You can run it with the speedometer bypassed but the AWD rpm safety will be bypassed also. I think the speedometer is also the engine's high rpm safety cutoff.

Does the speedometer light up when you turn the key on?

 

The only thing that lights on the entire pod are the Reverse and Neutral lights. There is nothing lit on the speedometer, the needle doesn't move and the odometer does not move at all.

 

bad speedometer!!!!!!

 

The Reverse and Neutral lights are not part of the speedometer.

Pull the 6 prong plug and test for 12 volts between ((A) Red/White +) and ((B) Brown -) on the plug not the speedometer, when the key is on. If you see 12 to 13 volts with your meter do the same test with a small 12 volt light. If the light works, it is probably the speedometer.

If you do not have 12 volts between ((A) Red/White +) and ((B) Brown -) on the plug when the key is on, the speedometer may be OK and you have a wiring problem elsewhere.

 

Checked the Red/White wire to the brown today. I was getting 11.8 volts. Looks like I need to fork out the $270 bucks for a new speedometer... I'll start searching Ebay... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

Thanks Freedom for all your help troubleshooting. I do feel more confident now that it is a bad speedo. At least now I can feel like spending the money for a new speedo is going to be worth it rather than not.

 

Also check the voltage of your battery, cause if the battery voltage is low it can take out your speedo as well as your bulbs.

 

PAPolaris, let us know how things work out.

 

Hi, I have the exact same problem that just happened on my 99 Sportsman 500. I just posted the problem before I saw your post. Please let me know what you find out. I'm out of town for a few days so I can't trouble shoot any more for a while. Good luck.

 

guess what guys, my 99 magnum has same problem.i rolled it and damaged the speedo.ever since that fatefull day my awd has been working intermittently.i could'nt believe a speedo would affect the awd, but now i believe that may be the problem
unfortunately i would need to replace the speedo and the speedo housing as they were pretty bashed up!guess i'll be looking in e-bay also

 

i also had all bulbs blow , was this due to low battery?