DOC HARLEY: BRAKE LIGHT DIAGNOSTIC

Doc Harley from the Service Clinic at Low Country Harley-Davidson to help you with the health of your motorcycle! This week he explains how to diagnose a brake light failure.
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Doc Harley is a motorcycle technician at Low Country Harley-Davidson with over thirty years working on motorcycles. Over the years at the dealership he has worked on Harley-Davidson, Buell, and Triumph motorcycles with a few other brands here and there from trade-ins. There are thousands of how-to videos out on KZbin and other websites across the world. Doc’s goal is to help solve problems that people run into when using their service manual, share insights only found as a certified Harley® technician, and some of the tips he’s picked up over the years.
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Low Country Harley-Davidson, 4707 Dorchester Road, Charleston, SC 29405

[@roymackeys]

These are great videos!!! They sure beat backyard "Bob Weaver's" nauseating head mounted camera videos!!! No long winded rambling and right to the point. But yes I am also stumped with brake light not working when both pedal and lever is pulled....

[@vincentdomenici8557]

Not even having brake light problems though decided to watch this as it came through my feed. I have to say, I love your style in this video. Informative, right to the point, clear visuals and well spoken. I'm subscribed now 😂 Get that media fame, Doc 🔥 🔧

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I thank you for your support….Doc

[@puntillojoe]

Thanks Doc for that very helpful tip. On my 2006 Ultra the front brake switch spring was week and didn't activate the brake light I redid the master cylinder with a strong spring and replace all the brake fluid all at the same time.

[@richardwindisch9375]

Once again this mechanic has solved my problem.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad we could help….Doc

[@Jackson-eh7ei]

Thanks a million Doc Harley. My running lights were off but my break lights were working. The thought never occurred to me that it might be bulbs since they both went out at the same time... sure enough, it was my bulbs. Thanks again Doc. I'm a starving artist, so every penny counts!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad it helped...Doc

[@EvilLOON]

Thanks Doc. My bike was at the dealership for accident repairs. Handlebars, grips, and right-hand control module was replaced. Picked the bike up, got home, and realized the bike's breaks were stuck on. Called my Dealer up and comes down to them wanting to charge me 131 for diagnostics. Took the wires off the rear switch and the light stayed on. Reconnected the rear switch and moved on to the right-hand control module. Took the module off. Pressed the switch and the light turns off. Put it all together and the lights stay on. Use some gorilla tape to shim in between the switch and the lights go out. The bike is under warranty still. Pissed my dealership let me leave with a bike that had no working brake lights and then wants to charge me to diagnose something screwed up with a new part they installed.

[@rsk8310]

I am having the same problem, i need some type of shim between the lever that hits into the switch, Is this what your talking about you did? If so please explain what you did with the tape. My switch stays on but just barely. If i had some jb weld on the lever to push in the switch I think it would work. Thanks, Bob

[@-ence-]

Hey Doc. Just wanted to reach out and give a HUGE THANKS for this video. I replace my standard front indicators with a low profile set up and when I'd finished the brake lights didn't work. Before panicking (ok, after a little panicking) I did some research and happened across your videos. Turns out I didn't have the front brake seated close enough to depress the switch. Rookie mistake, and an easy fix. You'll be my first go to for any future updates or issues on my '18 Fatboy. Cheers from OZ 🤘🇦🇺

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for reaching out. Always nice to know we are helping..Doc

[@bombnail]

Thanks Doc, diagnosed my rear brake and replaced the switch and she is fixed!

[@tyleramick7969]

Helped me find my problem, thanks!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad it helped…..Doc

[@gucci4871]

Merry Christmas and many blessings to doc Harley and all you bikers out there

[@josephzieroff2631]

this is simple stuff that may not be so simple to some folks. That is OK. But try anyway you may learn something. Thanks Doc for the great advice.

