front brake switch
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,351
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From: Illinois
front brake switch
I just got my 08 FLHX back from an indy who swapped bars for me. I took it for a short test ride. The cruise control works, but it drops out when I hit the slightest bump in the road. I set the cruise and then held the front brake lever out and rode over a few rough bridges and the cruise stayed engaged as it should.
I didn't have any way to check to see if the brake light was flickering at the same time as the cruise was dropping out, but I do think it is the front brake light switch that is kicking the cruise out. I assume something was put back wrong or slightly out of adjustment. I haven't had time to even take a look yet. Any ideas on what to look for when I have time to check it out?
Dennis
I didn't have any way to check to see if the brake light was flickering at the same time as the cruise was dropping out, but I do think it is the front brake light switch that is kicking the cruise out. I assume something was put back wrong or slightly out of adjustment. I haven't had time to even take a look yet. Any ideas on what to look for when I have time to check it out?
Dennis
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
if you have a manual, most models the past 35 years require a shim be placed in the brake lever ifthe controls are removed- to prevent the brake light switch from breaking.
new switch is $65 at HD cheaper elsewhere
forum members have posted fixes with jbweld or a small screw- you could search for those
I'd go back to your indy and ask him to make it right, very likely either the switch broke or the wiring job isnt good
Mike
new switch is $65 at HD cheaper elsewhere
forum members have posted fixes with jbweld or a small screw- you could search for those
I'd go back to your indy and ask him to make it right, very likely either the switch broke or the wiring job isnt good
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Feb 23, 2017 at 10:51 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,172
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From: Georgia
I will offer up another possibility.
When mine did the exact thing you are describing the switch was fine. The fault lay in the master cylinder. One of two things can happen. Either the return spring becomes weak or there is a residue build up on the cylinder wall that won't allow the piston to fully return. A master cylinder rebuild fixed mine.
When mine did the exact thing you are describing the switch was fine. The fault lay in the master cylinder. One of two things can happen. Either the return spring becomes weak or there is a residue build up on the cylinder wall that won't allow the piston to fully return. A master cylinder rebuild fixed mine.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,351
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From: Illinois
I took it apart yesterday to see what the problem was. The end of the brake light switch was broke off. You could see clearly where it had been riding against the brake lever.
I know it needs a new brake light switch, but just for fun, I decided to see what I could come up with to get by for the day.
I took a #6 round headed bolt and turned the threads down until it fit tight in the hole in the switch plunger. I then ground it to the length that would make the head of the bolt match the brake lever perfectly. It works.
I know the switch needs to be replaced, but it doesn't have to be done today. I could also probably make this a permanent fix by taking it back apart and putting a little bit of epoxy on the bolt to make sure it stays put in the plunger, but it stays in contact with the brake lever all the time and there is really no way it can come out without taking the brake lever off the bars.
This is the first bike I have ever owned with cruise control and I didn't realize how much I used it until it didn't work.
Dennis
I know it needs a new brake light switch, but just for fun, I decided to see what I could come up with to get by for the day.
I took a #6 round headed bolt and turned the threads down until it fit tight in the hole in the switch plunger. I then ground it to the length that would make the head of the bolt match the brake lever perfectly. It works.
I know the switch needs to be replaced, but it doesn't have to be done today. I could also probably make this a permanent fix by taking it back apart and putting a little bit of epoxy on the bolt to make sure it stays put in the plunger, but it stays in contact with the brake lever all the time and there is really no way it can come out without taking the brake lever off the bars.
This is the first bike I have ever owned with cruise control and I didn't realize how much I used it until it didn't work.
Dennis
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