Troubleshooting
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 2
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From: Coral springs Florida
Troubleshooting
I have a 2005 fat boy CVO. It has 31,000 miles on it and my brake lights keep going out. I replaced the front switch, and the back switch. They each work for a couple of weeks and then no more brake lights. I know theres some type of electrical problem, but I have no idea how to figure it out. Does anybody have any information for me. I need my brake lights I live in Florida and people down here animals. Id like to ride safe.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
A couple of questions. Do you clean the light bulb of finger oil after install? The oils from skin can cause hot spots. Are you buying Heavy Duty light bulbs or the cheapest on the hook? Did you lower your bike to the point the tire is rubbing on the wiring to the tail light? Just some thoughts.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
If NEITHER the front brake lever nor the rear brake pedal will operate your brake light there's has to be a wiring issue, provided that the bulb is good.
Have a frined stand behind your bike and check to see if the brake light works when you press each lever (pedal) seperately.
If one works the brake light and the other doesn't, you've found the suspect problem.
A "test light" is probably the quickest and easiest way to start checking the bulb socket (while a friend operates the brake lever/pedal) but first make sure that you have a good bulb and use some electrical grease on the bulb's contact points before installing it into the socket and proceed from there.
It may also be a good idea to pull each electrical plug apart (uder the seat) and put some electrical grease on them before re-connecting them.
Sounds like a simple problem that just needs a little TLC.
Have a frined stand behind your bike and check to see if the brake light works when you press each lever (pedal) seperately.
If one works the brake light and the other doesn't, you've found the suspect problem.
A "test light" is probably the quickest and easiest way to start checking the bulb socket (while a friend operates the brake lever/pedal) but first make sure that you have a good bulb and use some electrical grease on the bulb's contact points before installing it into the socket and proceed from there.
It may also be a good idea to pull each electrical plug apart (uder the seat) and put some electrical grease on them before re-connecting them.
Sounds like a simple problem that just needs a little TLC.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,110
From: Florida
Senior has it correct...if you buy an Autozone $2 bulb, they can't stand up to the vibrations & bumps that a bike can cause. Buy the$6 bulb from Harley; you need bulbs specifically designed for a bike. Ask me how I know!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 522
From: Dutchess County, NY
I had a 2005 Dyna and the rear turn signal stopped working. I bought a new bulb and it still didn't work. I determined the bulb wasn't making full contact with the turn signal. I added a TINY bit of solder to the end of the bulb, to make sure it was getting full contact and and never had anymore issues.
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 2
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From: Coral springs Florida
Thank you
A couple of questions. Do you clean the light bulb of finger oil after install? The oils from skin can cause hot spots. Are you buying Heavy Duty light bulbs or the cheapest on the hook? Did you lower your bike to the point the tire is rubbing on the wiring to the tail light? Just some thoughts.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,232
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From: Georgia
I had a 2005 Dyna and the rear turn signal stopped working. I bought a new bulb and it still didn't work. I determined the bulb wasn't making full contact with the turn signal. I added a TINY bit of solder to the end of the bulb, to make sure it was getting full contact and and never had anymore issues.