Brake light switch meltdown
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 451
Likes: 3
From: Laurel,Ms USA
Brake light switch meltdown
Lost my rear brakes on 09 Ultra and it turned out to be the brake light switch melted down and started leaking at the wire terminal. The parts guy said it was a common failure as he sells alot of those switches. Easy fix to replace the switch but you have to bleed the brakes, mine is ABS and I was lucky and did not set any codes that would require a dealer visit to reset with digitech.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: FW Texas
Mine also melted down, but didn't blow out and leak. The brake lights just stuck on. Still under warranty so the shop fixed it. I know I have seen somewhere here about bleeding the ABS systems, have not had to do it myself yet. I think its just like regular brakes, but hope someone will confirm or post a link. Ride safe!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
If your just pulling clean fluid through you don't need the Digital Tech. But if you are changing the lines that go into the control unit then you do. That's my understanding anyway. I bleed them every spring and they have been fine.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
Riding back on a 200 mile ride, my rear brakes failed also....
my switch appears to be melted (leaking at the switch and one wire
melted).
My bike is an '09 Ultra w/46 K miles. Taking it to dealer tomorrow
(front brakes....don't FAIL ME NOW! LOL).
Sounds like the making of a recall?
chuck
my switch appears to be melted (leaking at the switch and one wire
melted).
My bike is an '09 Ultra w/46 K miles. Taking it to dealer tomorrow
(front brakes....don't FAIL ME NOW! LOL).
Sounds like the making of a recall?
chuck
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
I think the cause is just an inferior product. Not too long ago in another thread someone posted a link to an aftermarket switch that cost less and was reportedly better.
Trending Topics
Novice
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
Mine was replaced awhile back under warranty at 20,000 miles. I think the heat from the catalytic converter gets to them. It didn't leak but did throw a 'check engine' light.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Happened to mine and I got it on video when it happend, I just don't understand why HD just does not use a spring hooked up to a switch instead of having the switch possibly cause brake failure, truly a dumb design.
