brake light problem (03 FXDX)
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Well here's what the manual has to say about that: (I don't think this is the problem)
REAR STOPLIGHT SWITCH 8.31
GENERAL
See Figure 8-67. The rear stop light switch monitors brake
fluid pressure in the rear brake line. When pressure in the line
reaches a preset level, the rear stop light switch is tripped and
illuminates the tail light/stop light. The rear stop light switch is
located on the rear brake line T-fitting.
REMOVAL
1. See Figure 8-67. Remove two terminals from rear stop
light switch.
2. Place a clean container under the rear stop light switch
and brake line to catch escaping fluid.
3. Using a 1-1/16 in. open end wrench, remove switch from
T-fitting.
INSTALLATION
NOTE
Perform step 1 only if original switch is being re-installed.
New switches have a sealant contact patch on the threads. If
new switch is being installed, begin at step 2.
1. Coat threads of stop light switch with Loctite Pipe Sealant
with Teflon (PST).
2. See Figure 8-67. Install rear stop light switch to T-fitting.
3. Tighten switch to 96-120 in-lbs (10.8-13.6 Nm).
4. Connect two terminals to rear stop light switch.
5. Bleed brake system. See 1.7 BLEEDING BRAKES.
!WARNING
Check for proper tail lamp/stop light operation before
riding motorcycle. Visibility is a major concern for motorcyclists.
Failure to have proper lamp operation could
result in death or serious injury.
6. Check tail lamp/stop light for proper operation.
REAR STOPLIGHT SWITCH 8.31
GENERAL
See Figure 8-67. The rear stop light switch monitors brake
fluid pressure in the rear brake line. When pressure in the line
reaches a preset level, the rear stop light switch is tripped and
illuminates the tail light/stop light. The rear stop light switch is
located on the rear brake line T-fitting.
REMOVAL
1. See Figure 8-67. Remove two terminals from rear stop
light switch.
2. Place a clean container under the rear stop light switch
and brake line to catch escaping fluid.
3. Using a 1-1/16 in. open end wrench, remove switch from
T-fitting.
INSTALLATION
NOTE
Perform step 1 only if original switch is being re-installed.
New switches have a sealant contact patch on the threads. If
new switch is being installed, begin at step 2.
1. Coat threads of stop light switch with Loctite Pipe Sealant
with Teflon (PST).
2. See Figure 8-67. Install rear stop light switch to T-fitting.
3. Tighten switch to 96-120 in-lbs (10.8-13.6 Nm).
4. Connect two terminals to rear stop light switch.
5. Bleed brake system. See 1.7 BLEEDING BRAKES.
!WARNING
Check for proper tail lamp/stop light operation before
riding motorcycle. Visibility is a major concern for motorcyclists.
Failure to have proper lamp operation could
result in death or serious injury.
6. Check tail lamp/stop light for proper operation.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
The dealership has the entire socket assembly only rather than the individual components for a total of $52.54, my question to the forum, BEFORE I spend the $$, does anyone think I can troubleshoot anything else?
For that price, get a Radiantz LED light for a bit more, super bright and look clean.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
thanks for the idea, I'll still grab the part and test it in the parking lot without fully installing it, if it doesn't do the trick I'll return it and once I figure out the issue I may convert to LED
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Scottsdale HD was kind enough to bring out new socket and lens assembly which did not work either, here is a pic of what's going on out front, I also recently un-bundled all the "e" tape to see if there were turn signal harneses somewhere in the front but I found the lines were cut, in looking at this picture, do you think this could be causing a short? I will unplug the rear brake switch to see if it's causing the problem, then I'll try to isolate the front switch
Last edited by supermanotorious; Mar 27, 2014 at 09:51 AM.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
Likes: 5,609
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Did you do a continuity check through the brake switch located down by the rear master cylinder? When you step on the brake the fluid is forced into the switch and contact is made to direct power from switch to light.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
I disconnected the rear brake sensor and got intermittent brake light from the front, once I reconnected the rear brake I started getting consistent brake light from the rear and still intermittent from the front, I wonder if the contacts for the rear were just too dirty
as for the front brake I'm still not certain, after further inspection I noticed a hole in the shrink wrap for the R/Y right on the solder point from the above pics which exposed the wire, I wrapped it tight with "e" tape but no improvement
if the front was shorting, why wouldn't it blow the fuse, why would it work intermittent?
as for the front brake I'm still not certain, after further inspection I noticed a hole in the shrink wrap for the R/Y right on the solder point from the above pics which exposed the wire, I wrapped it tight with "e" tape but no improvement
if the front was shorting, why wouldn't it blow the fuse, why would it work intermittent?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 6
From: bfe
I would replace brake relay , take yours out and take to autozone get one for a Chevrolet I think they are 8 bucks . I have seen several go bad and do same thing . the contacts just get old and dirty and weak . why they even have brake relay I don't have a clue
Last edited by sonnydaze; Mar 27, 2014 at 10:07 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
I have a 03 Dyna Low Rider and when I brought it in for an end of season oil change they mentioned the same problem with my rear brake light. They installed a replacement cable/housing for $18 and it "hopefully" does the trick.