When I press the foot pedal, my brake lights go on.

However, if I pull the front brake lever, I get no light to come on.

Can anyone steer me in the right direction on what to look for?

I assume I have to figure out what wires go up to the handle and test to see if the switch works using a continuity tester or see if I have voltage going up there and returning.

Does this tie into the wiring from the foot pedal. Where would this splice be found? Headlamp housing? Under the gas tank somewhere?

If it helps, I have a '81 FLT.

Thanks for any help or thoughts on this.

-JC

 

Check your switch at the front brake lever. If you know you have power to the switch you might find the engage button at the brake lever is broken or has come apart. If you haven't verified power there, take a voltmeter and test it at that point.
Front Brake Light Switch Replacement
The front brake light switch is mounted in
the right side switch lower housing.
1. Separate the right side switch housing as described under
Handlebar Switch Replacement in this chapter.
2. If the wedge between the switch and the switch housing
is still in place, remove it.
3. Cut the switch wires 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) from the defective
switch.
4. While depressing the switch plunger, slowly rotate the
switch upward, rocking it slightly, and remove it from the
switch housing.
5. Check that the plunger is square in the bore and that the
boot is not compressed, collapsed or torn. Work the
plunger in and out until the boot is fully extended.
6. Slip a piece of heat shrink tubing over each wire cut in
Step 3.
7. Solder the wire ends to the new switch. Then shrink the
tubing over the wires.
8. Install the switch by reversing these steps. Note the
following:
a. When clamping the switch housing onto the handlebar,
check the wiring harness routing position to
make sure it is not pinched between the housing and
handlebar.
b. To install the right side switch housing,

 

Sounds like it could be a bad switch or may be in need of bit of lube if the plunger is sticking. Try a bit of WD40 in the switch area behind the brake handle, if not then follow the instructions above.