Lost my rear brakes on 09 Ultra and it turned out to be the brake light switch melted down and started leaking at the wire terminal. The parts guy said it was a common failure as he sells alot of those switches. Easy fix to replace the switch but you have to bleed the brakes, mine is ABS and I was lucky and did not set any codes that would require a dealer visit to reset with digitech.

 

Mine also melted down, but didn't blow out and leak. The brake lights just stuck on. Still under warranty so the shop fixed it. I know I have seen somewhere here about bleeding the ABS systems, have not had to do it myself yet. I think its just like regular brakes, but hope someone will confirm or post a link. Ride safe!!

 

no they are not like most brakes u may have to have harley do the digital tech for the bleeding.

 

If your just pulling clean fluid through you don't need the Digital Tech. But if you are changing the lines that go into the control unit then you do. That's my understanding anyway. I bleed them every spring and they have been fine.

 

Riding back on a 200 mile ride, my rear brakes failed also....
my switch appears to be melted (leaking at the switch and one wire
melted).
My bike is an '09 Ultra w/46 K miles. Taking it to dealer tomorrow
(front brakes....don't FAIL ME NOW! LOL).
Sounds like the making of a recall?

chuck

 

Any insight as to what's melting the switch,heat off of the exaust or what?

 

I think the cause is just an inferior product. Not too long ago in another thread someone posted a link to an aftermarket switch that cost less and was reportedly better.

 

Mine was replaced awhile back under warranty at 20,000 miles. I think the heat from the catalytic converter gets to them. It didn't leak but did throw a 'check engine' light.

 

Happened to mine and I got it on video when it happend, I just don't understand why HD just does not use a spring hooked up to a switch instead of having the switch possibly cause brake failure, truly a dumb design.

 

Anyone got a part number for the non moco switch they used or perhaps pics of the change out? I've got a pretty good idea of what has to happen to get it done, but treat me like I'm 5......pics are better!