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Brake light always on, wth?

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thetryal

· F2NV
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Discussion starter · #1 ·
What do you all suggest?

My brake light is always on. It stays on full bright.

I pulled the right hand controls off and push the switch in and out, and the brake light still looks bright. I've pushed the rear brake and pulled the front brake and the light does stays full lit.

I'm thinking the switch may be bad.

Any other thoughts?


sent from my phone, expect bad grammer and typos.
 
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#3 ·
Pull one of the wires off the rear brake switch, if the light remains on it is the front brake switch most likely. If it starts to work it is the rear brake switch.
 
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#4 ·
My guess is the switch in the hand control-- I've changed two so far; one on my R and the other on my buddy's A; Like Sammy said above -- disconnect the connector at the rear brake piston-- if the light goes out, you can replace that connector with a much better AutoZone part for about $9, part #rb401. Here's the link:

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/pa...tch/_/N-9cias?filterByKeyWord=rb401&fromString=search&isSearchByPartNumber=true

If the light stays on, it's 99% the switch.

The repair is straightforward, but kind of a hassle-- you have to solder a couple of small wires in an enclosed space. You do NOT have to buy the H-D switch (H-D part #71621-08) which is outrageously priced at $50. You can get the exact part you need from J&P (and probably elsewhere) for about $20. Here's the link:

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/3700060

The only gotcha is just to remember where everything is when you take the switch assembly apart-- taking a few pics as your dissasembling is a good idea. There's a small shim that will more than likely get lost in your garage when you go to take out the switch (ask me how I learned this)-- just pay attention to where it goes and what it's orientation is. Take your time, and cut and solder carefully. I also shrink wrapped the connections after I soldered them just to be thorough.

Good luck. I hope the information helps!

R.

PS: In the image below, #9 is the switch. #7 is that mother-frelling dissapearing shim.

R.
 

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#5 ·
It has to be a brake switch. Rear is behind the stock 3rd volume on the frame, front is in the right switch housing. The rear switch is notorious for being crap - replace with Auto Zone, part# RB401 9for one) or take the switch to an auto parts store and match it up.. Have you changed out the levers by chance?
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
thanks for the advice, especially FBJ for your thouroughness.

i have stock levers.

ill go throught the checks and report back
 
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Discussion starter · #7 ·
Yep, it was the front brake switch. Not to bad but real tedious.....and having to adjust the throttle cables . Thankfully, the local shop had it for $20. Props to "a bikers garage".

sent from my phone, expect bad grammer and typos.
 
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