I just had to rebuild my starter, which works fine now. However before it stopped working I had a little smoke from some wires which really started smoking when I started it back up with the rebuilt starter. Can anyone tell me what sensor this is and maybe why it would be grounding out causing the wires to melt? picture shows sensor if it is one and the wires that have melting of where they attach.

 

The service manual should have that information.

 

rear brake

 

Yep! Rear brake light switch. There was a recall on them leaking but don't remember the years it was for.

 

even if it was on...why would it burn out? It immediately started smoking on startup...

 

Because of the electrical connections in the switch, short to ground.

 

k thanks for the quick reply. Ill switch out the sensor and the melted wires, hopefully Ill be good to go!

 

Just an FYI for those that want to know …

Harley Service Bulletin M-1310
2009-2012 Touring models
Harley Safety Recall Number: 0145
NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V506000
EVENT PROBLEM PART NUMBER 72023-51D

“... THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY BE EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM.”

If you look at the OP’s picture the brake light switch is well below the exhaust.
In 2009 they re-positioned the exhaust and the brake light switch is directly behind the pipe, about an inch away.
.