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) The first part of the video shows the front brake light switch is working when activating it with a zip tie and the later part of the video shows the brake light switch working if I slightly push the whole button forwards.
The last time I fiddled around with the controls was 1 year ago when I changed the handlebar. I had no issues until now. I think HD updated the rubber nipple of the frontbrake light switch to a white plastic mushroom button (part number 71500118), so I can rule out this rubber nipple broken off. The front brake lever is smooth and can completely retract after squeezing it (no extra play) so I think I can rule out the sticky master cylinder. The brake light switch itself seems to be working since I can turn the brake lights on and off with my finger on the button and in this video pressing on the button with a folded zip tie. I loosened the switch housing and the master cylinder clamp, made sure the wires were not pinched and put it back together and the issue persists.
I can see there is a very small amount of play of this switch inside the housing. Is this normal? Can this small amount of play cause my issue (the switch moves slightly backwards when the brake lever is pushing on the button)? Or is the switch getting old and I need to get a new switch? I saw a youtube video from two wheel rocco (
) and his fix is to JB weld the brake lever to extend the tip of the brake lever. This could work but this seems to be a temporary fix. It looks like HD updated this front brake light switch (part number 71500118) with some kind of plug to plug into the switch housing circuit. Looks like I can change this switch without snipping and soldering wires. What is this plug and how do I remove the old plug? If a new front brake light switch is easy to install, I will go this route. Any help appreciated!
So I took a look a the switch housing and I'm pretty sure there is not supposed to be a spring to push the button out. The plastic clamp that sits at the side and behind the switch has no extra space. Pic here . I saw this video on youtube
and he used an electrical contact cleaner to spray on the switch. I gave it a try and viola it works! Front brake lights is back to normal! I guess it's a bit of corrosion in the switch. I sprayed some WD-40's electrical contact cleaner on the switch and in the spring in the switch (the spring is visible in a small gap in the switch). The clicking sound when activating/deactivating the switch is noticeably louder too. Hope this helps anyone with the same issue. Cheers.
Last edited by edharley48; Nov 28, 2023 at 09:55 PM.
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2021 Harley sportster 48 front brake light switch fail causing brake lights always on