[@seandompe7300]

In my case the guy i bought bike from didn’t put handlebar detention to perch and control correctly so neither worked i tested the switch on bottom nothing so went back to top saw the issue right away thank you for you guidance was really stressing not having a brake light oh yea it had a custom dynamics light led so was getting a lil nervous !thanks again for the lesson !!!!!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for sharing your story. Glad we could help...Doc

[@mikewisor4817]

This was great timing was working on this problem last night and felt like it maybe was the switch. Now I can test it and see if that is the problem.

[@stuckinnj9554]

FYI - the ‘bayonet” style (you described as flat) are readily available at locations selling the traditional base bulbs. As H-D dealers are closing their doors, local retailers may be a better choice. Not to mention no H-D tax😆

[@stuckinnj9554]

@Alan Whiteside HD has a plan to reduce to the number of stores in some larger markets. In my area they brought out the only store in the county. What was a 20 minute ride is now over an 1 hr. One of the factors HD is pushing is upgrading to the current CI (Corporate Identity). The investment required has long time owners selling or closing. H-D's planned reduction in production makes it difficult for the smaller guys to pencil. This isn't something new. All manufactures have (within legal limits) looked to well capitalized owners to have conversations to buy/own stores in their general area.

[@Chris.E.]

Switch test identified my issue. Thank you!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad it helped…..Doc

[@charliescott1460]

Yes stock lever

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Doc. Helpful diagnostic procedure.

[@daviddunn5264]

Awesome tips like always 👌 Thanks Doc. Merry Christmas

[@MichaelHooten85]

Thank you sir! Solved my problem. Subscribed

[@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.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Great diagnostic 👍…..Doc

[@04DynaGlyde]

I thank you Doc, and appreciate the tips, yet I cannot afford the dealership prices.

[@mikejager-cv9sy]

Saved me again, Doc.

[@larryc276]

Excellent Tips! Thanks Doc

[@cagataydemiran5407]

Thanks Doc. from Turkey. I inspect my rear brake light and yes a piece of wire shows my brake switch must be change. I have 2010 vrscdx (abs version) and im comfused how to change it right. hydraulic hoses very brittle and can i unscrew them? there is no information about this issue. Thanks for reading my message.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

This is one of the most difficult jobs to do on this V-Rod. The location is in a tight area as you know. With brittle lines I would remove as much of the surrounding items. There is a place on the switch fitting for a wrench to hold the line so you can remove switch….Doc

[@stephenbodholdt4326]

Great information, thank you Doc.

[@surfshaggy]

Big thanks from Australia. Followed your steps and yep it looks like I need a new rear brake switch :) easy

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad it helped...Doc

[@davidmitchell9048]

Great Information! Thanks

[@williambeebe7285]

Great video, just love the way you explain things.

[@illetrop79]

Any type of Teflon is good? Or something rated for motorcycles. I’m about to replace my switch. Thanks. Love the videos. Very helpful!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you for watching….Doc

[@garyzanghi9272]

Blub Grease as well on any bulb install, plus that front brake light switch was a $100 lesson 😲

[@dalepoe6620]

What's the part number for a rear brake light switch for a 2006 Harley-Davidson heritage?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Please stop in your local Harley dealer and ask the Parts Specialist. Thankyou…Doc

[@BrandSalesMarketing]

Great video as always Doc. I tested the two light switch connectors and my brake light didn't turn on. Does that mean the connectors/cable is bad?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You are on the right path. Of coarse check the obvious, bulb and all fuses too….Doc

[@BrandSalesMarketing]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson The rear light (LED) doesn't work for both hand lever and foot lever. Fuses look good. I changed the actual LED lamp and the rear brake light doesn't work, all other lights do work. What is your diagnose?

[@hardbodymini]

Ok what about no brake lights on either. And the bulbs are good

[@williamselley6456]

Hey Ken I'm aving the same TROUBLE no brake lites. What was UR DIAGNOSIS AN DID U CORRECT THE PROBLEM.

