Harley Brake Switch Diagnosis

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Bob LaRosa has reviewed the brake light switch issues at the handlebars and underneath the transmission clutch cover. Here he gets into the brake light switch diagnosis with the Haynes repair manual to trace the issue with the color wiring diagram.
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[@scottgordin9709]

This video was exactly the video I needed to diagnose that the front brake lever wasn’t contacting to the break switch properly, hence making the brake light stay on at all times. Who knows how long it was like that, my bike sat for the last four months and I just happened to notice the problem yesterday when I got home from a short ride. Thumbs up to this video and now I’m a subscriber!

[@peterlarvin3475]

Hey Bob, just want to thank you for that wonderfull video, after serching for two days you finaly cracked for me, Thank you and great work! HOG from Down Under Austalia

[@shaungarza9484]

Damn! This video is pretty thorough, direct and to the point but presents a lot of USEFUL information. Def helps me out since my freggin upper switch is sticking and my troubleshooting and diagnosis is kicking in!! Electricity is one of those things I've somehow managed to avoid but not afraid to tackle. I wrench some and this helps out. Best video I found so far, LaRosa knows his craft!! Will be passing this on to our circle of friends. Keep up the fine work.

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Thank you, stop by our site for hours and hours of electrical videos. www.fixmyhog.com/videos/electrical/

[@kevinbaer3989]

OMG I had just put new cables for an S&S and made my brake lite stay on,,,,Thank you Tony for a Quick fix....Not may are free with HD !!!!

[@firbyd]

Are you sure his name is Tony? I am see his name as Bob.. maybe take another gander and, pay attention young man! He even told you in the first 5 seconds! xD lol

[@WillBelden]

Thanks for the information on the front brake. I was throwing a BCM and ABS code, both "stuck front brake switch". This video helped me understand the layout of the brake. I worked the switch with compressed air, followed by electrical connection cleaner just to wash any dirt out, followed by some WD-40 silicon. Worked it out nicely and saved me a trip to the shop! Thanks again!

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Hi Will, I'm glad it helped. Stop by our site for more on ABS. www.fixmyhog.com/?s=abs

[@scottbradshaw5249]

I have replaced the switch housing, and the rear brakelight switch for the rear pedal. The light still stays on. Can a worn out lever cause the light to stay on, I'm referring to the master cylinder pin and the pocket it rides in on the lever. 9:03

[@zcarm]

Same to me, now I have adjusted the front right lever as the mirror was too low, since then I guess the back brake light continuously is on. Will run down now to test it. GREAT VIDEO and excellent explanations !!! Update, it was the front brake lever, just opened the screws a bit, adjusted the house and voila, its working perfect again !

[@freddysanchez1342]

Hi i got a 2015 deluxe and i dont have a brake ligth im following you in this thanks for the vid ...

[@DirtmonkeyTactical]

this was a great video so thank you. I could have used help going a bit further as this didn't correct my problem but it was a great start. I think i may need to replace my front switch and don't know how to test it to see if it has failed.

[@raymondgarafano8604]

Clymer does a great job with wiring diagrams! Somehow the wire from f.brake sw.was lost I was able to run a new wire from fr. br. SW and route it along main harness and connect it to the red coming off rear brake lite sw. I do have the HD service manual but you can go freaking blind, They make the letters for wire colors so small I hadda borrow 2 pairs of my wife's half-glasses, and the lines representing wires so close together. . . a nightmare and a half. Awesome with the S&S air cleaner on that bike. Knowing how to use an ohm meter and trace voltage along the line. Sometimes it appears that a large black block for the connector is really not as it appears, Maybe some models use a large connector, but on my Sporty it was separate connectors, banana-type connectors.

[@waynethomas9487]

Great job sir. I had changed the front switch and thought it was the problem again but it wasn’t. I followed your advice to unplug the rear break switch on my 2013 Dyna Switchback and sur enough the light went out and the front switch I replaced works great. Just need to roll over and pick up a rear switch tomorrow!

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Nice, more videos on the topic here: www.fixmyhog.com/?s=brake+light

[@fredrosenfeld6450]

THANKS. LEARNED SOMETHING. THIS WASN'T MY PARTICULAR PROBLEM BUT WAS INFORMATIVE NONETHELESS.

