You might be able to see it, but if you cant see it or its not visible, the bubble of security can collapse at any moment. The brake light switch is a two-way mechanism near the brake pedal and is often marked. If your vehicles brake light gets stuck or is not working, it will start to drain your battery. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, off-road, touring, street bikes, and more! I disconnected the spring attached to the brake pedal and allowed the plunger to retracted completely, brake light stays on. Get some plastic safe electrical contact cleaner & spray up inside the rear brake switch while stepping on the pedal several times. Brake lights that wont turn off when you remove the key from the ignition will drain your car battery pretty quickly. Then they replaced the full harness (#2) as directed by Yamaha. Make sure that your hood latch is not electric before you disconnect the negative battery terminal. A forum community dedicated to all Harley-Davidson model owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, racing, news, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! I'm Kris and this is my blog where I talk about all things related to ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, Jeeps, snowmobiles, and more. JavaScript is disabled. The re-set sequence is to recycle the ignition switch to the off position, then proceed again. Also make sure the brake light is really on and not just your running light, your brake lights may not be working at all, they fail pretty easily it seems. While some issues are simple to assess and fix, others occur due to unkempt car parts. there should be only one wire running to your subframe bracket. Take some WD-40 and spray the switch plunger and . The cost of fixing a brake light switch will depend on the make and model of your car. Figure 1. I had an '04 1500 that was really good at collecting gunk at the rear brake pedal switch. Step 2 - Bleed the brakes You could have air in the system. I pull the plunger. Thanks so much for this info, I have passed it on to the dealer. If you're experiencing brake light problems, a quick overdrive of the brake circuit can often . A desire to share this passion by creating beautiful and high performance products for our peers. But hey, nobody knows everything, and if we all help each other we can move forward a step. Fortunately, with some basic mechanical and automotive electrical knowledge, you should be able to diagnose the problem with a multimeter fairly easily. There have been several reported cases of the brake light shorting across the tail light causing the light to be too bright as if the brake light was on. Why Won't Flashing Turn Signals Work? This article applies to the Harley Davidson Touring. Lights not illuminating or returning a 12V reading would mean that the brake switch is not receiving power, signifying a wiring problem. These switches provide ground to complete the brake light circuit. Have you noticed how hard it is to find a light off-road or ADV motorcycle in a showroom in some markets? Brake switch is normally open (open contacts when the brake is released) The contacts close when the brakes are in use. Regardless of the problem, the basic steps are the same. Additionally, you dont know what else is wrong that could potentially leave you without brakes if not repaired. Had a similar problem on a FLSTC, this was my experience. If I got this wrong, by all means please say so. Not only will this knowledge save you hundreds of dollars for professional servicing, but also keep you from incurring huge fines or being cited for not having brake lights that properly function. If you have a service manual, you can follow the steps to check the wiring and connections. Create new posts and participate in discussions. The switch for your brake pedal should be found under the dash, right by the pedal. The switch uses a ground trigger for the BCM, which turns the brake lights power on. If that was burned or melted they would do: 2) full wiring harness. This might be the most complicated cause to troubleshoot and shouldnt be looked at until the other possible sources have been ruled out. Well at least you found the problem. Lead, or follow, but just stay out of my way. Has your rear brake switch failed you? JavaScript is disabled. I have a 99 gsxr 750 I gust installed a under tail kit with led turn signals and brake lights. This is the most obvious reason your brake lights wont go off. Additionally, the cruise control system uses the brake light switch and may not work if the switch is stuck in the on position. Additionally, the cruise control system uses a brake light that may not work if the switch is stuck in the position. Check for proper brake light operation by pressing and releasing the brake pedal several times. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The most common reason why your brake lights stay on is due to a faulty brake light switch or sensor. Glad you found the problem. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Clean out any debris left behind by the old switch stopper in the hole where the bumper goes into. While there are typically no mechanical faults that prevent the bike from being ridden, a brake light that is always on can present a huge safety risk since it indicates to other vehicles when you are slowing down. If it is no longer feasible to clean the brake light sockets, replace them by snipping the old wires and splicing in the new unit. I've been to a couple of forums this morning and this seems to be pretty popular issue. It may not display this or other websites correctly. ABS light on? That ABS thing didn't start until the GENIII bikes. Fortunately, this is a fairly common problem with various Harley models, so diagnosis and repair of the failed component(s) is well documented. One lane user will recognize and acknowledge your presence, but the next ten users will not. You dont want to take chances with the braking system, even if it is only an issue with the light. This is a common problem and usually due to improper installation or alignment of the throttle assemble and brake housing. Last night I noticed that my brake light stays on all the time. JavaScript is disabled. Yes. When you do this, the test light should illuminate, and the voltmeter should read 12V (if nothing is wrong with the brake switch). 