[@sergeyadamyan3435]

I got 2004 Road King. Brake light and license light work, front running lights work, all blinkers work, however, the rear running lights don't but work just as blinkers. Any advise? Ty

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Ty that is the way they are supposed to work. If you want them to be more, ask your parts specialist for the added part needed to convert….Doc

[@kevinj3242]

Thanks doc! You saved me today buddy!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad to hear it. Thanks for following us….Doc

[@johnparker1787]

Thanks for information 👍

[@charliescott1460]

Hay doc don't no how often you read the comments but I'm having a issue with brake light on my 95 electra glid the light stays on figured it was switch so changed it took handle off when you push switch light goes out is my rear brake now sticking driving me crazy

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I believe you have diagnosed the problem. Stock right lever? If not replace. Stock switch block? If not replace. Take the time to remove the front brake switch ( leave the wires attached) examine the switch. Pushes in and out easily? If not replace. Is the little copper wedge behind the switch present? If not there is the answer…Doc

[@charliescott1460]

OK thanks doc will give it a try I have a new switch for handle bar switch seemed to work easy but willstill take it out

[@yurikhromov2905]

Laughed out loud at the "not too bright" joke

[@125saito]

My wife says I'm the dimmest bulb on the tree.

[@jonnycando]

@@125saito but she keeps you so that’s not a bad thing probably.

[@125saito]

@@jonnycando She likes antiques.

[@mrbigg7255]

My brake lights work but to trip the rear, it takes a lot of pressure. Almost to the point of the tire locking up. Probably should just put a new switch in if Harley still makes it.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I would flush the old brake fluid….Doc

[@mrbigg7255]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I guess I should have explained more. I rebuilt the master cylinder and caliper and also put a new line. Filled with tons of junk. I’m thinking some of the junk could be in the switch affecting it. Thanks for the reply Doc.

[@tylerpuccio9883]

Greeting Doc Harley, I have an 07 Night Train that began leaking brake fluid from the rear brake switch which I discovered when they virtually disappeared while on a ride. In an attempt to replace the switch I haven't been able to get a wrench over it as it is too close to the frame and engine case. Would you mind sharing any tips you may have for this issue?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

While holding onto the switch mount with a wrench, use a Line Wrench. If it is really difficult to remove, I have used a vise grip to remove the old one and then a proper size wrench to install...Doc

[@tylerpuccio9883]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thanks for the response. I'll give it a try.

[@seanruiz6499]

Thanks Doc this tea helped me out

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Happy to help…..Doc

[@erikc4055]

Just switched the light bulb on my softail and its very bright no flashing when i apply front or rear brakes...

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You have installed the bulb backwards or you have a wiring problem, front or rear switch gone bad. Most likely the front switch is not touching the lever or broke….Doc

[@davidv.780]

Thanks Doc appreciate the formative lesson on brake light switches , we have 2 Dyna's both 2014 & 2 FLS's , the rear brake light switch has stuck on on all of them, I've had to replace all 4 of the rear brake light switches , have you seen a lot of problems with the switches in a rear,. I look forward to hearing your response, thank you Doc.

[@rondewees5769]

qqqa11

[@jamesandrews8667]

I have an 06 Dyna that has a sticking rear brake pedal due to the brake pedal bushing jamming things up. I think the brake light being on most of the time is cooking out my rear brake switches. Time will tell.

[@robertmcmahon6061]

you didn't say the brake switch should have one hot wire to it, if not, it's another mater in the harness somewhere.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks Robert for filling in my gaps….Doc

[@dannyburgess2781]

I thank it the rear switch. It. Leaking. Around wairs.

