OK...dealing with the apparently common front brake switch issue on my 94 softail. It just won't shut off. The lever that is supposed to engage the switch isn't doing its job. I actually used some JB weld and put a little nut on the lever adding about 1/8" width, and thought I had it but it's still not working.

I can push the switch in manually and the brake light shuts off.

Does this mean the switch is ok and does not need replacing? It looks ok but my garage light isn't so hot. I'll have a closer look tomorrow. Seems the switch is working as it should but is not engaging correctly with the lever on the brake rod.

 

I didn't have my wiring tucked far up enough into the dimple of the bar once so my master cylinder and switch housing weren't aligned properly. As a result, the tab on the brake lever wasn't making contact with the switch so the brake light would not shut off.

 

I just realized I probably put this in the wrong section. Thanks for answering

I don't think my wiring is getting in the way

I have shitty aftermarket bars, and shitty aftermarket controls / switch housings, and nothing lines up.

BUT, the tab that is supposed to hit the switch is barely bigger than the switch itself! I drilled into it and put a washer on there with a countersunk screw and it's working right now. BUT...my MC seems to not push the brake lever back out as far as it should...looks like an MC rebuild is in order.

It's amazing how often something is wrong with these fckers.

 

Your mechanic sounds useless.

 

Uh..."my mechanic" is me, a guy who has never owned a Harley before and bought a 94 in 08. It's an older bike, heavily customized. Gonna have problems. Just frustrated

your post was utterly pointless.

 

I'm sure your mechanic will get better given time! Until then best of luck.

 

Let's see. Here's why "my mechanic" has done since he's had the bike:

front end replacement
rear wheel replacement including new spacers (had them machined for me)
installed several headlights
returned wiring to factory (some jackass had done a CRAP job with non-factory connectors)
remove/replace forward controls
relocate coil. splice in new wires for new location
rewire rear taillight section and install tubing in fender to keep wiring safe
wire in Badlands Illuminator matching above mentioned factory connectors
replace factory TSM
install aftermarket turn signals
clean up handlebar wiring (original owner had apes and just cut and spliced instead of re-pinning the wiring)

and that list is only HALF of what I've done.

gonna rebuild the front MC and put a new brake switch in and I should be good as far as electrical.

I think my mechanic is just fine for a dude that has very little experience with Harleys.

 

hey...any benefit to putting an in-line pressure switch in there instead of the momentary switch in the clamshell?

 

I am aware that the "mechanic" is you.
Are we understanding yet?

 

loud and clear

isn't this the second time you talked ****?

I have an idea for ya, dude.

go watch Bambi. There's a point where Thumper gives some really good advice.

Take Thumper's advice to heart.