Break light stays on
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 127
Likes: 10
From: Elk River, Minnesota
Just went through this myself. Start by unplugging rear switch, of brake light goes out you found problem. If not it is front switch, and that one is a little more involved to get to. Involves some soldering.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 803
Likes: 3
From: Collegeville, PA
No. The rear switch is a hydraulic switch. Not sure what model bike you have, but it is likely located on the right side, near the lower frame rail just in front of the swing arm pivot point. The front switch is located in the right switch housing and will stick out about 3/16" so the brake lever can actuate it. If you recently had your brake lever removed, or if you were doing any work on the handlebar controls on that side there is a good chance you broke it. If you determine the problem is not coming from the rear, the first thing I would do would be to make sure the switch housing is snugged up tight to the brake lever. The switch is "off" when the plunger is pushed in. When you pull the brake lever it allow the switch button to extend outward and close the contact, turning it "on".
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 482
Likes: 14
From: Detroit
I did just install new bars and chrome hand controls guess I could had damaged it then. So I can unplug the rear to test it but how do I test the front ? Bike is a 01 Electra glide ultra classic. Thanks for the help
Have you been working on the grips lately? If so, the wedge (spring clip) inside the switch housing which holds the brake switch in place could be the problem...
If you open up the housing and try to operate the micro switch check if there is a response from the brake/taillight.
The switch is located as shown in image 2 (p/n 2). Try to adjust the switch's position by bending out the wedge.
Here's how the brake activates the switch:
The pin on the lever (see image 1 p/n 1) pushes the plunger into the brake cylinder when squeezed... at the same time the brake switch which is mounted through the hole (image 2 p/n 3) is being released.
Could be the switch has been damaged. When you work on the brake side follow these instructions:
When you want to take off the lever from the handlebar and insert a piece of 4mm cardboard, the lever is pulled in a little allowing the pin to come off the brake switch's rubber cap. Now the lever can be removed without snagging this rubber cap.
When you re-install the lever, insert the cardboard as well and insert the lever as shown in image 3....
If you do a search for brake switch in the Dyna Models section you'll find some more threads on this subject....
If you open up the housing and try to operate the micro switch check if there is a response from the brake/taillight.
The switch is located as shown in image 2 (p/n 2). Try to adjust the switch's position by bending out the wedge.
Here's how the brake activates the switch:
The pin on the lever (see image 1 p/n 1) pushes the plunger into the brake cylinder when squeezed... at the same time the brake switch which is mounted through the hole (image 2 p/n 3) is being released.
Could be the switch has been damaged. When you work on the brake side follow these instructions:
When you want to take off the lever from the handlebar and insert a piece of 4mm cardboard, the lever is pulled in a little allowing the pin to come off the brake switch's rubber cap. Now the lever can be removed without snagging this rubber cap.
When you re-install the lever, insert the cardboard as well and insert the lever as shown in image 3....
If you do a search for brake switch in the Dyna Models section you'll find some more threads on this subject....
Last edited by FXD2003Rider; Jul 30, 2012 at 07:12 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,068
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Check out this link ... not sure what model you have, nut it's not uncommon to have the plunger get mis-position or fall out when you're in there. Part #12. Check to see that it's there! Hope this helps.
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....EMBLY-W/-LEVER
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....EMBLY-W/-LEVER
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 26
From: OOB, Maine
Look at the above pictures in an earlier post. That little "V", if you didn't put it back in or it isn't seated well then the light will stay on. That "V" pushes the switch in place to be struck by the brake lever...if it isn't struck, then the light stays on. Pull housing screws flip up top and look in to check.
Adam
Adam
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: NYC
I had the same problem with my deuce when I changed out the bars. I took apart the housing that holds the brake lever on and readjusted it and it works fine. you may have broke that switch inside. If so you can order a new one online and replace it. Good luck.