RPM Gauge

[cycle_chick]

my RPM gauge stopped working (it happened a couple weeks ago) :confused: Any ideas???
-Sandahl

[Philo]

Originally posted by cycle_chick
my RPM gauge stopped working (it happened a couple weeks ago) :confused: Any ideas???
-Sandahl

Did you try starting the bike?

[Arnold_R1]

LOL Bill!

Sandahl, you might have a loose connection or wiring of some sort. Another member here had the similar problem with his Speedometer!

http://www.hypercycles.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83

[Phamous]

Hey Sandahl,

Is the Tachometer the only thing that isnt working on the cluster?

Do you have a manual for your bike or know someone who has one? I'm not exactly sure where the Tach pickup is connected too on that bike (somewhere on the ignition), but if you had the manual, it'd be easier to find.

[cycle_chick]

Starting the bike! I didn't even think of that! J/k
Yeah it is the only thing not working (except it has been ideling around 2-3 so that could be connected) and no I don't have a manual, but I know I need one.

[blndweasel]

to diagnose a faulty tachometer:

The RPM gauge typically has three leads. A 12V ignition-controlled power source, a ground, and a signal wire. The gauge may be grounded to the frame, in which case you would only have two leads coming from the tach. The 12V line is typically red or yellow, and the signal line is typically green.

1. Get a multimeter.

2. Turn the ignition to on, but don't start the bike. use your multimeter to test the 12V lead going to the tach.

3. follow the tachometer signal wire from the gauge all the way back to the source of it's signal, be it a connection on your ignition control unit, or wherever. check the line for breaks or worn away insulation. better yet, use a continuity tester feature if you spent enough to get a nice multimeter as in step 1.

4. if all the wires look good, check the connectors. a loose connector could be the culprit.

5. if all the connectors are seated properly, start the bike and use your multimeter to check for a current on the signal lead to the tach.

At this point you should know where the problem is. It's either a bad line, a bad signal sender, or a bad tach. Next step is taking apart the tachometer, but I'm guessing you won't make it that far.

Good luck.

the blonde weasel
mira mesa

[cycle_chick]

Thank you! I am going to have to get one and try it out, I sure hope it dosn't lead to having to take it apart because that is deffinetly a little over my head.
-Sandahl

[blndweasel]

best advice on taking things apart:

get yourself a big piece of corrugated cardboard. (depending on the size of the project) anytime you take a bolt off of something, stick it into the cardboard and write what it is and where it goes on the bike with a marker. if that's too big of a step for you, then start by learning the names of what all the parts are first. obviously anytime you start taking things apart, you need to know the context of how all the parts fit back together before anything else.

better yet: if you have a digital camera, take pictures of the process every time you take something off. to put it back together, consult the pictures in reverse order.

beyond that... "i take it one piece at a time" -johnny cash (someone must know the reference)

the blonde weasel