How to Fix a Motorcycle Brake Light Switch
Bob LaRosaDescription
Why is my brake light staying on?
This is one of those things that can drive you nuts.
In this video, Bob reviews a common problem that can occur when you are working in the switch housing area of your motorcycle.
Time, patience, and maybe a new brake light switch can show you how to fix a motorcycle brake light switch. Bob also shares how to test a Harley brake light switch near the exhaust in a related video.
We also show you how to replace the switch in the housing in this video.
Great Feedback from a Fellow Rider:
I have a 2012 FatBoy Lo, bought it new, and love the bike, it has had some mods, and will continue to until it is just the way I want it, different seat and probably cams. The only complaint I have had with this bike is the front brake switch, since new, I was told by my dealer that it was the switch, I replaced it, not the problem. What was happening was the brake lever wasn’t going out far enough to shut off the light, sometimes, not always, which was a pain in the ass, anyway, I got looking at it closer and determined that either the wee tab that pushed on the switch needed to be bent or thickened. JB weld, a dab on the tab about 1/16″ fixed the problem completely, a very inexpensive and effective fix. Now I don’t get the little red lite on my speedo, and the brake lite functions the way it is supposed to. Not plugging JB weld, any product of a similar nature would do the job, I would guess an epoxy would work too, or Metal Set, anything you can mold that will harden and adhere to the aluminum lever. Cheers
– Bruce S.
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6 Responses to “How to Fix a Motorcycle Brake Light Switch”
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I see that problem often in my shop. I had one not too long ago that no matter what I did I couldn't get the light to go out. After closer inspection I found the plunger on master cylinder piston wasn't returning all the way back. I wound up pulling the master cylinder apart & cleaned out the crud. After that it worked good.
Very good video. Exactly my problem. The brake light was on all the time. I added a little epoxy to the end of the lever where it touches the button. Thanks for the help. It worked. Roger
The comment that "these components do not fail under normal usage" is totally wrong. The 1996-up brake light switches break ALL THE TIME. And this video shows everythng EXCEPT how to actually replace the broken switch, which is the hardest part of the job. Not a very good video, since it does not accomplish what the title claims. If your free stuff is this lame, how do you expect people to sign up for the stuff you charge money for?
this is a great video. he is clear concise and great video to be able to see what is going on. thank you.
Thanks for this video, I have been told about how important the alignment of that brake switch is and how easy it is to break if it isn't installed right. May practice this one a few times. You guys got a great website going. Thanks for all your help. Tony
On the video about brake light switch you failed to mention the wedge piece that holds the switch out!!! Pretty important! I'm dissapointed, an makes me wonder about the accuracy of your videos!!!