[keithlee21]

Has anyone experienced this problem. This just started a couple days ago. Initially, the fuel gauge read ¾ of a tank of gas. As I began to ride the gauge started to drop down to ¼ of a tank reading. I had to glance down under the bike while I was riding to make sure I wasn’t dropping any gas. Then once I got to my destination and let the bike idle for a while the gauge went back up. I have a 2002 V-Rod and, I’ve heard of the recalls with the fuel flange for the 2003 and 2004 bikes but, has anyone else with a 2002 experienced the same problem? Or, does anyone know what this could be due to?

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[DrHeathenScum]

I saw one fuel level sender go bad not too long ago... on an '02

 

[BRY65]

Sounds like the fuel sender resistor card is slowly going bad. How far did you ride in between start-up and the idle time?

 

[DrHeathenScum]

the one I saw go bad was fixed at McGuires in Walnut Crack too... all better now.

perhaps that will help you.

I would agree that it sounds like the sender is on the way out.

 

[keithlee21]

Thanks guys. I'll definitely get it check out then. I knew someone would know what was happening and, I definitely knew I my gas mileage wasn't that bad. It was like I was driving my old 1980's Chevy Suburban. I could watch gauge drop like second hand on my watch.

Thanks again!!! lause:

 

[hvrod]

Thanks guys. I'll definitely get it check out then. I knew someone would know what was happening and, I definitely knew I my gas mileage wasn't that bad. It was like I was driving my old 1980's Chevy Suburban. I could watch gauge drop like second hand on my watch.

Thanks again!!! lause:

It happen to me .. '02 had to replace the whole fuel sending unit... you will need a tool to unscrew the top of the fuel tank... When I order it at least 6 months or more ago.. I had to buy the whole fuel tank and sending unit together.. hopefully they now have each as separate.. cause it was some major change $$$$$$$
:sad:

 

[vroddrew]

has anyone else with a 2002 experienced the same problem?

I have a 2002, and experienced this bizarre phenomenon once -almost exactly what you described.

When I restarted the bike the gauge returned to normal - and I haven't had any re-occurences in the last eighteen months. I'd suggest you keep an eye open for it - but if it doesn't happen again, I wouldn't worry about it. I don't think it is related in any way to the fuel flange recall.

 

[mustangcav]

My fuel gauge is all over the place too. I checked the gauge against my odometer because it will read near empty and still have nearly a gallon left. I went as far as 125 miles once and the needle had been on "E" for awhile before I gassed up and it took 3.3 gal. I guess 130m of varied driving (mostly on the DC beltway to and from work) is as far as I'd want to push it before I AM pushing it!

 

[pete kane]

My fuel gauge is all over the place too. I check the guage against my odometer because it will read near empty and still have nearly a gallon left. I went as far as 125 miles once and the needle had been on "E" for awhile before I gassed up and it took 3.3 gal. I guess 130m of varied driving (mostly on the DC beltway to and from work) is as far as I'd want to push it before I AM pushing it!

The fuel gauge problem is common. Sending unit is available separately. Unit with labor tallies about $175. I made a tool to unscrew cap,and abused the hell out of the service manager. He sold me the sending unit for $55. He claimes this is his cost. List is $100. Took 1.5 hrs to make tool and change sender. Not a big deal. Good luck

 

[mdrsteve]

I had the same problem, but it was replaced under warranty. No problems since!

 

[dyvil]

My gauge also started acting up on my 02. Finally showed empty all of the time for 2 months while I waited for parts. Fixed at the dealer---no charge.

 

[SKIROD]

Guys, It is possible the tech bends the fuel sending unit, when installing the fuel flange recall. I have done it. Even when your are putt'in gas in her. The sending unit is Fragile. A bend or flex will give you inaccurite readings. unfortunatly you have to replace it. there is no quick fix. Later SKI-ROD

 

[greenham]

My 02 just did the same thing. It was replaced under ESP for the $50 deductable. Been fine ever since. FWIW, mine was fine for teh 1st 9,000 miles.

 

[ezrider]

Guys, It is possible the tech bends the fuel sending unit, when installing the fuel flange recall. I have done it. Even when your are putt'in gas in her. The sending unit is Fragile. A bend or flex will give you inaccurite readings. unfortunatly you have to replace it. there is no quick fix. Later SKI-ROD

Where is the sending unit located in the gas tank? Is there a proper way to put fuel in without damaging the unit? Thanks.

 

[AKvrod]

Mine did this for the first time today. Had 1/4 tank when I left town. 10 miles down the road and I was watching it move to "E". When off the highway at the nearest station, it went back up to 1/8. Weird. Hope it isn't the start of a problem.

 

[Z16monte]

Mine's gone from E slowwwwwly up o 3/4 tank twice on me. Once the warning light stayed on till it hit about 5/8 tank.

 

[keithlee21]

Well, here’s the update from my fuel gauge problem. I brought the bike to Livermore Harley Davidson to have the mechanics there take a look at the bike and try to figure out the fluctuating fuel gauge level problem I’ve been having with the bike. I was told by the mechanics that the problem lies with the gauge itself and, that they are ordering a new cluster (which is covered by the extended warranty) to repair this problem. I did notify them that I’ve heard that the v-rods sometimes have problems with the fuel flange, sender, etc but, they said that when they checked those parts out that there was no apparent problems with them. I’m still waiting for the gauge cluster to arrive from a vendor that Harley goes through to produce these so, I will keep everyone updated and let you all know if this gauge cluster was defective and solved our fuel gauge problems.

Thank you!

 

[SKIROD]

O.K. here is the recent scoop. Yes the sending unit plays a major part in this if the tech. bends it. But what I have found recently, the clamp on the fuel mod is positioned in the wrong spot due to the tech. And yes I am guilty. This will allow the float to stick at full, or only read 3/4. It can also cause vibration readings that will cause a wrong reading. The tech. only has to turn the clamp an additional 10 degrees to either side of the float. I am work'in with the Fact. to now try to cure this common problem after fuel flange recalls. Later SKI.

 

[Daniii]

You da man, ski!