[@roderickdavis5904]

Thanks for the tip, cleared the problem up in no time and saved me some money

[@GStaxxx86]

This is exactly the video i was searching for! I changed out the bars, brake lines, wiring harness, and switch cluster on my 04 Deuce. The brake lamp eventually a few months ago decided to stay on and i couldnt figure it out. A quick adjustment to the switch cluster and pushing it closer to the brake lever and BAM, problem solved. Thanks for the vid!

[@bobgil3464]

I did worst, I took my bike to Harley, so far $229.00 for the switch now waiting for the labor cost. Thank god for the Trump stimulus check.

[@firbyd]

Friggin awesome talk, you got it down bro, always do the homework and thanks for helping all of us remember to do a proper look over and have proper material to help do so, cheers!

[@tomasnordkamp844]

Thanks for the help. You just made my day👍

[@ChristopherMcAndrew-bd3wf]

Thanks a lot. This was very helpful and I admire your knowledge and passion. Be safe.

[@jarcara1]

Thank you Bro! Solve my problem, in my case just a bad contact in the cables.

[@EM-tm1iq]

Great video, I'm having a issue with my 2013HD Breakout. The running and turn signals in the back are fine but no brake light. Bulbs are fine.

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Stop by our site for more troubleshooting tips: www.fixmyhog.com/post/tag/brake-light-switch/

[@SuperThunder911]

Excellent video, thank you my brother 👍

[@craigogren6387]

Thank you, I can now attack my issue, with confidence.

[@716Harleyjoe]

that was my problem exactly, stuck front hand brake lever, thank you.

[@NoBody-zh3dd]

This was a great lesson thank you

[@gritskennedy5007]

Thanks for making this video,

[@bobv4827]

Thanks for the video very helpful

[@hongspa]

thanks really needed this info again thanks

[@dannyboy9784]

Great video and explanation

[@mcheesemanmc]

Thank you Bob !

[@arthurevans5608]

2021=Loved your video Sir, Thank you

[@arthurevans5608]

im working on 08 FLSTC brake light flickers while riding aswell is on at times when im not depress either brake lever. im thinking there is a short somewhere, Wish me luck. I believe it is also causing check engine light on at time also noticed it illuminates CEL when i use right turn signal, and or rear brake light.

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please send the email associated with your paid membership account. Thanks!

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

@@arthurevans5608 check for shorts and check our trouble codes: www.fixmyhog.com/video/troubleshoot-with-harley-error-codes-008010/

[@bouldernelsonbigfoot]

Awesome video . thx

[@atlasfiresafety6718]

great explanation

[@zacozersky-brown1689]

Thanks for the video. Do you need a breakout box to diagnose a tssm security light staying on. ?

[@ts7857]

Very helpful video... thank you for making!

[@johnnowak9548]

My 2012 road glide blinkers and what I came to find out my brake lights quit working (but still lit) out of the blue. After changing the blinker bulbs which didn’t work, and made sure my brake fuse wasn’t blown, I decided to pull each fuse and check them. Found the “accessory” fuse was blown. Changed it and all blinkers and brake lights now work.

[@philweed1603]

You didn’t pay attention to the video. If there’s a blown fuse, you have to find the underlying problem.

[@mjohal3]

Thanks for awesome video

[@frankm2348]

Excellent tutorial!!!

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Glad you liked it!

[@dannyburgess2781]

You. Hit. That nail. On. Head. Drove it home. Wow. Thank you.

[@gucci4871]

Thanks!

[@dougclaflin9348]

hi: Bob my 94 harley electric glide ultra classic bike has no brake light when i turn switch on and depress brake pedal or handlebar lever separately that is. they worked when i put away for winter what can you help me to tell what to check first? thanks Doug, N.Y.