[@juanarevalos1850]

That this light switch repair video help me

[@gtbike8142]

How about if the brake light don’t come on when applying bothe front and rear brakes, I replaced the bulb and also replaced brake light switch last year

[@petebaldaccini3756]

fuse, front brake light switch would be my guess to check first

[@kendtchileninjah5905]

That’s what I’m looking for. The light is on but the lever or foot brake doesn’t illuminate it brighter

[@gtbike8142]

@@kendtchileninjah5905 there is a pressure switch that rides on the frame near rear brake pedal, I had to replace that, it was stuck open, my taillight was staying on

[@kendtchileninjah5905]

@@gtbike8142 I’ll have to give it a look now that I know where to start. Thanks. 🍻

[@Rocky-sy9zt]

Me too! Just found out my brake light doesn’t work. Tested the fuse, new bulb, front lever switch, rear frame rail mounted switch, and harnesses. Was hoping I’d be able to avoid tear off more panels and diagnosing an electrical problem but everything lights up except the brake. No voltage at the tail light harness on braking.

[@blackfishfabrication6969]

Man, sure wish you were local, don't even have a Harley mechanic up here. I'm having an issue where my brake light comes on when in ACC, but not with Ign on. Can't figure it out.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Kind of hard to help not knowing model and year. check the wiring At ignition switch

[@blackfishfabrication6969]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson All good, unplugged the rear brake light switch today and the problem solved itself. And sorry, was a 2009 Rocker C

[@dannyburgess2781]

Thanks. Doc

[@jeremymcclain5376]

What about the plug and play front brake switch

[@gregkistner1955]

Always helpful information!! 👍

[@spikey01234]

Just my tail light doesn't go on. Both brakes work. What to do?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Bulb replacement first then check wires and connections…..Doc

[@kastanis100]

My front brake light switch checks out good, but i still have no brake light. any ideas?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

It would be helpful if year, model and aftermarket parts listed with your question. You have eliminated 1 out of several possibilities. Start at the tail light assembly. Bulb, internal connections, jumper wire to the socket to the frame, wiring under the fender, connector under the seat. A few to eliminate…..Doc

[@stephenbodholdt4326]

Your a blessing, thank you from Myrtle beach!🙏👍

[@travislohneis224]

My Softail brake lights come on and off with the pedal and the lever but comes on randomly but if you tap the rear brake pedal the light will go off would that be the rear brake light switch?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

First I would flush the rear brake system with new. Then I would address the rear brake peddle pivot. The bushing used now is semi plastic. It can swell. Disassemble,clean and lube. If after this it still sticks then replace the switch. Oh I forgot to ask how are your rear brake pads? If they are at min thickness the brake piston has a hard time returning to neutral position….Doc

[@travislohneis224]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thank you

[@rakkasanveteran1619]

Unfortunately I've lost power to both front and rear brake, no turn but I have 4 ways and all my lights came LED.. kinda lost here.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Sir, without having the year, model and visual hard to point you in the right direction. I would start with any aftermarket device attached to your rear lights. Like a load equalizer or box that converts rear lights to running,brake and turn…..Doc

[@rakkasanveteran1619]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Doc, hey sorry for such a generic comment. I have a 17 sportster 1200 custom. Came with Led and custom dynamic brake chip when I bought it. Last night, I had power running to the rear turns and brake like, then before I got home it was gone. Testing the switches, my 4 ways work but I have no front brake lever or rear brake lever to the tail lights. When I hit the turn signal, both rear lights flash. I think on this, I’m going to take it to emerald coast Harley because electrical is a weak point for me.

[@mikeclark3013]

While riding today (2015 Heritage Softtail Classic) I noticed a red light came on, to the right of the speedometer. When I got home I checked headlights, passing lamps, turn signals, tail lights...all working. But the brake light isn’t working with either the front or rear brake. I’m thinking the red light is an indicator of that? And is the tail light and brake light the same bulb? Thanks, and I love your videos. Very helpful.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Yes, same bulb...start their...Doc

[@antoniodifilippo4190]

