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[eagle.b]

rear brake lights work with hand control but not foot pedal. This happen to anyone else?? any suggestions before I start taking things apart and forget how to put it back together?

[Twolanerider]

There are separate brake light switches for each.  Trace the hydraulic line from the rear master cylinder.  As you do you'll find the switch in that line.  It's a screw in switch with two wires plugged on it.

[MontyB]

It could also be a failed relay.  There are two in the fuse panel block - try switching them and see if that fixes the  issue. If so, all you need to to replace the failed one.

Electrical issues can be frustrating!

[eagle.b]

Found the 2 wires on master cylinder, they're both hooked up and clean. Put a tester on them 1 shows power the other doesn't. Checked fuse, it's ok but haven't checked relay yet.

[eagle.b]

Not the relay either. Strange, I switched the 2 wires on the master and the hand control still worked but still no pedal??

[Fired00d]

There are separate brake light switches for each.  Trace the hydraulic line from the rear master cylinder.  As you do you'll find the switch in that line.  It's a screw in switch with two wires plugged on it.

That's what happened to mine at MV 06 and had to have the switch replaced. In my case the brake light was illuminated all the time once I took the plug a loose at that switch I was able to use the front brakes to illuminate brake light. If I remember correctly it was a weird (different) way to get that plug loose because you did it for me before I "gorilla'd" it.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Talon]

Short the two wires on the rear switch together, the brake light should come on, if it does, then the switch is bad, if not then the problem is somewhere farther back in the system.

Craig

[eagle.b]

Thanks Craig, that worked. So I guess it's definitely the switch. Doesn't look that difficult to change, is it???

[Talon]

Thanks Craig, that worked. So I guess it's definitely the switch. Doesn't look that difficult to change, is it???

No problem, I don't think so, the one I changed wasn't on a a Harley, check the manual.

[Twolanerider]

Found the 2 wires on master cylinder, they're both hooked up and clean. Put a tester on them 1 shows power the other doesn't. Checked fuse, it's ok but haven't checked relay yet.

That's what those wires should do; until you push the break pedal.  Power comes to the switch as you're seeing.  Engaging the brakes closes the switch and lets power go on to the back lights. 

[Twolanerider]

Thanks Craig, that worked. So I guess it's definitely the switch. Doesn't look that difficult to change, is it???

Good deal.  That was the most likely culprit.  Switch screws out of a fitting behind it.  If you can get to it without removing anything that's all there is to it.  There are dedicated "sending unit sockets" to fit them if you don't have anything that will grab it.  For a better picture in your head of what's going on might pick the new switch up first and compare it against what you're seeing on the bike.  It'll be real obvious then where the threaded section is.

[eagle.b]

Will do, Thank you.

[eagle.b]

Anyone know if I need to bleed the line after changing the switch???

[hd-dude]

Anyone know if I need to bleed the line after changing the switch???

YES