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Hi Douglas. It is highly unlikely that you could have, both, a bad front & rear brake switch. Probably something simple. First, check the bulb, if you haven't already. Then check your fuses. Believe that your year/model has a brake relay that can also go bad or have corrosion. You should also use your test light or multimeter to verify whether or not you have triggered voltage to your taillight socket. www.fixmyhog.com/videos/electrical/ www.fixmyhog.com/video/how-to-test-a-rear-brake-switch-001635/ www.fixmyhog.com/video/how-to-fix-a-motorcycle-brake-light-switch-001634/ www.fixmyhog.com/video/harley-handlebar-switch-test-011407/ www.fixmyhog.com/video/harley-brake-switch-diagnosis-009178/ www.fixmyhog.com/video/fuse-check-001725/

[@dougclaflin9348]

FixMyHogfreechannel Hi: Bob everyone I push brake pedal or handle bar lever I hear a clicking in front fairing is there a relay in there

[@arielgonzalez72]

this is the clear example on how to fill internet with long videos that didn´t get quick to the point............when the stop light stays on the bike will send an error code........that will tell you where to start

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Thank you for the feedback. This video covers more than the brake light. It's about troubleshooting. What if you ride a motorcycle that does not show error codes?

[@lucidgravitationalpull2234]

Good teacher!!! Thanks profe

[@pieceworkstudios]

Thanks for these 👍. Mine is the can bus system but i had the brake light on phenomenon and disconnecting the rear switch revealed that it is faulty and stuck on Cheap fix this time. Not sure I'm loving the Can bus system all brands use a computer to run everything now, even the horn ...🤨...which is ridiculous imo 🤣

[@williambarrett7573]

Thank you for any help ! I have a 2003 Harley ultra glide. None of the gauges light up or run except the speedometer and it's light ? Front lights are working but back light s are not working

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Stop by our site to review tons of Q&A: www.fixmyhog.com/post/tag/electrical-posts/

[@donericktattooer6721]

Hell yeah that was helpfull broo!!!

[@OSCARANDRES039]

I got power to all my lights and horn. Starter switch light is on but when I hit the switch on to start the bike the bike wont turn on and it blows a Circuit breaker. After s few seconds the breaker resets. Any idea where my short circuit could be at ??

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Hello, Hello Bill, I do not see that your active Premium customer. Our Ask Expert Program is for those Premium members. Here is a link to our Premium membership at a deep discounted rate: go.fixmyhog.com/C21971

[@bishopmacinnis]

thanks bob I feel like a moron you help a lot brother keep it up

[@bobgil3464]

At least you didn't take your bike to Harley and pay $229.00 plus labor for a new switch. Im the moron.

[@JPSOP]

I have yet to find info on aftermarket master cylinders. I put on a Brembo master on my Dyna and the switch operates opposite to how Harley has it, where when the switch has pressure the light works and when released it goes off. Have no idea how to fix that. I swapped the wires in case I did something backwards but same result.

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Great question! We have a lot of technical answers on our website. www.fixmyhog.com/harley-tips-a-z-index. The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is for members of our online community. I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please provide the email associated with your paid membership. Thanks!

[@raymondgarafano8604]

I might say that if it is a fuse, if you can see where the link melted, it can tell you a lot. if it is clear then it was an overload, BUT if the fuse is blackened, it was a short circuit as there was a larger current, say it was a 15 amp fuse, but very blackened, I would figure what loads were on that fuse. This is the same technique I used on house wiring a blackened screw fuse was a direct short, a clear window where u could see the melted link said it was an overload.

[@04DynaGlyde]

Thank You for the tips? My 2013 Dyna brake light is having an issue. If the brake lights are staying on will a little red warning light come on the speedometer?

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Great question! We have a lot of technical answers on our website. www.fixmyhog.com/harley-tips-a-z-index and ‘Ask an Expert’ section for members of our online community. I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please send the email associated with your paid membership. Thanks!

[@dannyburgess2781]

Dose. The. Switch. In. With. Bottom. Push. In are ifv. Off if. Bottom. Is. Out

[@JoaquimParis]

That´s a good test light tool. could you name it for online search ?

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Hello Joaquim, The test light is made by Snap On. We do not have a model # for you. It is an older test light. www.fixmyhog.com/video/intro-tools-products-001265/ Thanks, Mark Fix My Hog Video Membership

[@michaelblaschower8996]

My back light flashers and brake liklghts all stopped working. Do you know what’s up?

