Hey everyone. hoping for a little help here. I've got a 2013 Road King FLHR. recently was riding and the backlight on the speedometer went out. Since nothing is illuminated, the cruise control indicator is also not working. No cruise control. Strangely when this happens, I'm also losing power to my MTX handlebar speaker. Both do work when the bike isn't running. Once I start the bike, they shut off. Connections are good. Fuse box has been clesaned and checked. All good there. My battery checks in at 11.76 volts. Could that be the problem? Do I need a new battery? It's only 2 years old.Any help would be appreciated. Tim

 

I'm not an expert, but I'm sure one will chime in. Do you have a tender with the refurbish battery option? With a battery only being two years old, it's reading low. I would try to refurbish it using the tender settings before spending money.

 

Are there any codes to give a clue as to what to check first...??

You could pull the battery and load test it... most batteries have a 1 to 2 year warranty... so a bad battery at 2 years isn't unheard of, although maybe not the norm.. a 12 volt battery testing at 11.75 volts is only 30% charged....

It would also give you a chance to check the battery cables AND grounds... especially the ground that bolts to the frame...

If the battery and it's connections check good, you could check the charging circuit (stator/Voltage regulator)...

If the the charging circuit also checks OK... There is a harness under the console that plugs into the speedo. It also plugs into the accessory lights, the ignition switch, and main harness... You could check those connections to make sure they are clean and properly connected.

Finally, what's an MTX handlebar speaker....?? I'm assuming it's an aftermarket accessory..?? Where does it get its power...??? Is it a new accessory....? I would look at its connections, mostly where it gets its power...... Although if it's not a new accessory and has been working properly before this glitch... maybe it's not involved...

There's a few things to look at, in the absence of codes... but my bet is on the battery...

Good luck with your diagnosis....