Speedometer stopped working on my 97 sportster 1200c. Ignition on and it lights up but not moving. no speedometer or odometer. Is this the sensor? What kind of meter can I get to test wires beforing changing sensor?

Here is some 2001 information that may be helpful

The 2001 DYNA electronic speedometer consists of a speed sensor, an odometer reset switch and the speedometer itself. The speed sensor is located on the right side of transmission case below the starter. It is a Hall Effect sensor that is triggered by the gear teeth of 4th gear on the transmission mainshaft. The output from the sensor is a series of pulses that are interpreted by speedometer circuitry to control the position of the speedometer needle and the liquid crystal (LCD) odometer display. The odometer mileage is permanently stored and will not be lost when electrical power is turned off or disconnected. The odometer reset switch allows switching between the odometer and the trip odometer displays. To zero the trip odometer, while having the odometer display visible, press and keep the function switch depressed. The trip odometer mileage will be displayed for 2-3 seconds and then the trip mileage will return to zero miles. The odometer can display six numbers to indicate a maximum of 999999 miles. The trip odometer can display six numbers with a tenth of a mile accuracy for a maximum of 99999.9 miles. Circuitry in the speedometer also uses the sensor input to provide an input to the turn signal canceller. This turn signal canceller input was previously supplied by the reed switch in mechanical speedometers.

DIAGNOSTICS

To enable diagnostic mode depress the odometer reset switch and turn ignition/key switch to ON, to clear codes turn the ignition switch from OFF to ON while holding the reset switch in. Press and release the reset switch to cycle through the codes. Set codes will display as Code d0xSet. Holding the reset switch in will result in Code d0xClr being displayed indicating that the code has been cleared. To return the speedometer to the normal operating state cycle the ignition/key switch.

Remove the seat for testing. Remove the speed sensor and check for accumulation of debris on it and if there is any debris present, clean it away and if there is not debris replace the sensor.

Disconnecting the speed sensor will cause code d02 to set.

ODOMETER, TRIP ODOMETER AND RESET SWITCH TESTING

Turn the ignition ON. Does odometer display consist of the correct numbers?

If YES Press trip reset switch. Does the LCD display toggle between trip and odometer modes? BUT if the odometer display does not consist of the correct numbers replace the speedometer.

If the speedometer does display the correct numbers press the trip reset switch. Does the LCD display toggle between the trip and odometer modes? If No Loosen the trip reset switch boot and then tighten it again until it is snug and toggle the switch again and verify if it toggles between trip and odometer modes? If YES does the trip display consist of correct numbers? If it does STOP here and go to test 2A If No replace the speedometer.

If loosening and retightening the reset switch boot results in okay toggling between the trip and odometer modes the Speedometer is OKAY. If it does not, then remove the rubber boot from the reset switch and toggle it without the rubber cover and if it now toggles between the trip and the odometer modes replace the reset switch boot/cover. If it does not now toggle between the trip and odometer modes place a jumper wire across the leads to the reset switch on speedometer connector. Does the LCD display now toggle between the trip and the odometer modes? If yes replace the reset switch and if No replace the speedometer.

Speedometer Test 2A

SPEEDOMETER INOPERATIVE, READS HIGH/LOW, NEEDLE STICKS, INTERMITTENT/ERRATIC, OUTPUT SPEED SIGNAL INOPERATIVE

Turn ignition ON. Is speedometer backlighting on? If NO then If speedometer backlighting is not on, check for 9-12 VDC on the O/W wire at connector

[39B]. If the proper voltage is present check for continuity to ground on the BK wire at connector [39B]. If there was not appropriate voltage on the )/W wire at connector [39B] locate and repair an open in the O/W wire.

If there is continuity at the BK wire at connector [39B] replace the speedometer. If there is not locate and repair an open in the BK wire.

If there is backlighting enable diagnostic mode and clear codes. Then recheck for codes. If there are any codes present go to the applicable

code in Speedometer Test 2B (d0x).

If there are no codes set return the speedometer to its normal state, raise the rear wheel from the ground, put the transmission in 5th gear, turn the ignition ON, spin the back tire, enable diagnostic mode and check for codes and if there are any codes set now make repairs to the harness/connections.

Most likely a speed sensor is going bad (most cars and truck do not use mechanical speedometer cables anymore) most sensors are located near the differential in rwd cars or near the drive shaft on the transmission. Best bet is to get a Haynes manual for your car to help locate the speed sensor. Remove it and take it to the auto parts store so you can visually compare it to the replacement. Install the new speed sensor and it should restore your speedometer and odometer.

Yes your speedometer, and odometer are controlled by your speed sensor.

My guess is that the speed sensor has gone out or the wires that go to it have been knocked off somehow.

these can also be caused by a bad alternator