Brake light switch question
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Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Manitoba
Brake light switch question
Went for a ride on the interstate today, came up to my exit ramp, tapped the foot brake to disengage my cruise and nothing happened. After trying the rear brake a couple of more times, I applied the front brake and the cruise switched off. I never gave it another thought after that, but when I got home I did some checking and realized the brake lights don't come on when I apply my rear brakes. It was dark by the time I got home so I did'nt look around too much, but I am wondering where the rear brake light switch is located and if it is common for it to quit working? I do have a service manual and will read up on it tomorrow, just wondering if anybody has any advice of where to start trouble shooting.
P.S. I have an 2007 Ultra
P.S. I have an 2007 Ultra
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Minnesota
I wouldn’t bet my life on it but would bet the cost of a new switch. Besides Harley there is an automotive cross referenced switch - Volkswagen, if I recall. The switch is near the tranny side-plate.
Easy and obvious how to replace once you see it. I have heard of people replacing it without losing significant fluid but I’d have the appropriate fluid for your bike standing by.
Easy and obvious how to replace once you see it. I have heard of people replacing it without losing significant fluid but I’d have the appropriate fluid for your bike standing by.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Oklahoma
Mine went out on my '09 RKC. Installing a new switch was an easy 15 minute swap out, lost no brake fluid, didn't have to bleed the brake, still rock hard. By the way, if you do it yourself, you will need a metric end wrench - go figure!
Your scooter might be covered under a recent recall so it might be replaced on HD's dime.
Your scooter might be covered under a recent recall so it might be replaced on HD's dime.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: WPB, FL
Recall
Mine went out on my '09 RKC. Installing a new switch was an easy 15 minute swap out, lost no brake fluid, didn't have to bleed the brake, still rock hard. By the way, if you do it yourself, you will need a metric end wrench - go figure!
Your scooter might be covered under a recent recall so it might be replaced on HD's dime.
Your scooter might be covered under a recent recall so it might be replaced on HD's dime.
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Joined: Mar 2012
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From: boston
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From: 46th State, USA
Normally the cruise control will not work at all if one of the brake light switches is not working. If the cruise control will not disengage at all there has to be something really wrong because that potentially could be a major safety and liability issue.
The rear brake light switch stopped working on my '09 Ultra Classic last year and the first thing I discoverd was that the cruise control wouldn't work.
The rear brake light switch stopped working on my '09 Ultra Classic last year and the first thing I discoverd was that the cruise control wouldn't work.
Last edited by shortride; Apr 7, 2012 at 08:18 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Manitoba
The cruise works fine, disengages if the front brake is applied. I check my bike over regularly , but I know that I usually check to see if my brake lights work by sitting on the bike and applying the front brake, which in this case makes the brake lights come on. I don't know how long the rear brake has not activated the brake lights, but this explains why my buddy was telling me that I needed to give him more warning when slowing down when I was in the lead. I usually warn the rider behind me that I am slowing by applying my rear brake a few times so they can see my brake lights. I always assumed that if the brake lights worked with the hand/front brake applied, they would also work with the rear/foot brake applied. Something to check next time you get on your bike!
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
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Same thing happened to me with my '09 FLTR.....I don't know if the '07s are included in the rear brake switch recall....I changed mine out relatively easy.....just picked one up from my mechanic...drag specialties....worked fine after that....Good luck.
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