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Stop by our site, we have a lot of Tech Q&A and videos to help. www.fixmyhog.com/post/tag/turn-signal/

[@nailbags41563]

My brake light stays on on my Ultra Classic 2002 and if I flutter the back brake several times it'll turn off but then I hear a noise like gears shifting down by that switch is that the switch And the light comes back on

[@zhinzhu993]

Same

[@nailbags41563]

@@zhinzhu993 turns out it was the back brake light switch easy repair all good

[@200hit]

Hello Tony. I have a 2000 road king...Sometimes my left turn signal flashes and sometimes it don't...Where should I begin troubleshooting? Thank you

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Remove your headlight and test @ the left side switch plug. Verify that you have power going to the left signal switch. Test for return signal from the left switch. Check the plugged connection at your Turn signal module. www.fixmyhog.com/video/simplifying-electricity-002170/

[@b.f.e6810]

This is easy but indian springfield my lights stays on completely but abs when ride dissappear. Brake light remains on. It's a headache.

[@bobgil3464]

Switch for the 2014 Streetglide at Harley $229.00. Yikes.

[@dannyburgess2781]

Thank you ghat. What I was going bo ghur that you. Do it for me. Thank. You.

[@JJ_3Gun_Runner]

92 Electra Glide. Brake light stays on. New front switch, tested rear switch.... light is still on. Is there a way to test relay or am I missing something.

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Make sure that the small pushrod for the front brake lever is correctly contacting and engaging with the front brake switch. If misaligned, the brake light will stay illuminated. Regardless of the new switch. www.fixmyhog.com/post/shop-brake-switch-failure/

[@santisimarisingtv]

peace and Blessings. your on the money.

[@21damand]

gotta 15' FXDL have that same issue but i know its the front switch. Can i just replace that contact switch that sits between housing and the brake lever, or do i have to replace the entire lever and housing? Thank you in advance

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Hi Denis. You should be able to replace the front brake switch on your model year. Believe that the part # is 71500118 www.fixmyhog.com/video/how-to-test-a-rear-brake-switch-001635/

[@CC-ys8qq]

I DO NOT have a brake light...multiple times bulb replaced as a temporary fix..light on bike indicates when the problem starts happening anywhere from hours, to days, to weeks then bulb goes. My brake light does NOT stay on all the time..and burns out quickly...my blinkers work but brake light is out...intermittently then completely...I push my front brake lever forward as a fix to get it working then eventually that "fix" stops working...note-rear fender and extenders for detachables were replaced..problem started after that..any suggestions? Bike bought new, fender warranty replacement few months after purchase, then brake light issues began.

[@wyldmansix7]

have an issue I'd like to discuss. have an 89 softail I just replaced the handlebar switches. Made sure everything was marked before disassembly.seems to be aligned in grooves properly. after repair, I am experiencing the brake light actuator in the hand control moves up when depressing front brake. it moves to the point that it ends up above the brake light switch leaving my brake light on. don't understand why this is happening. never had this issue before. any ideas??

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

The issue you are having is very common with aftermarket controls (switch housings, clutch perch, & front master). Often, bad fitment between the switch housing and the front master cylinder assembly is to blame. Especially on a pre-96 Evo. It can take a lot of trial & error to correct. Sometimes, cutting is required to get the pieces to fit nicely together. If, however, you are using stock Harley controls; make sure your master cylinder is not in need of rebuild and that the housings & the master butt together as they are intended. www.fixmyhog.com/post/videos-harley/

[@wyldmansix7]

FixMyHogfreechannel thanks for the info.

[@CC-ys8qq]

I DO NOT have a brake light...multiple times bulb replaced as a temporary fix..light on bike indicates when the problem starts happening anywhere from hours, to days, to weeks then bulb goes. My brake light does NOT stay on all the time..and burns out quickly...my blinkers work but brake light is out...intermittently then completely...I push my front brake lever forward as a fix to get it working then eventually that "fix" stops working...note-rear fender and extenders for detachables were replaced..problem started after that..any suggestions? Bike bought new, fender warranty replacement few months after purchase, then brake light issues began.