Hey Doc, I have a 2008 ultra and having issues with brake lights. I have watched your videos and others on this and have not come up with anything. Simply put when I put the switch on accessories both back and front brakes cause lights to light up. When I place it on ignition or even with bike running ,back lights are on but don’t get brighter when either front or rear brake levers are engaged. Accessory fuse is good and is getting power. Any ideas? Thanks.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Somehow your brake lights power wire is not hooked up to the correct distribution connector. Are we dealing with a custom bike? Have you installed one of those magic boxes. That make the rear lights pulse or combine other lights? Remove it! If you have a touring bike, the unit under the rear fender tip might have failed…Doc

[@antoniodifilippo4190]

😊Doc, thanks for getting back to me. First there has been no modifications made to bike since purchased. Here is what I know. On accessories no lights in the back are on (normal i presume), until either front or rear brake is activated. Ok so far. When I switch to ignition back lights are on but don’t respond to either brake input. The lights at this point appear to be brighter as if the brakes are on. Probably why they don’t respond to brake input because both filaments in bulbs are on. I unplugged the short harness for the tail light this causes the right and left tour pack lights to go off but then they do respond to brake input with this harness disconnected . Almost seems like a short in the tail light distribution box. Very puzzling.

[@destinationsbradford4278]

Hello. I have a 1985 fltc and neither the front or the rear brake will activate the brake light. Bulbs have been checked and they are good. My father and I went looking for the fuse box and the bike appears not to have a fuse box anywhere. Tore panels off, looked all over the bike, and we can’t find a fuse box anywhere. We were thinking that the next possible inexpensive fix could be a blown brake light fuse. As you seem very knowledgeable regarding Harleys, we were wondering if I could ask if you know if this particular model either doesn’t have a fuse box, or if you would know where we could look to find it? Or maybe you could just help us to understand what may be happening? Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer. God Bless!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

It has been a while since 1985. Two areas to look. first the connection to your rear lights near battery. Second, your accessory circuit breaker is found under your speedo console....Doc

[@destinationsbradford4278]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson It certainly has 😁. It was becoming quite irritating that we couldn’t locate something that you would think to be easily accessible. Thank you so much for the advice, Doc. We’ll be checking these areas asap. God Bless!

[@maffthetaff8625]

Hi doc, just came across this vid, hopefully u can help, my rear break switch sizzled and smoke came from it, so I presumed it burnt out, the front break still works lights up, but when I link the rear break cables like u did, the break light didn't light up, any ideas on wot it could be, Tia matt

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

With smoke something got hot. Follow wires cause a power wire got pinched and grounded….Doc

[@maffthetaff8625]

Will do, thank you kindly 👍

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

I had the brake light always on after I lubed my throttle cable on my 1988 FLHTC. I didn't break the switch but I needed to take it apart and put it back together again with the piece of cardboard trick. Doesn't look like that switch has been upgraded in 32 years.

[@myco4205]

Thanks Doc

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Your welcome….Doc

[@jesuscamacho3967]

hi doc at connect in the rear switch is positive o negative that metter

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Nope, either post will accept….Doc

[@kevin6070]

Awesome job Doc. 🎄👍

[@Pushrodlife]

Thanks 🙏

[@wickedgamer1721]

I changed my bars and my rear left brakes not working which makes no sense to me nothing was touched back there lol

[@dennisbartenbach]

Hey Doc, 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...

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Confusing and hard to Diag over the internet. Your first part pointed to the front switch not turning off because of aftermarket lever, old brake fluid not returning the lever to neutral position that turns off the switch. The front switch could be partially broken or the spacer behind the switch is gone. BUT then you state playing with the sockets helped? Have you tried another bulb? Lay on the ground and point a flashlight beam under the fender. Maybe wires are compromised. Follow the wires to the connection near the seat. Possibly loose. Just a few suggestions….Doc

[@MrMikeb8]

what if front and rear switch doesn't work and then you discover every time you turn the ignition on you blow the "lights" fuse? on the fuse panel. 2007 RG

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Pinched power wire.....Doc

[@IsaakTolekidis]

Great tip, can you cover a Sportster, my 2012 1200 Custom tail light doesn't come off (LED)

[@paladin4570]

Good stuff Doc. Did HD make an over the rear fender detachable rack to fit a 99 FLHR with a solo seat?

