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Front brake light switch.

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by RJGLIDE, Jan 2, 2007.

  1. RJGLIDE

    RJGLIDE New Member

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    The brake light flickers on and off on my '97 Wideglide. I have isolated it to the front plunger switch in the master for the front brake. The switch actually seems to be fine but it seems, rather that the plunger in the master cylinder doesn't return far enough after applying the brakes. This leaves the lever a little loose which in turn dosen't push the plunger switch far enough to turn off the brake light. Is there a spring or something that could be weak or broken in the master cylinder?
    RJGLIDE, Jan 2, 2007
    #1
  3. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    open up the cover and there should be a v shaped wedge to hold the switch in place

    Sounds like you need a new switch, just have to cut the old one out and soldier the new one in.
    hotroadking, Jan 2, 2007
    #2
  4. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    as a side.....are you running those long stringy things from the levers??? the braids and stuff?? wind catching these may contribute to the problem....
    chuck
    chucktx, Jan 2, 2007
    #3
  5. kenfuzed

    kenfuzed Administrator Staff Member

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    As a side note version 2... are you using stock brake levers? I purchased some polished levers and the brake side wouldn't match up correctly with the switch, cause intermittent brake light flicker. The again, I've seen the same thing happen with aftermarket housings.
    kenfuzed, Jan 2, 2007
    #4
  6. charlieharley0057

    charlieharley0057 New Member

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    Quick fix

    Had the same problem and solved it by sliding a bleed nipple rubber dust cap over the end of the break lever where it makes contact. works a treat.;) :chopper:
    charlieharley0057, Jan 4, 2007
    #5
  7. kenfuzed

    kenfuzed Administrator Staff Member

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    Good tip Charlie. The way Harley has that switch mounted is really inadequate. Then again, the new spade style brake light bulb and socket on late model Twin Cam motorcycles are worse, but who am I to judge senseless advances in technology :rolleyes:

    I wish Harley would change their slogan to "if it aint broke don't fix it", but only after they fix all their current problems.
    kenfuzed, Jan 4, 2007
    #6
  8. charlieharley0057

    charlieharley0057 New Member

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    "if it aint broke don't fix it",

    You must be confused with their present slogan
    "If it is broken don't tell anyone and it might go away"
    Can anyone tell me where I can get details of HD "recalls" and warrant issues? I have just been told that they (HD) have extended the warranty on the tensioners to 5 years or 50 000 miles?:confused:
    charlieharley0057, Jan 5, 2007
    #7
  9. voodoochild

    voodoochild New Member

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    Charlie, I guess you could ask your local stealership, if there's one nearby. If not, try contacting Harley directly. It's worth a shot. (They don't do the email thing though)

    http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/...2v7MrJQqX!-728977666!-1165764483&locale=en_US

    (414)-343-4056

    Good luck
    also, I just did a google search on "Harley Davidson recall" and got a whole heap of stuff, too much to list. Try that.

    Ps. I hope that link above works!
    voodoochild, Jan 5, 2007
    #8
  10. ReeseSS

    ReeseSS New Member

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    I had the same thing happen when I switched out to a fancier handle. My solution was to super glue a plastic tab to the handle where it makes contact with the plunger. Has been working fine for a year now.
    ReeseSS, Jan 5, 2007
    #9
  11. kenfuzed

    kenfuzed Administrator Staff Member

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    Harley-Davidson Recall info

    Charlie, since you are in the UK you might try this link...
    Harley-Davidson Service Check-Up UK. Just enter your VIN and mileage and it will give you any recalls or service recommendations.

    For those here in the the US try this link:
    http://www.harley-davidson.com/EX/MNT/SCHK/en/servicecheckup.asp?bmLocale=en_US

    Here's another recall site, however their categories aren't that intuitive. Sometimes you'll find recalls under model number, others under name (ie Softail), while different recalls may be listed by engine size:
    Recall Warnings
    kenfuzed, Jan 5, 2007
    #10
  12. ReeseSS

    ReeseSS New Member

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    ReeseSS, Jan 5, 2007
    #11
  13. JWboxter

    JWboxter Member

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    I wished I knew where you got the bleed nipple dust cap from and from what size or type. help,:confused: :confused: JWboxter
    JWboxter, Jan 26, 2008
    #12
  14. charlieharley0057

    charlieharley0057 New Member

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    Bleed nipple dust cover

    Hi JWB
    I just picked one up at the local Halfords :rolleyes: (Car parts shop in the UK) as long as the rubber cover is smaller than the lever plunger where it makes contact with the switch ( thats the only reason I said a bleed nipple dust cover because itis!) and you have to force it into place it should work. Sorry I can't be of more help.
    charlieharley0057, Feb 1, 2008
    #13
  15. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    the bleed covers are available at most auto stores.....:)
    chucktx, Feb 1, 2008
    #14
  16. VYBR8ER

    VYBR8ER New Member

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    There is a small button head on the top of the switch plunger that gets broken off quite frequently. If you pull the master cylinder away from the switch housing you can see the swith plunger. If you can see a hole in the middle of the plunger, the small button has been broken off and you'll need to replace the switch. Don't lose the little metal wedge when you pull out the switch, they're hard to come by.
    VYBR8ER, Feb 2, 2008
    #15

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