Gear indicator issue

[Hydro33]

Hello Maxers! I ride a 2018. 35k miles. Sometimes I get a gear indicator that goes blank, and scrolls between blank and the current gear. I looked at my wiring diagram in my service manual, and suspect the gear indicator switch is the culprit. Before I go digging with my lab scope, have any of you had gear indicator switch failure? Thanks! Brad.

 

[one2dmax]

I think it's a pretty common issue. Sometimes I Think resolved by cleaning contacts and others by replacing the sending unit. I even keep one in stock just in case it's needed.

 

[mymax]

same issue i will talk to dealer soon

 

[Marauder03]

My 2012 does that sometimes as well but only when I’m in 2nd gear, just glad to know it’s kind of a common problem. Not that I want it but just that I now know.

 

[Vmax06]

Mine did that too. I replaced the gear position sensor and it fixed it. I think I could have repaired it without buying a sensor though. This video is pretty decent at showing what happens and what the fix might be if you wanna try it before buying a new sensor. Obviously not a VMAX but the one our bikes looks very similar and works the same way. Either way it’s a pretty easy job. It probably took me longer just routing the new pigtail and connector in the correct oe routing.

 

[butch2000]

anyone have the Yamaha part number for the Vmax indicator ?

 

[Aces High]

I have the same problem on a 2019. When the engine is warmed up, 1st and 5th don’t show.

 

[Coastal Grey]

Sometimes 2nd doesn't show but I know I'm in it, its not really advantageous to look at while the front wheel is of f the ground....but I know!!!

 

[swalko]

Mine 2009 is same. When warmed 1st gear dont show.

 

[Aces High]

I’m gonna get to this sensor and clean it off very soon and see if it does the trick. I’m a stickler for my things running like a top. Stupid question though; can I withdraw the sensor without draining the oil?

 

[Rymo]

anyone have the Yamaha part number for the Vmax indicator ?

Part number is: 2S3-82540-00-00

It’s called “NEUTRAL SWITCH ASSY” it can be found on Partzilla. It’s under category “ELECTRICAL 1” and is #7

Price is listed for $108.99 and is currently cut back to $81.06.

It’s located on the lower left side below the crankcase cover.

Partzilla page where it’s sold https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/yamaha/motorcycle/2016/vmax-vmx17gl/electrical-1

 

[Aces High]

I finally got the gear indicator issue resolved. As previously stated, once the engine warmed up, 1st and 5th gear disappeared from the oled screen.
Before finally swapping out the complete sensor, I removed the original sensor head located under the shifter, did a few passes on the contact surface with fine grit, cleaned and reinstalled. The 1st gear reappeared but the 5th was intermittent at best. Still worth a shot if it does the trick. Maybe a couple more passes would of worked.
The new sensor assembly swap was your typical Vmax affair, easy but annoyingly time consuming since everything is crammed so tight on the Max. You can use the original Oring on the new sensor head and no need to wait for an oil change since only a very light oil film leaks when the sensor head is removed. I simply had everything set up for a quick swap to minimize any loss.
All in all the gear indicator isn’t a necessity but given everything else on this incredible machine has been bullet proof, it bugged me every time I went for a ride.
Hope this helps. Cheers!