Have 08 Ultra with ABS. Rear Brake light does not work using foot brake but does work when using hand brake. Appears I need to replace rear brake light switch. Currently on road trip, therefore I do not have service manual with me. Access to switch appears easy. Will I need to bleed brakes or because of having ABS will I need to have shop do the work?

 

Replacing the brake switch is easy and straight forward. When I changed mine I did bleed the brakes just to be safe. I had ABS and have bled them myself. DON'T turn the ignition switch on before you bleed them and you can bleed them like a normal system. I have done this several times on my bike and others with no problem and never needed the shop. Good luck.

 

sounds like a plan. thanks

 

Check with a local dealer.

I recently replaced the rear stop light switch on my '09 Road King. A week later I was at the dealer to get some key FOBs programmed and he said there was a recall on the stop light switch and he would replace it if I had time. He just gave me the new switch instead.

-Tom

 

won't hurt to stop in at dealer and inquire. although, the possibility of $$$ on other stuff always exists.

 

Do yourself a favor and don't go to the dealer. Go to your local O'Reilly or AutoZone and give them part # 17-0668 (O'Reilly part #). I just replaced my '08 rear brake light switch with this one and it works perfectly; not to mention it has a lifetime warranty. I paid $8 out the door for mine. The dealer wanted almost $30 for one.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...&keyword=rb401

You will need to bleed the brakes. I'm not sure if a HD shop will have to bleed them or not.

The switch is a common failure point because of the heat of the exhaust. HD recalls only apply to the '09+ bikes. The '08 bikes are not included.

 

^^^^^This^^^^^
This part also fits a '71 beetle. Imagine that ****.

2010 Limited with some stuff

 

That's exactly what I did. Did not have to bleed the line. Easy Peasy.

 

I also heard it was covered by a recall. Might call a HD dealer and find out. Might just cost you a little stopover time at a dealership.

SugsPa

 

Just changed mine. They do go bad. Was $12 or so from Dennis Kirk. If it has never been changed, they can be on pretty tight. Make sure to use some Teflon Thread Sealer, they will seep. Will need to bleed, tiny pin size air bubbles tend to accumulate near/around the switch. Keep the pedal depressed (tie it down) and valve open overnight, this will allow most any leftover air to work it's way back into the reservoir.