Changing the Rear Brakelight Switch On a Twin Cam Harley Dyna

[@k1ckyscotland988]

I'm a Triumph/Royal Enfield guy,but I do love your videos. Your calm,laid back style of wrenching is a joy to watch. Keep up the good work!.

[@JamesCarter-ii4up]

Right on.. I have a 1970 Royal Enfield nice bikes..

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@stevef4772]

Great video. Love this guy. He's the Bob Ross of bike mechanics.

[@pacificmike9501]

Wow, thanks!

[@Funkbass85]

I was coming here to say this! The Bob Ross of Bike Wrenching for sure!

[@illetrop79]

That bungie cord trick. Is awesome! Thanks for adding it to my mental library! Going to do this today.

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool. Thank You.

[@brianharper4021]

Thank you for sharing that procedure on changing the switch. Whenever it’s electrical, it gives me the heebie-jeebies because I’m weak in that area. Once again thanks Mike!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@JamesCarter-ii4up]

Thank you Mike... Keeping them older bikes in the Wind is Right on.... Thank you Mike.... Thank you for being there for them scooters... And We... Thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@MrBluto99]

Thanks much for the bungee cord tip, that worked, I didn't need to bleed the brake...when I did the same job on my other HD a few years ago (without the bungee cord) I did have to bleed after installing the new switch.

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool.

[@thomasperretta977]

Excellent tip on keeping a little pressure on the brake pedal. I didn't loose but a small bit of brake fluid and no need to bleed the system.

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad it helped!

[@burlymugg]

Great tip with the bungie on the pedal Mike, wouldn't have thought of that

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@weegoneoutdoors376]

Still relevant Mike !!! Had to put one on my 06 springer classic, no drips and abot 10 min. Thanks and enjoy the ride

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool.

[@MrIgottadrive]

Mike have to say thank you for your helpful videos i was able to pin point my issue with a oil pump problem..keep them coming take care and god bless..

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@Patrick_B687-3]

I watched the fluid change vids, but watch all your vids. Love, like, and share all your vids Mike. More are always fun to see, and look forward to them all. Someday....I’m still hoping you’ll get an FX Springer on the lift for some front end maintenance.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you. Those are pretty "labor intensive." And, I got an old buddy bugging me to do one. We'll get around to it. I owe him.

[@ocdetails]

I've really appreciated your videos. Your jets video and this one have both been the best at getting the job done for me. Very well done!

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad to help

[@Kevin-ne3tl]

This definitely helps, man. I have a 2002 FXDL that has this exact problem. This made it look pretty easy.

[@pacificmike9501]

It is. Those switches only last so long.

[@187aotearoa1]

Cheers mate I just changed my switch on my Harley Davidson Night Rod and did everything you done including the bungee cord. Took it for a test ride as well and everything is perfect 👍

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool. Glad to hear it. Thank You.

[@bryyork2594]

​, how much pressure do we put the bungee cord at?

[@tommontague5721]

Mike, I'm watching your videos and looking out the window at one foot of snow on the ground. The bikes are in the garage and can't ride like many others. You do realize that when you're in the garage working on a bike we're in the garage helping....lol

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you. Glad to have ya.

[@michaeldonaldson9060]

Nice 1, running a jumper wire now that is priceless information thanks Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@BevanRoth]

Ya got the best advice have done alot of bikes with your videos mate ,bloody legand .

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you like them!

[@roads2ruin978]

Hello. Love the videos. I don't have a H-D but these videos is great for general knowledge. I ride a Honda Shadow Aero.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@BoDean52]

Hi Mike, first time to channel and glad I found you. Look forward in watching more of your videos. Ride safe

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@cike8694]

thanks for the video. I know it's a couple years old now, but I just used it to change mine on my 2009 super glide. worked great. Thanks for the help.

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad it helped you. That is the point.

[@nicolasasselin94]

Hi Mike, I love you videos. You are smooth and you explain very well. Thank you sir you helped me twice. One time with my carburetor and now with my brake switch. Merci de Montréal, Canada Nic

[@pacificmike9501]

Great to hear!

[@MrStringbaby]

Thanks. I just now changed my 2016 street bob rear brake switch. Mine was sticking on. Easy job.

[@pacificmike9501]

You're welcome!

