85 electra glide
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 440
Likes: 1
From: NW Burbs of Chicago
Assuming the running lights are working I would start by replacing the bulb with a known good bulb. Bet there's a cross at your local auto parts store but I have no idea what it would be. If you pull the bulb and take it in, a good parts guy can probably find it, though. If you're going with an official HD bulb the part is 68165-64
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 186
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
As Wuffle said, replace the bulb. After a lot of years the contact points on those old bulbs just don't make contact anymore. Also, look for corrosion in the socket.
If that doesn't do the trick, buy a cheap digital VOM (volt-ohm-meter) and check for voltage at each connection point. It is simple to do. Set the VOM on the 20 VDC setting, the black probe on a ground point and start probing (carefully) with the red probe. You should see battery voltage at each connector.
If that doesn't do the trick, buy a cheap digital VOM (volt-ohm-meter) and check for voltage at each connection point. It is simple to do. Set the VOM on the 20 VDC setting, the black probe on a ground point and start probing (carefully) with the red probe. You should see battery voltage at each connector.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 186
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
Is the rest of the electrical system OK?
My '08 has a 15A brake fuse listed in the owners manual. Are you sure that your '85 does not?
I would then do a visual check of the wiring from the brake light forward.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,896
From: Bedford UK
The only fuses on my 1990 bike, which I bought new, are those I have added. The original wiring has thermal cutouts and lots of black magic!
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,194
Likes: 3,082
From: NW AR
The wire runs back from the tail light under the fender, to a hole in the left side of the fender, back along the fender strut to a plug under the left side plastic cover. Check the pins at that plug with your meter. I don't remember what color the brake light is off-hand.
Next, get under the bike and look at the switch on the rear master cylinder. Put your meter on there. You should have +12v on one pin when the ignition is turned on and on both when the ignition is on and the brake is depressed pretty hard (not lightly).
Next, get under the bike and look at the switch on the rear master cylinder. Put your meter on there. You should have +12v on one pin when the ignition is turned on and on both when the ignition is on and the brake is depressed pretty hard (not lightly).
Last edited by Dr.Hess; Sep 1, 2009 at 11:02 AM.