Front brake light switch
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh,Pa
Front brake light switch
1997 FLHTC
run/off switch went bad. Took rhs controls off to bypass until I get a new switch. While apart I turned power on to check other switches. I noticed front brake light on. I depressed the switch and it goes off. In other words it’s backwards. Tail light should be lit when depressed, not off as it is doing. Any help? Thoughts?
run/off switch went bad. Took rhs controls off to bypass until I get a new switch. While apart I turned power on to check other switches. I noticed front brake light on. I depressed the switch and it goes off. In other words it’s backwards. Tail light should be lit when depressed, not off as it is doing. Any help? Thoughts?
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 406
Likes: 122
From: Iowa
For what it's worth, my '82 Sportster front brake switch is exactly like that---backwards from what you'd think it should be. It's a "normally closed" switch.
With the brake lever at rest, the switch button is pushed in and the brake light is off. Pull the lever, and the switch button is no longer depressed, and the brake light comes on.
With the brake lever at rest, the switch button is pushed in and the brake light is off. Pull the lever, and the switch button is no longer depressed, and the brake light comes on.
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh,Pa
Yellowstone Kelly, after toiling over this for a couple hours, it is like you said,normally closed. when back together properly the brake lever has a tab that holds switch closed...trouble now is I cannot get it back together properly! What a pain! The wiring bundle to the switches prevents it from seating on bar as it should....whats the trick??? of course it's a beautiful sunny day!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
Al I know from faulty front brake light switch is that it makes the ECM alc like a total useless piece of crap. My story... You may have read my post about my bike having some throttle issue where on initial opening would cause the engine to bog and how at highway speeds the check engine light would come on?
This has been going on for three years.
New switch. Priblem solved. ****in poor design!
This has been going on for three years.
New switch. Priblem solved. ****in poor design!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,076
Likes: 3,293
From: Plover, WI
If you are not aware of this, the disassembly/assembly procedure involves placing a shim at the front of the lever. This will prevent damage to the rubber boot on the switch during disassembly/assembly.
As for the wires. There really is no trick. They were in there before disassembly. Take your time, and get them nestled in. Be careful to avoid pinching wires between the switch housing halves.
As for the wires. There really is no trick. They were in there before disassembly. Take your time, and get them nestled in. Be careful to avoid pinching wires between the switch housing halves.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,183
Likes: 2,131
From: W. Texas
Unless you have done it few times it can be a PIA.
Just slow down and take your time. The 2 halfs don't always appear to line up perfectly until you get the screws started and begin to tighten them.
The trick is Not to have any wires pinched in there.
WP
Just slow down and take your time. The 2 halfs don't always appear to line up perfectly until you get the screws started and begin to tighten them.
The trick is Not to have any wires pinched in there.
WP
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 15
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From: Pittsburgh,Pa
Poor design is right. I did get it back together, hit turn signal and blew fuse. Try try again
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