Brake Light Issue
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 345
Likes: 17
From: SoCal
Brake Light Issue
The brake light stays on. It's a '06 1200L with no mods to the electrical system. I've replaced the tail light bulb and socket and the brake light switch. I recently replaced the rear master cylinder but I don't see how that would affect anything. Even with the front and rear switches disconnected it stays on. The bike runs great. My FSM disappeared about a year ago during a move and haven't replaced it yet. All the wiring looks great. ? I gotta be missing something , any ideas ? Don't want to tow this sucker to the dealer but I'm at a loss. I would appreciate some guidance here.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: England
Read what he wrote! "Even with the front and rear switches disconnected it stays on."
Wiring diagram - 99949-06_en - 2006 Wiring Diagrams (harley-davidson.com)
The only thing that would make sense to me with the switches disconnected is the insulation of the wires is damaged and they are touching together. The switches feed accessory power so not a connection to ground.
How did you disconnect the switch at the handlebars?
Wiring diagram - 99949-06_en - 2006 Wiring Diagrams (harley-davidson.com)
The only thing that would make sense to me with the switches disconnected is the insulation of the wires is damaged and they are touching together. The switches feed accessory power so not a connection to ground.
How did you disconnect the switch at the handlebars?
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Sep 9, 2021 at 07:58 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,966
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From: Scottish Highlands.
I had a similar problem a couple of years ago, my brake lights were staying on all the time on my 2011 XL883N, I traced the problem to the front brake light switch actuator being stuck in, the actuator is a plunger type. the switch is located inside the brake reservoir casting.
I removed the rubber dust cover from the switch and I cleaned the plunger with WD-40 and then I lubricated the inside of the dust cover using a small dab of grease, that cured the problem and the switch has worked perfectly ever since.
I removed the rubber dust cover from the switch and I cleaned the plunger with WD-40 and then I lubricated the inside of the dust cover using a small dab of grease, that cured the problem and the switch has worked perfectly ever since.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 345
Likes: 17
From: SoCal
Andy from Sandy got it right. I cut the O/Y to the front switch. I figured it was a short, I just can't find it. Thanks to all for your replies. I will post the fix when I find it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
You say the brake light stays on with both brake light switches disconnected, not being a smartass here, but are you sure you are not seeing the tail light?
The tail light will be illuminated with both brake light switches disconnected because it is on a different circuit.
Look at the tail light bulb, are both elements lit up, or just one element?
This is a very simple circuit, let us help you find the problem.
The tail light will be illuminated with both brake light switches disconnected because it is on a different circuit.
Look at the tail light bulb, are both elements lit up, or just one element?
This is a very simple circuit, let us help you find the problem.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 345
Likes: 17
From: SoCal
Its sorta difficult to follow a schematic on a laptop so I drew out the curcuit on a piece of paper. It looks like the brake light has its own fuse (please correct me if I'm wrong ). I guess my next step is to pull the fuse and see if that kills the light or if its powered by a short. If the light goes out I need to go get more beer. If it doesn't go out I need to go get more beer.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: England
The brake light is powered from the ACCESSORIES fuse.
As a test can you put the ignition key to ACC position. Does the brake light come on? If not can you join the rear switch wires together. Does the brake light come on?
As a test can you put the ignition key to ACC position. Does the brake light come on? If not can you join the rear switch wires together. Does the brake light come on?