[@logicalconclusion3180]

Great videos. I have a question on a breakout 2017the shifting Dash light only shows neutral light and six gear shift light. Nothing else now is that normal let me know what you think Thank you.

[@ChrisHardwickanimaladventures]

Yay! Another video from Doc!

[@nicholascriss876]

My lights stay on but no front or rear brake lights come on, plz help

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Bulb in backwards or pinched wire…Doc

[@T56JetMech]

Thanks Doc! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

My pleasure…..Doc

[@mattmiller7641]

I have a 2003 Road King with 10k miles. I checked both wires coming to brake light switch with test light and both are hot. Brake lights do not get brighter when front or rear levers pressed. 3157 bulb in brake light works but will not get brighter when levers pressed. Help!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

By any chance someone has added the adapter that is a small box in the rear wire harness under the seat? if so it has gone bad....Doc

[@superflyguy1000]

Hey doc! I have an 02 Electra glide that my right brake light doesn’t work on. Left brake light is fine and so is both turn signals. Same results with front and rear brake. Any ideas?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You caught me in a senior moment. You have right and left brake lights? I thought in 2002 Electra Glides had a single tail light🤷‍♂️. You might have a converter that makes the turn signals both turn and brake. I would start there…..Doc

[@jdwest5612]

I have a 13 Heritage, brake light doesn’t work for hand or foot brake. Where would I start to diagnose that issue?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

At the bulb...Then the connector in front of the rear fender...Doc

[@user-vl9uv5qp7l]

Love this guy 😂

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you….Doc

[@matersworkshop6123]

Process of elimination is always the best way to solve the problem

[@SailorJacksArt]

You da man thanks for the help

[@georgecarmona1817]

I have a 2010 Street glide,my code says brake is always on,code c 1094 and ,c 1214,I turned on my bike and yeup it's always on without even applying either brake,what would be the issue?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

you not taking it to your local dealer to be diagnosed....Doc

[@dannyburgess2781]

It. Persure switch

[@cjmueller5455]

I took the point of this to be that you are giving your mechanic a starting point. Of course he will double check everything before it goes back on the road.

[@HughBeRiding]

Great video. Is there any self diagnostic tip for brake lights 'always on' before taking it to the dealership ?

[@craigbolles4485]

It’s the rear brake light switch if it stays on. Also if you have cruise it won’t set because it thinks the brakes are on

[@19TE72]

My guess would be the switch in your front brake. If the little knob that Doc was talking about is broken, your brake light will stay on. DO NOT forget the cardboard, or you will brake your new knob as well. :)

[@michael.koelsche-jung]

Hello from Germany. My brake light was always on. If I disconnect the rear brake plugs and the brake light is still on, is the front switch broken ?

[@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?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Stock tail light bulb? It could be a voltage thing or when was the last brake fluid change? ….Doc

[@cagr0311]

I have an led assembly for a brake/turnsignal/running. I replaced my bars cut and spliced a bunch of wires. Everything but the brake lights work. Foot nor handle will activate it. Suggestions?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Are you sure the lights you bought can do all 3? Some light assemblies can be running and turn lights or running and brake lights. For all three to be present, there has to be a black for ground, red for brake, blue for running light and a brown or violet wire for turn signal. If there are only 3 wires, there has to be a “box” to foil the running light to be a turn when activated. Re-read instructions or contact manufacturer. Also know, when replacing OEM bulbs with LED there might not be enough resistance to operate turn module. Thanks ~ Doc

[@paulbronnenberg2075]

Good info ! THX !

