Brake light issue

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Jan 7, 2013 | 07:23 AM

machm1969

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From: Iowa

Brake light issue

I just noticed the brake light on my '07 WG isn't working. I haven't had the bike very long, so I'm not sure if it was ever working. I switched bulbs and noticed both filaments are lit up even when the brake is off, so I'm guessing the brake light is actually stuck on. I switched out the switch housings for chrome ones last month when I changed out the handlebars, so I'm not sure if something is shorting out? Any ideas?

Thanks,

Matt

Jan 7, 2013 | 07:45 AM

machm1969

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From: Iowa

Also, when I pull back slightly on the brake lever I can hear the brake switch click indicating that it's getting depressed, I can also hear it click off when I release the lever. I do remember putting the little copper shim in the housing.

Thanks,

Matt

Jan 7, 2013 | 07:58 AM

aces&8s

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From: almost there

There is a switch button in the master cylinder unit where the hand lever pushes on it when squeezed. If it breaks off the tail light will stay bright. Just a guess.

Jan 7, 2013 | 08:03 AM

ajayrk

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Quote:

Originally Posted by aces&8s

There is a switch button in the master cylinder unit where the hand lever pushes on it when squeezed. If it breaks off the tail light will stay bright. Just a guess.

What he said. Tip broken off of switch. I'll bet the grips have been changed and the tip was broken off because the brake lever was not wedged clear of the switch per the manual.

Jan 7, 2013 | 08:06 AM

Rbs68cgr

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2012

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From: Largo, Florida

I switched out bars & stuff & put a small panhead screw into the button. That way light stays off when brake is depressed. Easy fix, just search in forums for brake light staying on & you'll find tricks to fix without having to buy new button sensor.

Jan 7, 2013 | 08:17 AM

UltraNutZ

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From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajayrk

What he said. Tip broken off of switch. I'll bet the grips have been changed and the tip was broken off because the brake lever was not wedged clear of the switch per the manual.

In 08 (i believe) HD finally got their heads out of their asses and changed that brake light switch on the handlebars to one that did not have the "breakable" tit on it. Anything prior to that had the little tit on it that if you didn't depress in with a piece of cardboard or something similar while disassembly and re-assembly of your switch housing would snap off. There are many options aftermarket so you don't have to pay the ridiculous price of $50+ at HD for a new switch part # 71621-08 (new style)

Jan 7, 2013 | 10:51 AM

machm1969

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From: Iowa

That makes sense. I did find a small piece of black plastic that looked like it broke off somewhere, but I didn't see where. I will check the aftermarket.

Thanks for the help!

Matt