[@haroldwiser2641]

Short but informative. Thanks Mike!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@thatdynachick]

Awesome video, thank you! Going to change the brake light switch on my 2013 wide glide. Just subscribed!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@hampdentime]

Nice easy fix Mike, as always thanks for the videos. How about doing something on the '97 - '99 FLSTS especially the front end adjustment and care. I love these bikes with the old evo's and trying to learn as much as I can. Thanks again my friend

[@loddude5706]

(cough) 'bikes with the old evo's' ? Sorry, must be an 'age' thing; 'old' to me means Whitworth threads & iron botty : )

[@pacificmike9501]

Old? I remember the first Evo cylinder head I removed. That was in 1984. Not long ago! "Old" means 1930's, 1940's or even 1950's. But, next time I work on an "Old Evo," we'll show it. Thank you.

[@hampdentime]

@@pacificmike9501 You are right Mike, I was comparing EVO to a New 131. I will stay air cooled, Thanks!

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. Very much enjoyed. Maybe check the breaker/fuse first?

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@bryyork2594]

😊😊😊Gotta say it went just like your video! Thanks for the tutorial. How about 1 for the front brake switch? Love this channel!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I don't have anything with a front brakelight switch.

[@ftby59mikeD]

Funny we older guys thinking a 2008 is a "new" bike!...I can relate. Did this bike have abs?...bungee trick was not something I'd think to do, but like you say, if it minimizes air entering & eliminates the bleeding procedure than that's a plus👍...thx. I'm following your videos from now on.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I try to put some useful stuff in there.

[@bluesriderDF]

Hello Mike, I'll be replacing my switch, thanks for the tips. I would've thought since the brake line was opened a fluid bleed would be required. I'll try your way. 😉 Hey, has anyone told you that you look like Richard Libertini?

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't recognize that name. I'll assume he's a good guy.

[@bluesriderDF]

@@pacificmike9501 Google him, he's a great actor. Praka Lasa in "All Of Me"

[@bigjalil]

Mike always appreciate your videos my man ty for this

[@pacificmike9501]

I appreciate that. Thank You.

[@Kiwi_kustoms]

Great video I did this very easy. I had a question after I switched it out when I ride I feel like I have to put so much pressure on the rear break and it hardly slows any ideas why? Also rear break worked fine before I replaced the switch.

[@pacificmike9501]

Try bleeding it or maybe the caliper needs cleaning.

[@vulcanizer44]

It's a good thing the switch is working because a SUV rear-ending a motorcycle would be a very bad accident for both bike and rider. I got lucky last October when my switch was defective on my Vulcan 800 (I didn't know it) and when I came to a stop the SUV that was behind me suddenly appeared beside me on my right, I was almost rear-ended and it would have been bad, the culprit was my brake light switch was defective. It was my fault though because I got lax checking for all working lights before each ride.

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you're okay.

[@HighOnTheHawg]

I just picked up an 07 softail custom two days ago, practically new I was thinking. Rode last night for the first time and clearly have a sticky front switch and no rear brake light. At least it'll be easy to check out today and with any luck get back out again tonight(FULL MOON). The caps must both leak because the powder coat is bubbly, but not wet. Wasn't there a recall for this? I sold my 08 Cross Bones about 6 years ago but I remember it went in and they put a fat 1/2 inch thick ugly cover on the front master.

[@pacificmike9501]

Check to see what brake fluid your bike requires. It is either Dot 4 or Dot 5. It may have been serviced with the wrong one. Be year and model specific. Harley did some changes around that time.

[@HighOnTheHawg]

@@pacificmike9501 it says Dot 4 on the cover and I'll probably have to plan on flushing it all out. The rear switch is bad, the brake light came on with the jumper so nothing to guess about there. Thanks for making it so easy with this video!

[@pacificmike9501]

Sometimes brake fluid doesn't get changed and should. Quite often, the wrong fluid gets added. Just be aware.

[@SeanPClements]

Damn I wish I had the wisdom and intelligence like you uncle Mike!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. But, this is what I've done for a long time. I'm sure you can do things I know very little about.

[@Wooley689]

Thanks. Mine needs inspection and wouldn't you know it, today the rear switch is bad. Front activates brake light fine but rear only worked with pedal depressed all way down, this morning kaput.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes. As they age, they require more pressure until they need replacing.

[@Wooley689]

@@pacificmike9501 Sort of like a woman. lol

[@LudoFlam]

Great, thank youy from France for my dyna street bob 2015 👊😎✌ Do you have the gasket reference please ?

[@pacificmike9501]

Gasket reference? Either an HD parts manual or Drag Specialties lists them all in their online catalog. They show several brands too.

[@LudoFlam]

@@pacificmike9501 Thank’s ✌️

[@hunterfontana5688]

FINE MIKE 20th video and I finally subscribed 🤣🤣

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I believe we have approx. 170 videos up at this time.