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Hi Cindy. Can we get the year and model please.

[@CC-ys8qq]

2014 Dyna Low Rider

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

If you have to push the brake lever forward, for any reason, that is a problem. Suggest replacing your front brake switch. Or, if you have aftermarket levers, you may have incorrect engagement between the lever and the switch. www.fixmyhog.com/post/videos-harley/ www.fixmyhog.com/video/harley-brake-switch-diagnosis-009178/ www.fixmyhog.com/video/simplifying-electricity-002170/ www.fixmyhog.com/videos/electrical/

[@CC-ys8qq]

@@FixMyHogfreechannel thank you! Due to brake lamp on all the time heat built up and the red plastic brake lamp cracked so I replaced with an entirely new unit with a new bulb/plug - this worked ok - then the bike sat for a few days and when I went to ride it the brake light on issue happened again. Soooo - I loosened the lever/master cylinder and looked at the brake switch ----- i pressed that brake switch in and out but light did not go out --- leads me to believe it's a bad switch --- everything is aligned good. You think it's a bad switch?

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

@@CC-ys8qq Hi, test the switch www.fixmyhog.com/video/how-to-test-a-rear-brake-switch-001635/

[@vendetta1306]

Appreciate it

[@KEEPIT23]

Hey mate I've got a 86 softail, pull front brakes no brake light push rear brakes no brake light but put both on same time and brake light works fine? Any idea what the issue is?

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

Great question! We have a lot of technical answers on our website. www.fixmyhog.com/harley-tips-a-z-index and ‘Ask an Expert’ section for members of our online community. I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please send the email associated with your paid membership. Thanks!

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

What you describe is unusual. You might be dealing with weak or corroded connections & grounds due to the age of the motorcycle's harness. Use multimeter to test at the plug connection before the rear fender. The stock wire for brake function is red. Test to see how much voltage this wire is carrying when the front &/or rear brake lever is depressed. If voltage is correct (close to what the static battery voltage is), you likely need to make a repair at the taillight or taillight harness. This could be due to a poorly grounded taillight assembly. www.fixmyhog.com/videos/electrical/ www.fixmyhog.com/videos/evolution-1984-1999/ www.fixmyhog.com/videos/evo-top-end-and-cam/

[@OSCARANDRES039]

Bike is 1989 evo sporster 1200

[@majic82]

👌

[@b5188]

My brake light is on constantly.. The weird thing is when the lever is pulled the lights goes dim,like it would be normally..once lever released it goes back to full brake light.. I'm confused Anyone have a good answer?

[@FixMyHogfreechannel]

You may have pinched wires, a bad brake switch, a dead short, or a combination of... Test your brake switches. Inspect your right side handlebar harness. Make sure it is not pinched. www.fixmyhog.com/video/how-to-test-a-rear-brake-switch-001635/ www.fixmyhog.com/video/harley-brake-switch-diagnosis-009178/ www.fixmyhog.com/videos/electrical/ www.fixmyhog.com/video/how-to-fix-a-motorcycle-brake-light-switch-001634/ www.fixmyhog.com/video/how-to-replace-brake-light-switch-on-a-harley-010885/

[@byronmcmillan4283]

FixMyHogfreechannel ....hi, I have 01 Electra glide, tail light works when bike is on, just don't brighten up when both brakes are pressed....help please!

[@josildapimentel4101]

Vou fazer de contas que entendi💋

[@rosskelly6441]

Why does this guy shout the whole time?

[@ironbutter03]

Caused by straight pipes??

[@FaradayFisch]

Because he can't hear you?

[@dh-flies]

huh????????

[@ginaricotta6932]

He's Italian that's why....lol

[@TheKhanhhoa]

my thoughts also

[@rgillies]

Great video. My only question is why the constant shouting?

[@dannyburgess2781]

Tail light. Not. Hook up to. Head light.

[@dannyburgess2781]

Even if. Know what. Doing. It so. Easy to screw up.

[@ErnieSesameStreet]

I posted a question here and need help: www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-glide-models/1213321-electra-glo.html