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CVO Technical => General CVO discussion => Topic started by: Snakepit on September 09, 2016, 04:06:16 PM

Title: Gauge condensation
Post by: Snakepit on September 09, 2016, 04:06:16 PM
2015 CVO limited. Anybody else getting moisture in their gauges? Both my speedo and tach are affected.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: Fired00d on September 09, 2016, 04:27:43 PM
Common known issue/problem. Did a search on "condensation" and came back w/116 pages of hits w/three of those hits on the first page being...

Fogging Gauges (http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=1515.0)

Condensation (http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=20866.0)

Rainforest in my Tach (http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=673.0)

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: 68 XLCH on September 09, 2016, 04:51:57 PM
I haven't had that issue.  But i haven't gotten caught in the rain, kept the bike outside overnight etc.  So my bike has had a dry, garage environment.

I did have what looked like a oily substance on the inside of the glass of the speedo gauge, and that was changed under warranty.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: Fired00d on September 09, 2016, 05:02:02 PM
I haven't had that issue.  But i haven't gotten caught in the rain, kept the bike outside overnight etc.  So my bike has had a dry, garage environment.

I did have what looked like a oily substance on the inside of the glass of the speedo gauge, and that was changed under warranty.
It has been my experience it can occur if you take your bike from a cool dry (inside) outside to a high humid environment. The change in temps/humidity can cause it to happen... in all (my) cases it soon disappears.

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: fred786 on September 10, 2016, 07:08:17 AM
Snakepit my 2016 is having both gauges replaced under warranty due to delaminating of the high quality off shore plastic lenses (LOL).  It gives the same appearance as water condensation on the inside of the lenses.  This is another issue there is substantial comments on this form.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: Snakepit on September 10, 2016, 08:21:41 AM
Snakepit my 2016 is having both gauges replaced under warranty due to delaminating of the high quality off shore plastic lenses (LOL).  It gives the same appearance as water condensation on the inside of the lenses.  This is another issue there is substantial comments on this form.
interesting...I'll mention that as well at dealership
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: motor1 on September 10, 2016, 10:07:53 AM
When I was the proud owner of a 2001 Screamin Eagle Road Glide I had gauge condensation in the volt gauge only. Dealer insisted it was normal at which time I requested they replace the other gauges (no condensation) since they must have been defective. That finally got me my new volt gauge.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: Fired00d on September 10, 2016, 10:12:26 AM
When I was the proud owner of a 2001 Screamin Eagle Road Glide I had gauge condensation in the volt gauge only. Dealer insisted it was normal at which time I requested they replace the other gauges (no condensation) since they must have been defective. That finally got me my new volt gauge.
:ROFLOL:

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: Gfs3 on September 10, 2016, 07:51:18 PM
I have had this same problem with the '14 Limited and my '15 CVO Limited.  I had them replaced under warranty on the '14 and the new gauges did the same thing in less than 3,000 miles.  I wrote HD Customer Service a few weeks ago explaining the problem in detail.  Yesterday 9/9 I got a phone call from a Harley Rep. and they issued me a case number to provide to my Dealer when I get them replaced on my CVO.  The dealer should return the defective gauges to Harley for them to analyze and hopefully find a solution to the problem.  It will probably be a few weeks before I take it in to get them replaced as I have a trip coming up soon and will wait until I get back to get them replaced.  I did mention to the Rep. That I would like to know what they determine to be the problem and I emphasized to them that it isn't a moisture problem but a breakdown of possibly a coating on the inside of the glass or maybe oil or a lubricant used in the mechanism of the gauges.  I will post a follow up afterwards and let everybody know what HD determined to be the problem.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: zigzag930 on September 29, 2017, 09:29:26 AM
What did HD ever do about this?  I just noticed the condensation issue on the speedometer side of my 15 FLTRUSE.

Wondering if this has ever been addressed with a fix and/or updated part.   I''m concerned that moisture in the gauge will cause some long term issues.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: Twolanerider on September 29, 2017, 01:38:28 PM
What did HD ever do about this?  I just noticed the condensation issue on the speedometer side of my 15 FLTRUSE.

Wondering if this has ever been addressed with a fix and/or updated part.   I''m concerned that moisture in the gauge will cause some long term issues.

HD has considered this issue  each and every year for at least 30 years I'm aware.  Obviously each year they've decided that condensation and "internal  lens cleansing" must be a good thing; because the gauges just keep doing it.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: NH Bulldog on September 29, 2017, 03:30:11 PM
My 2017 CVO Limited has some sort of "schmutz" on the inside glass of the both the speedometer and the tach (I just bought the bike in June and it now has about 4,000 miles).  More noticeable in direct sun.  Doesn't seem to get any better or worse, but it is enough that it bugs the hell out of me....looks like someone forgot to clean the glass before assembly.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: fred786 on September 29, 2017, 04:11:22 PM
Warranty.  They replaced mine.  3 members of my riding group with 2017 Ultra's are same way and awaiting replacement under warranty but backordered.  Been ongoing issue for years.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: kojak on September 29, 2017, 05:27:26 PM
No kidding. I've had this happen on most Harley's I've owned at one point or another, lol!
HD has considered this issue  each and every year for at least 30 years I'm aware.  Obviously each year they've decided that condensation and "internal  lens cleansing" must be a good thing; because the gauges just keep doing it.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: grc on September 29, 2017, 07:14:53 PM

There is a valid reason for things like headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to not be sealed air tight, and it has to do with the large difference in working temperatures those parts experience due to the heat of the bulbs.  There is no such requirement for gauges, but Harley's gauges have never been sealed as far back as I can remember.  You have to realize that Harley probably pays less than ten bucks for the complete set of gauges, and you don't get sealed gauges for what they pay.  They've gotten away with blowing people off over this common customer complaint for decades, people keep accepting the BS and keep buying the product so obviously it's not a problem.

Jerry
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: KGB on September 29, 2017, 08:56:50 PM
Had mine replaced in June on my 2016 SESG, they told me it could happen again, I said I would let them so they could order me another set, also they tried to give me some bs that they couldn't replace them unless it restricted the view, I just laughed at them


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: FLSTFI Dave on October 01, 2017, 08:15:26 AM
Speedometer was replaced under warranty on my 17 CVO for the steaks on the inside of it.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: Gfs3 on October 02, 2017, 09:13:44 PM
Here is a follow up of the post I submitted last year.  I am on my THIRD Speedo/Tachometer on my '15 CVO Limited.  I waited until my 2 year warranty was near and the dealer installed another replacement.  Well, to sum it up the last replacement gauge only went about 3 weeks and less than 1,000 miles and guess what, it is worse than the last one.
I did write HD Customer Service about my discontent with the gauges and they contacted me a few days later.  I explained to the Rep. (Matt) that I didn't bother top go back to the dealer again because I couldn't see having them replace the gauges with another DEFECTIVE part.  I asked the rep. what was HD going to do about it?  He did agree that it is a problem and as of now they don't have it resolved.  I indicated that I am not satisfied with that & asked what is the Motor Company going to do for ME as this has been a problem that they have not corrected in the 4 years (going on 5) that the Rushmore bikes have built.  He indicated that they have my Case File on Record and I told him that I expected them to be replaced again when they get the problem rectified and I surely did not expect for me to have to pay for it, he seemed to agree with my comment so we'll see how that shakes out down the road.  I RECOMMEND that everyone that is having the streaking problem to contact HD Customer Service by sending a letter and request a "Follow Up" call from them concerning this problem.  I have seen it on the 2017's and the new 2018's as well.  You would think that it would not take this long to fix a known problem.  My Dealership told me that they replace several of them every week.  Please Contact HD and let them know they need to get this fixed and that you want to be taken care of and not ignored on this matter.  I did add some sarcasm too, I told him that my friends that ride "Goldwings" don't have this problem and that I will not buy another Harley until they get this issue fixed.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: grc on October 03, 2017, 02:16:26 PM
Here is a follow up of the post I submitted last year.  I am on my THIRD Speedo/Tachometer on my '15 CVO Limited.  I waited until my 2 year warranty was near and the dealer installed another replacement.  Well, to sum it up the last replacement gauge only went about 3 weeks and less than 1,000 miles and guess what, it is worse than the last one.
I did write HD Customer Service about my discontent with the gauges and they contacted me a few days later.  I explained to the Rep. (Matt) that I didn't bother top go back to the dealer again because I couldn't see having them replace the gauges with another DEFECTIVE part.  I asked the rep. what was HD going to do about it?  He did agree that it is a problem and as of now they don't have it resolved.  I indicated that I am not satisfied with that & asked what is the Motor Company going to do for ME as this has been a problem that they have not corrected in the 4 years (going on 5) that the Rushmore bikes have built.  He indicated that they have my Case File on Record and I told him that I expected them to be replaced again when they get the problem rectified and I surely did not expect for me to have to pay for it, he seemed to agree with my comment so we'll see how that shakes out down the road.  I RECOMMEND that everyone that is having the streaking problem to contact HD Customer Service by sending a letter and request a "Follow Up" call from them concerning this problem.  I have seen it on the 2017's and the new 2018's as well.  You would think that it would not take this long to fix a known problem.  My Dealership told me that they replace several of them every week.  Please Contact HD and let them know they need to get this fixed and that you want to be taken care of and not ignored on this matter.  I did add some sarcasm too, I told him that my friends that ride "Goldwings" don't have this problem and that I will not buy another Harley until they get this issue fixed.

It's been a problem from 2014 through current, and yes you're right, it shouldn't take anywhere near this long to find the root cause and fix it in production.  Once again, problems don't get fixed unless and until the right people first agree it's a problem and then agree to assign resources to create a fix, test and verify the fix, and then put it into production.  The fact that this particular problem hasn't been fixed since early in the 2014 model year (four years and counting) should tell you how much Harley management cares about fixing known problems.

Btw, all the verbal assurances on the phone mean nothing.  Get any such assurances in writing.  No matter what this Matt says, he ultimately won't be the person deciding later on whether or not to replace out-of-warranty parts at no cost to the customers.

Jerry
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: fred786 on October 03, 2017, 03:51:27 PM
I don't think they have learned anything and obviously don't care.  My wife's 2018 Heritage ST has the same issue with the large centre mount display!!!
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: Eqcons on October 04, 2017, 05:58:46 AM
I had the gauges on mine (2014) replaced twice under warranty - each time the problem immediately reappeared. I gave up then.

However, it's NOT condensation.  Dealership took one of my sets apart to see.  The inside of the glass has a coating of an oily substance, (presumably to prevent (!) condensation like the pre-Rushedmore bikes always had), and it's that that gets runs.

Interestingly I was in my dealer's workshop yesterday, and they were busy replacing a set on a 2017 FLHTKSE, which made me laugh.  Discussing it with the tech, he says that they've had the usual "Harley knows of the problem, and is working on a fix" - which they seem to say about everything, replacing the older "They all do that, sir."

The problem can't be easily self-fixed either - the gauge rims are crimped on, and you have to pretty much destroy them to remove them, otherwise you could clean the gunk off the glass and solve it.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: CVOhog1 on October 10, 2017, 08:20:40 PM
I had the instrument cluster replaced for condensation on my 2015 cvosg twice, it came back again on the third set.  I traded the bike in for a 2017 cvosg, Just had the instrument cluster replaced for the same issue on my new bike. Some things never change. For some reason I cannot reset the B trip odometer. Anyone experience this? I will be contacting the dealer tomorrow.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: Gfs3 on October 10, 2017, 08:43:34 PM
I believe that I have your answer to the problem.  If you will notice, the "B" Trip indicator actually counts down from I believe 30 miles when the gages are replaced.  After it completes the countdown to Zero you will be able to use it as always.  Once this countdown is completed, your vehicle mileage will lock into the speedo and can not be used on another vehicle.  The "A" functions normal during this time.  I've had 4 replaced on 2 different bikes and they all did the same as yours is doing.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: CVOhog1 on October 11, 2017, 02:00:17 PM
Thanks gfs3. when I check the B trip it is counting down.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: ultrarider123 on October 11, 2017, 02:07:06 PM
I believe that I have your answer to the problem.  If you will notice, the "B" Trip indicator actually counts down from I believe 30 miles when the gages are replaced.  After it completes the countdown to Zero you will be able to use it as always.  Once this countdown is completed, your vehicle mileage will lock into the speedo and can not be used on another vehicle.  The "A" functions normal during this time.  I've had 4 replaced on 2 different bikes and they all did the same as yours is doing.

That is correct, sir.  I thought something was funny on mine that was just replaced under warranty back in April.  B was counting backward.  Called service guy who verified yes, it's "marrying" to my bike.  Whodathunk you just had to go 30 miles to get married.... ;D
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: UUNetBill on October 11, 2017, 04:30:50 PM
The least they could do is mount little tiny wiper blades on the gauge needles so they’d at least stay clear enough to read...
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: grc on October 11, 2017, 05:55:25 PM

Don't need no stinkin' gauges!  Tell Harley to just give you a rebate for the cost of the gauge package (you'll be surprised how little that would be), and buy some fake gauge faces you can glue on to cover up the drips and runs.

Obviously the folks at Harley are even dumber than I thought.  Same problem since the Rushmore launch, no fix, and they let dealers keep changing the crap out under warranty multiple times.  Talk about doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome.

Jerry
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: Twolanerider on October 11, 2017, 10:16:29 PM

Obviously the folks at Harley are even dumber than I thought.



C'mon Jerry.  You know it's not possible they could be dumber than you thought they were.   :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2:
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: CVOhog1 on October 12, 2017, 08:37:51 AM
my work order showed the instrument cluster was $299.
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: grc on October 12, 2017, 08:46:43 AM
my work order showed the instrument cluster was $299.

That's the retail price at the dealer level.  Now go find the price Harley pays the supplier; I guarantee you it is a small fraction of that $299.  Vehicle manufacturers typically mark up replacement and repair part prices by several multiples of 100%.

Jerry
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: grc on October 12, 2017, 08:51:57 AM

C'mon Jerry.  You know it's not possible they could be dumber than you thought they were.   :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2:

 ;D   Every time people try to convince me Harley management is finally trying to change and I start to think perhaps something really will improve, they find ways to dash what little optimism I've managed to generate.  I'm not sure who the dummies really are though, Harley management or the consumers.  Perhaps it's a tie?

Jerry ;)
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: ultrarider123 on October 12, 2017, 08:54:07 AM
my work order showed the instrument cluster was $299.

I'm assuming they replaced this on your 2017 under warranty, correct?  Interesting that the work order showed any pricing for warranty work.  I've got a stack of warranty work orders from current and previous bikes and it doesn't show any costs for warranty (parts or labor).  I've got a couple that had both warranty and maintenance with the maintenance showing the price, nothing on the warranty stuff except "so and so" repaired, warranty.

I am NOT questioning your quote because I would prefer to know the costs I "saved" for having the warranty work performed.  Just saying I've not had that experience.

Hopefully your new gauge(s) will not sweat.  I've not had any issues since they replaced mine (for sweating and just quit working).....so far anyway..... :)
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: CVOhog1 on October 16, 2017, 02:33:15 PM
Yes, It was done under warranty.I picked up my bike after the service department had closed for the day, I asked the parts guy to print out my work order. He said the service dept. had not closed out the work order yet, but I wanted a copy. I don't think he was supposed to give me the copy he gave me because it showed all the parts prices and no labor charges. The prices seemed low to me as my bike was also in for the oil pump sumping issue. They installed a new oil pump, cylinders and pistons ect. under warranty also. By the way, after less than a week the new speedometer is beginning to get the same oily streaks on the inside of the glass. Can't make this s...it up. Thats five for me,(3 on my 2015 and 2 on my current 2017) either I have very bad luck or there are a lot more people who have this issue and just don't notice it or don't care. 
Title: Re: Gauge condensation
Post by: Para Bellum on October 16, 2017, 09:30:36 PM
Thats five for me,(3 on my 2015 and 2 on my current 2017) 
Still not as many engines as some people have had...in one bike.   :(

No excuse for this $h!t.