[@BudzillaCycles]

Holy Baritone Movie Guy voice! Great channel!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Now, if someone will offer me big bucks...

[@FreedomRider1982]

That was a short video, Mike ! Interesting though, I didn't realize those break lights operated that way, take care ride safe ✌🌴☮

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@itsapodcastrophe]

Any chance on getting a tutorial on mikuni carbs..specifically for my 71 Ironhead....🙄

[@pacificmike9501]

Next time I have one to work on, we'll show it' I assume you're speaking of the modern flatslide units. Th original owner's manual for those is really useful, especially for tuning.

[@dennisbartenbach]

Hello Mike, Dennis here, new rider, new Harley owner. I just bought a 2015 Dyna FXDL Lowrider and the brake light was on for a few days and now works intermittingly. By on I mean just like the running light, illuminated non stop. Now it just doesn't illuminate. If I remove the tail light socket and reposition it the brake light works for a few minutes and then goes back to not working. The running lights are fine but now no brake light and at first it wouldn't go out. No wires are loose that I can see, does this sound like the brake light switch? Thank you for your great channel and apologies if my question is not clear. The code displayed reads b2161...

[@pacificmike9501]

Can't be sure, but, probably the switch. Play with it and see if it's the front or rear switch.

[@whc83]

Mike? from Northrop Rice, Alta/Westwood, AIM? if not you look and sound just like him

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You, I think. A lot of us look like this.

[@paultavernier6561]

Do you have a video for older Harley davidson motorcycles like my 1989 Harley Davidson Softtail Custom?

[@pacificmike9501]

Go to Pacific Mike on youtube. It should get you to our homepage. Click on the word "videos." Approx 250 should come up.

[@pacificmike9501]

Old?

[@paulbuckberry7683]

Hi Mike, I'm struggling to understand how you didn't get air in the line between the switch and the calliper on this one!

[@pacificmike9501]

By applying light pressure to the brake pedal, there was no room for air. There is , again, "light" pressure keeping air from entering. Try it.

[@jackseeger7677]

Mike - thank you for the great video! Do you know the part number of the rear brakelight switch for a 2008 FXDC?

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. It is a different switch than the other models use. I don't have that parts book today. But, your local HD dealer can easily give you the number and he may very well be the only place around that stocks that Dyna switch.

[@jackseeger7677]

@@pacificmike9501 Thanks Mike!

[@ElectraWillem]

Thanks for the lesson. Nice job!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@fililoboesparza5784]

Thanks for the brake light tip.. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@DynaDub]

My Dyna Switchback is fine when you first take off on it but after about 60 miles the brake light comes on. I had to resort to putting a bulb in that won't work for running lights so it doesn't melt everything in my taillight housing. I need help.

[@pacificmike9501]

Check the switch first.

[@Coolbreeze61]

it's really weird, both the hand brake switch and foot switches went out at the same time, I got the hand brake switch fixed by applying a little oil to the piston shaft and then found out the foot brake switch was also not working, does the brake master cylinder have a switch in it ('95 FLSTC)

[@pacificmike9501]

The front brake light swich is inside the lever housing. The rear brake light switch is in the line along the frame between the transmission and thrr swingarm pivot. The other things that could have happened, is, the bulb burnt out, or the wire is hurt underneath the rear fender.

[@Coolbreeze61]

@@pacificmike9501 considering the light works with the hand brake I'd say it works, if the foot brake switch is bad would you still get a brake light with the hand brake?

[@robertbenz]

Hi Mike: Can this switch be the cause of the rear brake light staying on when the brakes get applied?

[@pacificmike9501]

Quite possibly. Probably, you've got a sticky piston in your brake caliper.

[@raymondm8282]

Worked just like ya said. Thanks man!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Good job.

[@mpista7182]

Hi PM and MM ! Here's one for ya..my rear brake light works on the first press only. A second press and no light.. I have to wait several hours and then it works again on the first press only. I did the switch test and it indicates the switch is bad. Pads are good. But normally the light stays on when the switch is bad. Any guesses? I wouldn't blame you if you pass on this one ! LOL...Take care guys I truly appreciate your efforts!

[@pacificmike9501]

Okay. I'm gonna pass.

[@mpista7182]

@@pacificmike9501 ouch

[@johnchevis8531]

My paper clip touched pipe afterwards no hazards or blinkers working all front lights are on but rear turn signals not but will blink when I put alarm on. Suggestions?

[@pacificmike9501]

Check your fuses.

[@johnchevis8531]

I’ll give it another look. Thanks

[@pablosagion]

Sir, you are a genius!!!! Thank you!

[@pacificmike9501]

I wouldn't go that far, but Thank You.

