Break light works with front brake, but not back brake

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Aug 31, 2020 | 06:00 PM

skewzme

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Joined: Sep 2017

Posts: 138

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From: Virginia

Break light works with front brake, but not back brake

Brake tail light works with the front brake, but not with the back brake.
What would you check first?

Aug 31, 2020 | 06:09 PM

RANGER73

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Joined: Sep 2010

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From: Beyond Fucital

There's a pressure switch in the rear brake line, It's either the wire fell off or the switch is bad.

Aug 31, 2020 | 06:19 PM

Pale Horse Rider

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Joined: Sep 2014

Posts: 337

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From: Central Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by RANGER73

There's a pressure switch in the rear brake line, It's either the wire fell off or the switch is bad.

exactly what he said. Just happened to me.

Aug 31, 2020 | 06:53 PM

deez nuts

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2012

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From: PA

I have the same problem on a 2000 Dyna FXDS-Conv. Guess I'll be looking for this switch and checking the wires and replacing as needed.

Aug 31, 2020 | 07:20 PM

skewzme

Thread Starter

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Joined: Sep 2017

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From: Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by RANGER73

There's a pressure switch in the rear brake line, It's either the wire fell off or the switch is bad.

Appreciate the quick reply....
I probably should have also mentioned its a custom tail light I rewired myself.
Does anyone know if the front and rear brakes have separate wires going to the tail light?
Or, is there just one brake light wire that sends a signal from both places?

Aug 31, 2020 | 08:03 PM

CoolBreeze3646

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2006

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From: Pennsylvania

Quote:

Originally Posted by skewzme

If it is not what was mentioned above with the brake light switch, you should look at the wiring diagram in your HD Field Service Manual, it is your friend and will help you accomplish many things.

There are 2 separate and distinct switches, one for the front, one for the back, they both feed into the wiring for the rear brake light; unless you custom rewired it, then you are on your own as to what is wrong. Good Luck.

Sep 1, 2020 | 11:17 AM

EVOrider

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 2,558

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From: Russellville, Arkansas

Are you running the stock size tire or lowered the suspension?

Taller/wider tire.....sometimes rub on hard bumps and eat wiring under the fender.

I’ve seen that more than once....