brake light problem
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 909
Likes: 29
From: Indiana
brake light problem
My brake light is burned out. I got a new bulb and it was tight to put back in. When I turned on the switch, I had both elements lit up. Applying the brake doesn't change anything since both elements are already lit.
I am thinking I need to check the switch on both the front and rear brake levers. I also wonder if this may have contributed to the weird battery issue I had about a month ago. Would haveing a faulty switch cause a battery drain - and when the bulb burned out = no more drain?
I am thinking I need to check the switch on both the front and rear brake levers. I also wonder if this may have contributed to the weird battery issue I had about a month ago. Would haveing a faulty switch cause a battery drain - and when the bulb burned out = no more drain?
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 909
Likes: 29
From: Indiana
Thanks for the replies.
I am pretty sure I have the right bulb - we checked the book and the parts guy at the dealership has been there forever. He usually knows these things off the top of his head.
I did try rotating the bulb and the other way wont fit at all. The little barbs (or whatever) on the sides are offset so there is no easy way to put it in wrong. I will double check everything again tomorrow.
I am pretty sure I have the right bulb - we checked the book and the parts guy at the dealership has been there forever. He usually knows these things off the top of his head.
I did try rotating the bulb and the other way wont fit at all. The little barbs (or whatever) on the sides are offset so there is no easy way to put it in wrong. I will double check everything again tomorrow.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
It's also possible you've got a bad bulb. If I'm not mistaken, you're putting an 1157, dual element bulb in the socket. I have seen them that are internally shorted. Everything lights up whether you want it to or not but it's not a situation that'll blow a fuse. It can be frustrating because, since the bulb is new, we never suspect it until we've spent hours tracing down other non-existent problems. Since these bulbs are pretty cheap to begin with, just plug a different one in and see if it cures your problem.
Good luck!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Good luck!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Last edited by Intrepid175; Sep 12, 2009 at 09:01 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 909
Likes: 29
From: Indiana
Can I put in an auto bulb (1157)? I was at the dealers so I got the official HD bulb for $3.50.
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 20
From: NE Pennsylvania
Check your front brake switch. It's behind the lever. It's a small plastic switch and it's not uncommon when the tip breaks off.
Could be your problem...
Could be your problem...
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
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
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: South Carolina
My front lever switch did this with just the least little wear on the rubber boot...I put a new switch in mine which I think was better than the factory original....
I also switched to the LED rear light and it was well worth the money.....it lights up bright and instantly.....
I also switched to the LED rear light and it was well worth the money.....it lights up bright and instantly.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