[@kennoto9606]

Can a switch leak, but still work? My brake lights still work but the brakes do not, the rear brake goes to the floor. It seems to be leaking out of the switch.

[@pacificmike9501]

Could be.

[@tomm3152]

Even though some fluid leaked, you don't seem concerned... how much is too much? teaspoon?

[@pacificmike9501]

Believe it or not, by holding that pedal down, just a little, you won't lose more than a drop. After closing the system, pump the pedal a few times. Now, bleed to check. No problem.

[@tomm3152]

@@pacificmike9501 So he still needs to bleed them... I didn't realize that.

[@rooster3019]

I will watch later, but does it really matter what the cam style is to change a brake light switch?

[@pacificmike9501]

Just identifying the bike with its master cylinder and control.

[@rooster3019]

@@pacificmike9501 Cool beans.

[@assassincrab]

Can I do the same procedure for my shovelhead banana brake ? Please and thank you Sir

[@pacificmike9501]

Process is the same.

[@assassincrab]

@@pacificmike9501 thank you

[@123scottdavis]

So there are 2 washers used? Just bought the switch at dealer and they said nothing of them.

[@pacificmike9501]

I think you're speaking of the two gaskets, one on each side of the "banjo" fitting.

[@123scottdavis]

@@pacificmike9501 yes. Thanks. I'll have to head back to dealer. 😎

[@codygore7530]

Mike you are a lifesaver 😂😂

[@pacificmike9501]

Wow! Thank you.

[@jimpapay2895]

Does the rear brake switch need brake fluid in the master cylinder to work?

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes, that's where it gets its pressure to operate.

[@smitty7329]

How far do you depress the brake with the bungee? What size wrench does the bolt take? Thanks

[@pacificmike9501]

Just depress a little bit. I don't know what size your fitting is.

[@smitty7329]

Same bolt you are using its for a 15’ dyna streetbob. I think it maybe a size 11/16 wrench

[@pacificmike9501]

Probably. I'd have to run down a bike to check.

[@denisvincent3249]

Question my break light stay on , would that be the switch thanks in advance from Australia

[@pacificmike9501]

Well, what is the motorcycle? Is it a front or rear brake? Is it mechanical or hydraulic?

[@denisvincent3249]

@@pacificmike9501 it’s a 2016 breakout Hydraulic rear brake

[@bigblue3568]

2008 Rocker C rear brake switch just went up in smoke on mine... charred wires etc.. looks like a nightmare to replace because its right up against the frame and hardly zero room to work in. Plus redoing the electrical connection. arhhh

[@pacificmike9501]

Bummer. But, small issue. Better figure out why something touched and fried it.

[@lokogurka]

That switch it’s specially for bikes or car uses the same ones ???? Can I use them ?

[@pacificmike9501]

That is a specific Harley piece. But, they work the same way o a car.

[@lokogurka]

@@pacificmike9501 okey maybe are the same, thread, size, pins, etc...

[@robinkelley8124]

nicely done mate !

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@joedunbar2072]

My brake light doesn't come on unless I'm standing hard as I can on the pedal is that the switch

[@pacificmike9501]

Normally, yes. It wears out. You stand on it. It works. Replace it.

[@pacificmike9501]

Normally, yes. It wears out. You stand on it. It works. Replace it.

[@joedunbar2072]

@@pacificmike9501 thanks for the advice mike I'll get it done see until then see you on the road

[@pacificmike9501]

That's good. Brake light very important.

[@nailbags41563]

Will a bad brake switch cause loss of hydraulic fluid in the pedal

[@pacificmike9501]

Only if it's leaking out onto the ground.

[@nailbags41563]

@@pacificmike9501 on a ride yesterday just briefly my brake pedal went soft then I pumped it in the park position and it rehardened I haven't had a problem but now my brake light won't go out or off I can flutter my back break paddle a few times and it'll go off but I'll turn back on is that the brake light switch underneath the transmission

[@onlyhereonce7290]

Another great one !

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@brandtfourie4480]

Thank you for the video, I will give it a try.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@theone9564]

Hey Mike! What if my switch is sticking do I need to replace it or put some old wd40?

[@pacificmike9501]

You can try anything, but they periodically go bad. I'd probably just replace it. Don't remove it and "fill" it with anything. That would contaminate the brake fluid.

[@theone9564]

@@pacificmike9501 Thanks buddy! I just went to Harley bought a new one. It was only $12.

[@volkah8279]

What about break bleeding after this job?

[@pacificmike9501]

You can.

