Bob LaRosa

How to Test a Harley Brake Light Switch

Bob LaRosa
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Duration:   5  mins

When you pump the rear brake pedal, the rear brake light should tell everyone behind you that you are stopping.

When the rear brake light does not activate, we tend to think it’s the bulb, and sometimes that is not the case.

In this video, Bob walks us through how to test a Harley Brake Light Switch to make sure that’s not the issue.

We also show you how to replace the switch in the housing and Bob reviews The Motorcycle Brake Light Switch here.

Related Videos:

How to Replace Brake Light Switch on a Harley

How to Test a Harley Brake Light Switch

How to Diagnose a Motorcycle Brake Light Switch

Harley Brake Switch Diagnosis Via Manual

Harley Brake Fluid Switch on Sportster

If you update your bars and housing, please watch this video series in full: Handlebars 101

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8 Responses to “How to Test a Harley Brake Light Switch”

  1. Mark Ariaz

    If I hold my front brake lever my brake light comes on if I put my rear brake on the light does not come on is that my rear brake switch that is no good thank you

  2. Matt

    Could it still be the brake switch if the brake light stays on constantly

  3. Samuel

    Ok , so working out issues on this 1989 FLHTCU I fixed the brake lights , the wires in the left side panel had to be cleaned a soldered then they stopped working again. I did a repeat on the test light still had power to the wires at the switch on the rear. The jim clip test was a fail it made a clicking sound but no break light. The front switch is also not functioning , I did replace the TSM plug and play works fine.I did test the fuses also no problem there , what I did notice the tour pack brake lights stopped working first then the tail light brake light. Sam

  4. samuel

    <strong> Ticket#11466 Is there a video on how to check a turn signal canceler module ??

  5. samuel

    1989 ultra , tail lights work but no brake light. Would the same test work ?

  6. Jon Saltzgiver

    Goodridge has a brake light switch that is the banjo bolt as well.

  7. Marcel E Laviolette

    Thank you very much

  8. Bob Raschke

    The rear brake light switch can also fail in the on position. On cruise control equipped models this means that cruise will not engage. Brake lights will also always be on. The always on might be noticable in in a lower voltmeter reading on models equipped with a volt meter. It was in my case, although I put that together after realizing my brake light switch problem in another manner.

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