Front Brake-Light switch
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 404
Likes: 2
From: SoCal, USA
Front Brake-Light switch
Found out today that the brake-light switch controlled by the front brake lever on my '03 WG may have issues.
The guys I ride with (we just got back from the Vegas BikeFest) have been telling me that the brake light flickers and goes on/off randomly - they don't know when I'm actually hitting the brakes. It does NOT go OFF if I am actually on the brakes.
Jiggling the lever just the slightest amount up/down, while the bike is parked (without applying the brakes at all) causes the brake light to come on. Getting on the freeway with even minimal wind seems to trigger it, as does riding over bumps (but there does NOT seem to be an intermittent in the wiring under the seat, because it doesn't seem to misbehave if I sit on the bike and just move around, or ride slowly in city traffic).
Is there an easy fix for this or am I looking at significant time and money (meaning: replacing parts - is this the switch itself going south or is there something easy and obvious I'm missing)? The little C-ring is still there, nothing appears amiss, just looking at the setup.
TIA-
Bob
The guys I ride with (we just got back from the Vegas BikeFest) have been telling me that the brake light flickers and goes on/off randomly - they don't know when I'm actually hitting the brakes. It does NOT go OFF if I am actually on the brakes.
Jiggling the lever just the slightest amount up/down, while the bike is parked (without applying the brakes at all) causes the brake light to come on. Getting on the freeway with even minimal wind seems to trigger it, as does riding over bumps (but there does NOT seem to be an intermittent in the wiring under the seat, because it doesn't seem to misbehave if I sit on the bike and just move around, or ride slowly in city traffic).
Is there an easy fix for this or am I looking at significant time and money (meaning: replacing parts - is this the switch itself going south or is there something easy and obvious I'm missing)? The little C-ring is still there, nothing appears amiss, just looking at the setup.
TIA-
Bob
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 526
Likes: 4
From: North Atlanta Georgia
Have you done anything to your handlebars that involved taking your right hand controls off?
If you take the controls off the right side without using a wedge between the brake lever and the housing, it can cause damage like you described. Don't ask how I know this?
If you take the controls off the right side without using a wedge between the brake lever and the housing, it can cause damage like you described. Don't ask how I know this?
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 304
Likes: 1
From: Woodburn, OR. USA
Something is closing the circuit that brings on your brake light. It will either be an intermittent short-circuit SOMEWHERE, or possibly the "micro-switch" assembly that your front brake lever engages is out of wack (ie. being too close/far) and is getting actuated. From what you said about "jiggling" the front lever causing it, I would focus on that. Perhaps you'll need a new assembly that is "tighter".
Hope that helps.
Hope that helps.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 404
Likes: 2
From: SoCal, USA
Have you done anything to your handlebars that involved taking your right hand controls off?
If you take the controls off the right side without using a wedge between the brake lever and the housing, it can cause damage like you described. Don't ask how I know this?
If you take the controls off the right side without using a wedge between the brake lever and the housing, it can cause damage like you described. Don't ask how I know this?
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Mystic, Ct
+1 on the wedge, you can also adjust the switch in the master cylinder/throttle. When you pull on the brake lever it moves away from the switch activating the light. The spring in the master cylinder has to be pushing the plunger all the way out to push the lever against the switch. The rear brake system uses a pressure switch versus mechanical.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 526
Likes: 4
From: North Atlanta Georgia
Yes, I have replaced both levers with the contrast-cut black ones. However, I DID use a cardboard wedge as they said in the directions, and it didn't start happening until several weeks after I changed them out. Were you able to solve it by just taking it apart and re-installing?
Mine apparently had been acting strange like yours for quite a while before it was called to my attention by the dealer. I'm never behind me when I put the brake on.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,289
Likes: 22
From: Beautiful Downtown Burbank
Dr Bob, when you get a chance, swing by the dealer and pick up a new switch. We can put it in when we do the motor. Or you could have Drew (Dr V Twin) put it in for you (That ought to be fun to watch)
In the meantime, I guess you wont have to worry about anyone tailgating you
You'll have to excuse me. I'm on my 4th pot of coffee, and the caffeine's getting to me
In the meantime, I guess you wont have to worry about anyone tailgating you
You'll have to excuse me. I'm on my 4th pot of coffee, and the caffeine's getting to me
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 404
Likes: 2
From: SoCal, USA
Thanks, Larry - that works for me (doing it when we do the motor). Will swing by Simi H-D this week or check with Surdyke. Just have to look up the part number.
I need to go grab a cuppa coffee myself, thanks for the reminder
I need to go grab a cuppa coffee myself, thanks for the reminder
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
edugatyr
General Harley Davidson Chat
10
Apr 8, 2012 01:39 AM