[@BetoGonzalez459]

What about my tail light 07 Electra glide I have brake lights turn signals an I keep blowing the lights fuse only witch is not giving me a tail light an I checked the harness that goes from under the seat to the rear lights there good so it’s from the main harness or somthn soon as I turn my switch to turn the bike on it blows ? Please help

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You have a direct ground! Remove the bulb and try it again. If it blows the fuse then continue to search wiring if not it could have been in the bulb or unit...Doc

[@Daddyw785]

Doc Harley what about if you have no lights with both rear and the front brakes being applied but you have power all the way back from the relay relay pops when you apply both front or rear brakes

[@KEEPIT23]

Hey mate that's what my 86 softail is doing did you work it out?

[@connecticutboy]

Great information, but, I would not expect any different from you, DOC

[@raphaelbernal7948]

So how much would the harley dealer charge for a front switch. Part and labor.

[@paulwilliams1809]

What if your bike won’t start unless you have it in neutral?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Depending on year and model, the clutch safety switch is not working. Did you install a non factory clutch lever? Thanks ~ Doc

[@navysealsrbomb]

2000 fat boy replaced Lens and bulb(original)with led. On accessory everything works perfect when in run bright light only neither brake light works?? Thx

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Sure sounds like the Led wiring is backwards....Doc

[@navysealsrbomb]

Led wiring? I only changed the bulb and tail light lense.

[@kevinhendley8524]

I have a 2015 sporster 1200. My front brake triggers the brake lightsintermittently even when using just my finger. 9/10 the brake light doesn’t respond. I haven’t found any parts online and my wiring is inside the HD brand Z bars. Is the best solution the dealer?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

It is possible the Master cylinder itself is not returning to neutral position. Use a flashlight and look closely at the rubber plunger after you squeeze the lever, let go and watch to see the rod from the Master cylinder is returning quickly.....Doc

[@kevinhendley8524]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson even with the lever disconnected the brake switch isn’t functioning most of the time. I’m reading online it’s not good to solder on a bike with a canbus system. Is this accurate?

[@will8326]

Legend 🙏🏽

[@romangrundza5722]

good day . Can you help me please, I can't start only manually by closing the relay. Still on both lights can't be switched....where could be the problem too please

[@romangrundza5722]

Softail springer 1450ccm. Yare2001

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Take it to a dealer or trusted shop. Too many possibilities to fix over the Net...Doc

[@romangrundza5722]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 🙈🙉I need to know what it could be

[@brandonjones152]

What if the break light is light and when you apply the break it goes to the regular running light .

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Bulb in backwards....Doc

[@brandonjones152]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Hi Doc . Well I troubleshoot and found the front break switch short. That’s why it was light up . Weird . Bulb was ok 👍 Thank s for the response

[@idriveaxj5670]

I got a 2000 sportster 1200 and the running light works but neither front or rear brake trigger the brake light?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Check bulb first

[@idriveaxj5670]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson bulb is fine, was the first thing I checked. I read somewhere that said the housing itself might be bad. So I'll try that next. Thank you.

[@leapfrog4546]

Used bike. Switches are good, light doesn't get brighter when applied. Bulb is good.

[@mpista7182]

Hi Doc ! Don't know if you will get this but I have one question. If you have air in your back brake line, would it cause the switch to act intermittently. Would air prevent the switch from activating ? My back light goes on one time after waiting over night and then stops working. Take care Doc !

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I don't believe so. I would think air in the line would expand and make the light stay on. Now if you pump up the rear brake with your foot peddle and the light comes on then I would check your brake pads. Too thin of pads won't let the brake fluid pump up...Doc

[@mpista7182]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks Doc..Pumping doesn't activate the light. The pads are in good shape too. I ordered the switch after doing the test you demonstrated. If it persists then I really will have a mystery LOL Take care THANK YOU !

[@mpista7182]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Hi Doc ! here is a follow-up for anyone with the same situation as I had. You were right about the air not causing the light to only work once. I replaced the switch and before bleeding the brake line (lots of air by the way) the brake light worked every time. So i bled the lines and (I'm no superman either) and the light works great !! I hope this helps someone and thanks for responding !!

[@Firestorm637]

Thx