Rear brake light switch
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,105
Likes: 1
From: Rowlett, Texas
Had the same thing happen to me a few weeks ago. Autozone carries them. You don't have to have a part number. Tell them what it's for and the computer tells them the part number. I went in with part numbers and their computer couldn't pull anything up. The switch that they carry is bigger than the harley one but fits and works perfectly. It is hidden by my exhaust anyway. +1 on the plumbers tape to ensure that it doesn't leak.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 899
Likes: 10
Don't know if this applies to you guys but . . .
Harley-Davidson Recall.
October 23rd, 2011
Rear Brake Switch And Lamp On 09-12 Touring And Trike Models
Potential Number of Units Affected: 250,757. Summary: On certain models year 2009-2012 Touring, CVO Touring and trikes manufactured from June 6, 2008 through September 16, 2011, the rear brake light switch may be exposed to excessive heat from the exhaust system. Consequence: The excessive heat may cause the switch to not activate or activate the brake lamp when no brake is applied and/or cause a brake fluid leak at the brake light switch affecting rear brake performance. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash. Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners and dealers will install a rear brake light switch kit, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about October 31, 2011. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 414-343-4056.
http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2011/10...-trike-models/
Harley-Davidson Recall.
October 23rd, 2011
Rear Brake Switch And Lamp On 09-12 Touring And Trike Models
Potential Number of Units Affected: 250,757. Summary: On certain models year 2009-2012 Touring, CVO Touring and trikes manufactured from June 6, 2008 through September 16, 2011, the rear brake light switch may be exposed to excessive heat from the exhaust system. Consequence: The excessive heat may cause the switch to not activate or activate the brake lamp when no brake is applied and/or cause a brake fluid leak at the brake light switch affecting rear brake performance. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash. Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners and dealers will install a rear brake light switch kit, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about October 31, 2011. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 414-343-4056.
http://www.cyrilhuzeblog.com/2011/10...-trike-models/
Intermediate
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Canada
My '04 Sporster XL 1200 rear tailight requires me to almost stand on the rear brake pedal to get the light to come on. The brakes pads are new, the light has functioned with just tapping the pedal (like it's supposed to) until a few days ago.
I bled the brakes, and the brakes are working well. Your thoughts appreciated. Thanks.
P
I bled the brakes, and the brakes are working well. Your thoughts appreciated. Thanks.
P
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte
2005 Softail Rear Brake Light Switch Removal
So my rear brake comes on with the hand brake but not the pedal. I jumped the two terminals on the rear brake light switch and the brake light comes on. Sooooooo, how do you remove this switch? It is original and it shaped differently that a socket does not seem to fit almost as if there is a specialty tool for it. There is absolutely no room to get in there with pliers, vice grips, etc because of the Vance and Hines exhaust.
Is there a special socket that will fit?
Is there a special socket that will fit?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
I have changed dozens of the old style switches without having to bleed the brakes.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 983
Likes: 4
From: Fredericksburg, Va
Man typed in this thread like 7 years ago!! So for the front brake lever, if they are after market levers pull the lever out and grind the end that comes in contact with the switch...your lights are more than likely on cause your brakes are slightly engaged. The 5/32 spacer is mentioned in the service manual and makes sense, I usually just make sure I can jiggle the lever (you don't want it tight...so it's not engaging the brake).
If that don't work, trying to fix the problem without busted fuses will take awhile. Recommend go to Badlands and get there plug n play step down inverter thing and this will resolve the 6v to 12v electrical issues that are known for on the Rocker Cs. Hope this helps.
If that don't work, trying to fix the problem without busted fuses will take awhile. Recommend go to Badlands and get there plug n play step down inverter thing and this will resolve the 6v to 12v electrical issues that are known for on the Rocker Cs. Hope this helps.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 56
Likes: 25
From: Shelton Washington
So my rear brake comes on with the hand brake but not the pedal. I jumped the two terminals on the rear brake light switch and the brake light comes on. Sooooooo, how do you remove this switch? It is original and it shaped differently that a socket does not seem to fit almost as if there is a specialty tool for it. There is absolutely no room to get in there with pliers, vice grips, etc because of the Vance and Hines exhaust.
Is there a special socket that will fit?
Is there a special socket that will fit?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
Common for the rear brake pressure switch to go bad, Accel has a replacement at most auto parts, as Drag Specialties, and HD. The front brake reservoir gets gummed up and wont let the plunger release not allowing the switch to work, which means rebuild or buy a new reservoir.
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