[@sergedenovo2389]

Great video!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@BAHRacingTeam]

Does it matter which side the wires go on? My 2010 wide glide has two wires

[@pacificmike9501]

No, it does not matter. It is just a switch.

[@BAHRacingTeam]

@@pacificmike9501 thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

You're quite welcome.

[@BAHRacingTeam]

@@pacificmike9501 will the bungee cord holding the brake down work on my 2010 wide glide?

[@pacificmike9501]

Sure.

[@bobhartman2571]

Good stuff, thank you.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@aaroncox3340]

Hey Mike, love the vids. Question: (if you don't mind) which engine would you prefer, the M8 or Twin cam, and the year, obviously the M8's have only been around since 2017. Thankyou.

[@pacificmike9501]

My newest bike is a '77.

[@shovelhead.]

nice!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@davidwooten3924]

Thanks Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@tonysvets]

👍👍

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@SldgeHammr]

Good morning Mike! Are there any motorcycle KZbinr's you follow? If so, who?

[@PCG-NZ]

Depends on what your into.. for vlogs you cant go past million dollar bogan

[@pacificmike9501]

I look at all of 'em from time to time. Basically, I mostly do what I do.

[@raymondayala7168]

Thank You Brother!!

[@pacificmike9501]

You bet!

[@jonhaddican268]

Thanks again bud.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@stevebatdorr3295]

Nice great 👌👍💪

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@hunterfontana5688]

What happens if you don’t hold the brake pedal down when pulling the switch, didn’t hold my brake pedal, pulled the switch, no light still. Electric is good and brakes are working, little to no fluid came out when I pulled my switch off. Bled the bleeder one time but seems silly to flush the system don’t think that’s my problem

[@pacificmike9501]

Is the bulb burnt out?

[@myco4205]

Thanks 4 the Fix ! Fuckin Legend

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@buenamusica7254]

You have radio voice man!!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@AMERICAFIRST54]

Good idea!

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you think so!

[@darrinchinn9265]

I asked for a 2003 sporster

[@pacificmike9501]

Hydraulic brake light switch is a hydraulic brake light switch.

[@BensOutdoorExperience]

"Chock and amazement!" ;)

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@gucci4871]

cool

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@erwinballings9155]

👍top

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you.

[@remimarkable4834]

Is it just me, or is this dude pretty much the Chong of motorcycles?

[@pacificmike9501]

Hard to say. But, I'll take it as a compliment.

[@remimarkable4834]

@@pacificmike9501 definitely a compliment

[@LonesomeNomad137]

👍🏽👍🏽

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@GearHeadGeeks]

You left air in the lines, you need to bleed the brake.

[@pacificmike9501]

That's why the pedal is pulled down slightly, so it can't suck air.

[@GearHeadGeeks]

@@pacificmike9501 Yeah, but air was introduced in the line and the switch itself, whatever leaked out was replaced by air. Yes, the brakes seem okay but air is air. Because of the placement of that block, it probably won't backbleed like a MC would. Advise your watchers to bleed the brake.

[@pacificmike9501]

Okay.

[@mushroomcloud1]

Why in the name of all that is holy doesn't Harley use the simple and reliable mechanical switches like those on all the Japanese bikes?!? I have owned 27 motorcycles, 3 of them Harleys and had the rear brake switch on all three Harleys fail and exactly zero of the others did. I love my HD's but that shit is just quirky for the sake of being quirky.

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't know what to say, other than, "Don't kill the messenger."

[@nightcrow747]

The likes are 510 the not like is 2 why would anyone say they don't like it he showed you how to fix the break like to me the not like is just mean to do that and stupid.

[@pacificmike9501]

I'm not going to let it bother me. If you liked it, I'm pleased. That's good enough for me.

[@louiewatson9389]

BLEED THE BRAKES! You have introduced air in that line. Putting a bungee on the pedal does nothing for the line you took off past the master cylinder. Don't be lazy and not have an effective brake and risk death for something that only takes 2 minutes of your time a screwdriver and a small wrench.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@eoghanmcdaid4386]

Question can the rear brake switch make the brake stay on if broken mines is keeping the brake on all the time I've checked the front brake as this causes this problem but it's the back one keeping the light on

[@pacificmike9501]

When in doubt, bleed the system. If that doesn't work, there is something in need of repair, either the caliper or master cylinder. If the brake works properly, but the brakelight stays on, check the switch.

[@eoghanmcdaid4386]

@@pacificmike9501 that for getting back to me I'm going to change out the switch

[@rudolfoduran4914]

What if your break light stays on ?

[@pacificmike9501]

Probably the switch on your front brake. Just "probably."

[@JanPernat]

👌👍

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.