Tail light trouble
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Joined: May 2010
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From: St Louis MO
Tail light trouble
I recently put a smoked laydown tail light with a red led bulb on my bike and now the brake light doesnt get brighter when the brake is applied. I put the original bulb back in and it doesn't change either. The light stays lit as a running light but just wont get brighter when the brake pedal is pushed. She's an 04 superglide. Any ideas? Im thinking it might be a brake switch or something like that but don't know where to begin looking for it. This is my second Harley but the first one I'm doing all the work to myself I can turn the wrenches just need a little help with where to turn them. Thanks for your help.
"Signal stabilizer" is a brand name for a particular load equalizer, and they are only required (if at all) for turn signals... not brake or running lights.For the OP, I'd look closely at the last thing worked on. Check the 4-pin tail light connector for continuity on both sides, bent pins, etc. GL!
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Hudson Valley, NY
did you trace the wires on the new taillight for any shorts? the wire that runs the running light is different than the one that lights the second filament when the brake is applied. i would imagine there's a short somewhere. sometimes the clips under the fender give and the tires rub the taillight wires.
Last edited by babalu; Jul 14, 2010 at 07:47 PM.
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From: St Louis MO
I tested the brake light wire with a voltmeter and without pressing the brake pedal it reads 11.49 volts when I press it it reads 11.64 so I'm guessing the pressure switch is bad. I guess the brake light is on all the time. Where is this switch located?
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Joined: May 2010
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From: St Louis MO
Well ive looked all over the front master cyclinder and can't find a wire for a pressure switch. The front brake still doesn't work since the master cylinder got dropped while changing the bars. I have one on order so i'll change that when it gets here. I took all the fittings out of it and squeezed the lever and nothing comes out of the master cylinder even though it is full of fluid. I guess it has to be the rear brake system. Any suggestions?
Last edited by reedster70; Jul 15, 2010 at 12:56 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Green Country,Oklahoma
The switch for the front master is a small tricky devil.You screwed it up.It has to be blocked before removing anything.This has been said before but get a manuel and read it,we all need to start somewhere.It is good you are doing your own work.The trouble with experiance is by the time you get it,it is too late!
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From: Broomfield, CO
There are 2 brake light switches on Harleys........one in the front switch housing for the front brake and one that is an electrical/hydraulic switch for the rear brake. Stand behind the bike and have a friend test the front brake first and then the rear brake to see which one does not function. Typically, both don't go out at the same time.