A Gaggle Of Intermittent Electronic Issues

[rhjr]

For the past few weeks, the starter button on my 2012 Bonneville has intermittently stopped working. It either lights the bike right up or does nothing at all, as if it were a toy button. This could have a whole bunch of causes, I realize. Last week, the shop said the entire control needs to be replaced (as in, the housing with the starter button and kill switch and the wiring that comes out of it, which runs into the headlight casing). They said they could see the current cutting in and out while jiggling the wire. Once every few times or so, I've needed to start the bike via the solenoid.

But then.

During a trip this weekend, the speedometer began dropping to zero intermittently. When this happens, the needle drops for a few seconds, goes back to normal, drops again, etc. Sometimes it works as expected for many miles. Other times, it jumps up and down nearly constantly. When this happens, the odometer stops tracking for as long as the speedometer is disengaged (obviously). The same issue appeared one time a few months ago, also during a >50-mile ride, but then never happened again.

During nearly the entire trip this weekend, the Check Engine light was illuminated, occasionally turning off and back on again. This has happened several times in the past, also during >50-mile rides, but also in the city a couple of times. It comes on, stays on for a while (a few miles, or a day or so), then turns off again and stays that way.

During any or all of this, the clock works fine.

Today, I noticed the negative battery cable was a bit loose. I tightened it, then started the bike without issue several times in a row. The speedo is working, but I haven't road-tested it since doing this to see if it occurs again at speed.

Any other ideas? What might cause this particular collection of issues to crop up either individually or all at once, and only intermittently?

Thank you!

 

[Rocky]

I think you solved your problem, but a road test is needed.
Sorry, but I have no clue when it comes to modern electronics.

 

[Qship]

If you have a speed sensor on the back or front wheel it may be the speedo problem.
Last year the shop installed my rear brake caliper wrong and the ABS sensor wire was rubbing on the rear disc. It wore through the wire and my speedo quit working. Apparently the ABS sensor does double duty as the speedo sensor as well on my bike. May be something to check.

 

[rhjr]

Interesting suggestion! That cable seems to be in great shape, though — no visible signs of wear. It wouldn't explain the starter button, either, but then, nothing says that's related. I'll keep it in mind and see if I can't rule it out. Thanks.

 

[Qship]

The starter button on mine was working intermittently last year. They replaced it under warranty. Don`t think that your Bonnie is under warranty still though.
I`m betting that the loose battery connection was the cause of the poor starting, like Rocky stated.

 

[SarahP]

Holy cow, I feel for you! Electrical problems are the bane of my existence because I'm lousy with trying to troubleshoot them. Rocky's suggestion sounds good, though. Please post again and let us all know what the cause was when you get it sorted out. Good luck!

 

[rhjr]

After tightening the negative battery cable last week, the speedo has worked consistently, and the Check Engine light has turned off and stayed that way.

I had zero problems with the starter button until this morning. It once again failed, but then worked after a few tries.

It's possible I still need to replace the starter switch part, but everything else seems to be in working order.

So far.