Rear brakelight constant running
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6,849
Likes: 1,389
From: Florida
One of the switches took a crap. The rear one can fail and often does. But the front one is generally your mess up when the owner breaks it. Did you recently change the bars or move the hand controls?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 1,188
In my experience, it is almost always the front brake lever that causes this. Here's an easy way to check. Remove the front brake lever. Inside the housing is a little button. Depress it. If the light goes out when you do this, you've found the problem.
There is a little tang on the end of the lever. Make a little extension by using epoxy, a piece of rubber, JB Weld, anything that will hold. This extension will depress the button when you release the brake lever.
There is a little tang on the end of the lever. Make a little extension by using epoxy, a piece of rubber, JB Weld, anything that will hold. This extension will depress the button when you release the brake lever.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Make sure the wires to the rear brake switch aren't frayed and grounded to the frame somewhere.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 228
Likes: 41
From: Kent, England
Check that the front brake lever returns fully.
If there’s a gap then the light will stay on.
Possible that the master cylinder grease has gone hard or dry causing the piston to stick.
You’ll do no wrong in giving the master cylinder a service, the kits are very cheap and it’s well worth a try given the age of the bike.
If there’s a gap then the light will stay on.
Possible that the master cylinder grease has gone hard or dry causing the piston to stick.
You’ll do no wrong in giving the master cylinder a service, the kits are very cheap and it’s well worth a try given the age of the bike.
Last edited by Gaz B; Jan 21, 2018 at 12:33 PM. Reason: Missed out a key word
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
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,861
Likes: 17,918
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
Originally Posted by Jan Johansson
If i take off the cables the brake light stop shining. If i put i cable to the two connectors the light shining. And its the rear brakes i taking about.
Change the switch last summer...
Change the switch last summer...
Most people only focus on the rear brake switch.
