were at 13v on the idle. I get different numbers on my test, so I'll see what they come up with.
The guys are really good at this shop l know they won't charge to give it a test.

Enjoy your new gauge cluster Howard

[OBB]

Thanks Pete. 

Yep, I've had condensation on the inside of gauges before but this time the design allowed for water to enter the housing which caused the gauge package failure.  The MoCo has attempted to fix this and are on their fourth model number/change in that attempt.  As Jerry stated earlier in this thread, it ain't rocket science.  I whole heartily agree with that statement.

Speaking of issues, have you resolved your rectifier issue with a change?

Keep it between the ditches, brother

Wonder when yours was made. I've been caught in a monsoon in TX two years ago with my '15 and didn't have any problems.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[ultrarider123]

Wonder when yours was made. I've been caught in a monsoon in TX two years ago with my '15 and didn't have any problems.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Just after purchasing in August '15, we got hit by a good, heavy rain in SD and a bit on the way home with no issues.  It's been washed many times since and no issues.  As for when it came down the assembly line, I'm not sure.  Of all the HD's I've had over the years I haven't really considered that.  I'm betting there is a way to find out....

Final note:  If you are reading this thread and have this same issue, I found out something interesting yesterday on the way home from the dealer.  I was checking out all the operational issues just making sure everything was working as it should.  The odometer, trip A and reserve along with all the other things (including the cruise) worked great.  However, I noted that "trip B" would not reset to zero as did trip A and....get this....was counting backward/down.  Yes, trip B was actually taking tenths and miles away as I rode....I had to check it a couple of times and started laughing as only on a Harley would this happen...

I got home and called the dealer who also had a good laugh on this one.  He would call HD and get back with me on another replacement.

Got a call back about 15 minutes later from dealer and this is the good information I was speaking to above.  According to HD, all new, replacement gauges with odometer (this cluster on the RG, and either the same on a EG/SG as a single gauge or cluster) "marry" to the new bike after 30 miles.  The trip B is counting down that 30 miles and once completed, the cluster/gauge is married to that bike and cannot be used on another.  I'm guessing this is to cut down on moving a low mileage gauge package to a high mileage bike?  Anyway, we had a good laugh on it and, hopefully, after the 30 miles, trip B will go back to counting up, not back....made me think of that movie "Christine"....

I'm hoping this is closure for this issue....

[ultrafxr]

When they flashed my 2017 for the backlight on the odometer the trip meter B did the same thing. They really should get this info out to the dealers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk