Speedo not working and ABS light on

Fast Eddie

Fast Eddie

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I went for a decent ride today, first one since having the clip ons replaced with sport handle bars.

Blimey, what a difference! I kinda hate to have to admit it really, but the bars are SO much better!

On the way back, the speedo stopped working and the ABS light came on. When I switch it back on after being stood the clock needles do not sweep aroumd and return to zero, they just remain stationary.

I’m wondering if a connector has not been made correctly after the recent bar swap. But before I delve into it I’d thought I’d ask you chaps if anyone has encountered this before and what it might be?
 
Well that sucks. Quite coincidental, no? Does it seem you may have put a stretch on some wires? It's my guess you have just because of the timing.
 
Just the speedo ? Is the Tacho OK ? The same fuse feeds both .
 
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Just the speedo Tony, and the ABS light on. Tachometer is working fine, but neither clock needle ‘sweeps’ on start up like normal.

I’ve checked all connections in the headlamp and under the seat, and I’ve checked the fuses. Everything looks perfect.

I’m stumped...!
 
The wires disappear into the clocks, looks like quite a disassembly operation to me. One I’m not too keen to take on right now to be honest.
 
Some of the Euro 4 wiring diagram is not complete. Like there is no mention of the ABS light in the speedo cluster. Let Norton have a look then ? Let us know what what happens this way we can have the solution for our database .
 
If the speed sensor or it's wiring is compromised (speedo not working) then I would imagine this would also tell the ABS circuitry that something is amiss (warning light on).... I haven't looked up where the speedo sensor is located on the 961 - front wheel/back wheel/gearbox
 
Yes, that’s my thinking as well Mark.

Also, can someone please confirm, do the needles on the clocks on 961 mk11s ‘sweep’ when you turn the ign on?

I thought they used to ‘sweep’ but now wonder if I’m getting confused with the digital clocks I’ve fitted to my Triumphs?
 
On a plus note, I had forgotten to attach the trickle charger when I put the bike to bed in November - started first prod of the button. You are right.... they don’t all do that!
 
The instument needles on my bike go in the negative direction (slightly) and then back up to zero when powered up . Eljahara ,Its good you don't have a drain on your battery . The new bikes are doing very well.
MxMartin said:
If the speed sensor or it's wiring is compromised (speedo not working) then I would imagine this would also tell the ABS circuitry that something is amiss (warning light on).... I haven't looked up where the speedo sensor is located on the 961 - front wheel/back wheel/gearbox
Click to expand...

The speedo sensor is in the gearbox just below the end of starter. Did any of the wiring have to be replaced or lengthened when they put on the sport bars ?
If the wiring had to be pulled to create more length then its possible that something got unplugged .
 
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Tony, the wiring was not changed, it has inevitably therefore been ‘pulled’ somewhat. But I’ve checked all such connectors and the wires into the back of block connectors and all seems well.

Wiring from speedo to headlight should not have been interfered with at all, so any pulled connections in the speedo itself would be difficult to explain (unless due to hamfisted workmanship when removing the top yoke).

My question for the time being is: is it safe to keep riding it? Or is the ABS gonna lock the brakes on, or off, just when I don’t want it??
 
Nigel,
FWIW,
Any ABS system I have ever seen will revert to “normal” braking when a fault shows itself. So basically you will be riding with regular brakes. I also agree with you guys that since the speedo is not seeing a signal you have a ABS light. I’m just not sure if the ABS system is causing the speedo malfunction or is ir the other way around.
Is there a separate fuse for the ABS? I also wonder if the newer bikes will communicate with an OBDII scanner with ABS features.
Wish you luck on finding the fault.
Pete
 
Fast Eddie said:
Tony, the wiring was not changed, it has inevitably therefore been ‘pulled’ somewhat. But I’ve checked all such connectors and the wires into the back of block connectors and all seems well.

Wiring from speedo to headlight should not have been interfered with at all, so any pulled connections in the speedo itself would be difficult to explain (unless due to hamfisted workmanship when removing the top yoke).

My question for the time being is: is it safe to keep riding it? Or is the ABS gonna lock the brakes on, or off, just when I don’t want it??
Click to expand...
Better ask Norton !
 
Nigel,
I know the temptation is to find and rectify the fault yourself - “it’s probably something simple...best not to bother Norton”
However, your bike is still under warranty so let Norton fix it or at least communicate the possible solution if it is indeed that simple!
John

Addition: just a thought - since stopping because of the problem, have you ridden it? The ABS light comes on from start and remains on until the bike hits about 5mph - you probably know this but eliminate everything....
 
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The speedo picks up it's signal from the front wheel speed sensor on a euro 4 bike, the speed sensor above the gearbox is not there anymore.

It is entirely likely that the two things are linked.

Have a check if the speed sensor bracket has bent or something silly like that - if there is too great an air gap then the sensor can't read the trigger disc. The sensor is on the foot of your right hand fork leg.

Of course, there are other factors which can cause the ABS light to come on (like pulling long wheelies)
 
John, yes the bike is under warranty and I’d definitely want Norton to do anything ‘invovled’. But before I get into the transporting to / from the factory again, I’d like to eliminate any small things.

Rob, is the speed sensor and ABS sensor a combined part?

And, “not guilty” ref long wheelies BTW...!

I’ll have a look at the sensor and try another little trick advised by a forum member tomorrow.

Will report back findings...
 
Rob Jameson - Norton UK said:
The sensor is on the foot of your right hand fork leg.
Click to expand...
Aaaah that's what that little bugger is..... it prevents me from using my front fork paddock stand properly as it is mounted right where the stand wants to pick up the forks! I can get the front lifted but it is a 'near heart-attack territory' as the front raises....
 

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