Brake lights won't turn off
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 7
From: Michigan
Brake lights won't turn off
my 02 Road King has recently began running with the brake lights on constantly. \\; I check to make sure the switch in the handlebar is good, and in doing that i realized the brake lever is not putting enough pressure on the switch to keep the brake light off. \\; The pads are in good shape, the fluid level is good, but still there is some "wiggle room" which makes the brake lights stay on. \\; I am running the diamondback cables and the chrome master cylinder which were installed roughly 2 years ago. \\; Does anyone have any suggestions as to what i can check to fix this problem?
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
RE: Brake lights won't turn off
HDRider, If the light goes out when you push outward on the handle then the problem is for sure in the switch. Loosen the two allen screws that hold the front brake assembly. Squeeze the brake assembly and the switch housing together and re-tighten the allen scews. The only thing I would suggest that you check is the switch housing. Most switches are held into place with a copper wedge that slides behind the switch itself and the cavity in which the switch sits in. Make sure the cooper wedge is in place. Good luck.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 7
From: Michigan
RE: Brake lights won't turn off
the lights DO go out when i put forward pressure on the lever (manually returning the lever completely). \\; I guess i will have to take the housing apart and see if that copper wedge has slipped loose but i know the 2 halves of the housing have not separated. \\; Thanks for the quick response i'll take a look at that in the morning.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 7
From: Michigan
RE: Brake lights won't turn off
This problem is definately in my front brake lever though, and unfortunately there is no spring in the front brake lever 
 \\; i'm hoping its as easy as that copper wedge not pushing on the switch. \\; I have also had suggestions from others that the piston in the master cylinder might need to be cleaned, anyone ever had to do this?
 \\; i'm hoping its as easy as that copper wedge not pushing on the switch. \\; I have also had suggestions from others that the piston in the master cylinder might need to be cleaned, anyone ever had to do this?
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
RE: Brake lights won't turn off
I had this happen on my 04 ultra, exactly what you are talking about. \\; My cruise wasn't working and I found the same thing you did, the switch was good but the lever wasn't making the switch to make the brake light go off. \\; In thinking back I remembered that I had Kury levers... ahhh the aftermarket blues had hit me!!! \\; What I did for a fix was take some round heat shrink and shrunk it over the piece on the lever that makes the switch, more or less built up the area on the lever. \\; I would shrink a piece, then put another piece on, think it took me about 3 pieces of shrink before it was built out enough to make the switch. \\; Been on there now for about a year, and have had no problems. \\; Nice cheap fix. \\;  \\;
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 7
From: Michigan
RE: Brake lights won't turn off
so you put the heat shrink on the lever...not the switch right??
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Exact same issue here. Discovered it due to the cruise control not working after I installed chrome switch housings. First mistake was attempting to bend the piece that taps the switch. Don't do this. It will break immediately. Ask me how I know. After ordering replacement handles from Kuryakyn, it still would not press the switch hard enough. I rigged up a clip on piece of metal temporarily, but I am concerned this will not permanently remedy the problem.
I too will try the shrink wrap. I have a 2400 mile trip planned for June and really would hate to be on the road and lose my cruise control. Any additional ideas would be much appreciated.
Greg
I too will try the shrink wrap. I have a 2400 mile trip planned for June and really would hate to be on the road and lose my cruise control. Any additional ideas would be much appreciated.
Greg
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
From: Bella Vista, AR
Same problem with mine after putting a m/c kit in. Shooter has it right loosen the control screws and make sure the assembly is tight (meaning the control and m/c housing is up against the throttle grip portion).
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 92
From: Michigan
My 07 SB did this also and I finally found the only thing that worked flawlessly was to JB weld a bb to the flat part on the handle that activates the switch. I'am sure there are many other glues out there that will also work.
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