brake lights on sporster dont work
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Stage I
Joined: Jan 2018
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From: pennsylvania
brake lights on sporster dont work
I have 1995 sportster 883 the brake lights don't work they worked before. I have check front and rear brake switches I even jumped the rear switch and still no brake light it does light up but brake light doesn't work bulb is good
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
A stock '95 Sportster doesn't have fuses, it has contact breakers and each of them tends to cover a lot more than just the brake light, so I think we have to look elsewhere. First thing is the bulb. Even if it 'looks' OK change it - it won't be the first bulb to fail while not appearing to be blown. Then as wharg suggests above check the bulb holder for dirt, corrosion etc. After that it's a case of tracing the wiring, checking for condition and continuity. Many electrical problems like this are actually mechanical, in other words something is stopping the electrickery from getting through to its destination.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,490
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From: USA
I'm looking at the wiring diagram for the 1995 Sportster and it show 4 fuses (ignition, instruments, lights, accessory). Check for power at the tail/brake light socket. With the key on you should have power for the tail light. Then using either the front brake lever or rear brake pedal you should get power for the brake light. If no power for the brake light then check for power at the rear brake light switch. The Orange/White stripe wire should have power to the switch and the Red/Yellow wire should get power when the brake pedal is pressed.
If no power at the rear Brake light switch then check fuse - accessory. The fuse should also power the turn signals.
If you have power out of the Brake light switch on the R/Y wire but not at the brake light socket, then check the wires that run under the rear fender. Sometimes the wheel/tire can chew them up.
Wiring Diagram: https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....es=0&view=FitH
Page 251 of 332
If no power at the rear Brake light switch then check fuse - accessory. The fuse should also power the turn signals.
If you have power out of the Brake light switch on the R/Y wire but not at the brake light socket, then check the wires that run under the rear fender. Sometimes the wheel/tire can chew them up.
Wiring Diagram: https://serviceinfo.harley-davidson....es=0&view=FitH
Page 251 of 332
Last edited by 14GuineaPig; Jan 27, 2018 at 08:44 PM.
Stage I
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
From: Kinston,NC
A stock '95 Sportster doesn't have fuses, it has contact breakers and each of them tends to cover a lot more than just the brake light, so I think we have to look elsewhere. First thing is the bulb. Even if it 'looks' OK change it - it won't be the first bulb to fail while not appearing to be blown. Then as wharg suggests above check the bulb holder for dirt, corrosion etc. After that it's a case of tracing the wiring, checking for condition and continuity. Many electrical problems like this are actually mechanical, in other words something is stopping the electrickery from getting through to its destination.
I REALLY like your electrickery as it can be very tricky at times...LOL
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