2) Confirm rear caliper moves freely-system will detect brake drag, however slight it may be. When anything in this system malfunctions, it could spell disaster. It may not display this or other websites correctly. To do this, you will need to: Another brake assembly part that is commonly found at fault is the brake pedal switch bumper. Is it illegal to drive with brake lights stuck on? Brake Diagnostics Guide Depending on your vehicles make and model, you may need to remove pieces of the interior trim to access the fuse box, and you may need to inspect more than one fuse for your brake light. Having the proper tools will make brake light wiring jobs less difficult. A forum community dedicated to Kawasaki Motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. Brake lights warn other vehicles behind you when you are about to slow down or stop. I love to explore earth's natural terrain and share my experience. Here are a few steps to follow. Also, check the light bulbs in the rear to see if the right type is installed, like mentioned earlier in the article. Shine a flashlight on the switch stopper and check that it sits flush against the metal plate. It also covers how to replace your brake light switch and bumper, should there be a need. Motorcycle Brake Light Stays On - Sticky brake lights are a real nuisance and can be a safety hazard. Check brake lines and connections. R1200R. Fixed it, sort of. Good news. Now I'm stumped, damm thing has got to be drawing power from somewhere, so I pull the seat and remember I had installed a kury run/turn/brake controller. When this spring gets old, it can become weak. Loosen and remove the bolts holding the switch in place (could be as many as 1-4 bolts depending on vehicle). (How to Fix), Brake Lights Not Working But Tail Lights Are? Once the bumper is in place, release the brake, and the plunger should press against the replacement part. They use a switch that turns the bulbs on the moment you press the brake pedal. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Fully releasing the parking brake will get your brake light unstuck. Castrol Edge vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? Inspecting the electrical connections and testing functionality of the switch with a test light can indicate if a replacement switch is needed. It is a "fail safe" system, meaning that almost any failure of the brake system will leave the brake lights in the "on" state Here's a description of how the brake lights work on a 2nd Gens: ^^^^^ Oh you Gen II guys (and now Gen III guy). Why Does My Brake Light Stay On VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Test the wires by touching the testers positive lead, with the other lead touching bare metal. Zero issues , fantastic ride on my XCT . The lights warn others that your vehicle is slowing down. #12. One way to check is to disconnect the wire in the harness to the switch. Verify that the flat portion of the switch bumper is facing the rear of the vehicle. __Scott R. Nelson, 1998 ST2, 1993 888 SPO, Pleasanton, CA. Paint, 44 tooth rear, Corbin seat, Stage 2 jet kit, Strati Pipes, and Stripes! I've managed to do that more than once when I had the 1997 M900. Your switch is different from the one on my R100 GS, but the micro-switch on that model tends to stick "on" as well after time. Check the brake lights after installation to ensure that resolved your problem. Installing this unit is simple. Definately get into the rear brake setup - lube the pedal shaft & adjust the rear brake switch - easy to do. The brake light system on 2nd Gens and later is a bit more complex than earlier models. I have had mine short out and keep the rear brake light on. Will brake lights that stay on drain the battery? If your brake light is on all the time, it's at least as bad as when it never works, maybe worse. If you break the harness release by accident, you can use electric tape to hold the pigtail in place during reassembly. . If you install a light bulb with one circuit in a socket for two circuits, it can short the circuit, and it will cause the brake lights to come on. Brake systems are not overly complicated, so it is often quick and easy to find the source of the problem. Your car brakes are meant to keep you from getting into an accident. The expectation is that the stoplight switch is aligned with the arm and pushed to shut the brake lights off. Had a minor impact where i hit my brakes real hardnow my brake lights wont go offeverything looks normal on the switch and shim, The right brake light on my car stays on when the car is switched off. :wayhappy: I had a similar problem with a Kisan Signal minder on C50 but it was the turn signals. When I depress the front switch, the brake light comes on. tell me what you find. Also make sure the brake light is really on and not just your running light, your brake lights may not be working at all, they fail pretty easily it seems. Loosen the adjustment nut from the mounting plate with a wrench. The brake pedal switch is located near your brake pedal and you can often adjust it. The service manual has the tests you can perform on the ABS system, need the ABS test coupler or can short out the wires to enable the test mode. Some people choose to skip this testing process and choose to switch to a newer or better known transmission because it is simpler or cheaper. Although this rarely happens, the cause of your problem may be as simple as an engaged parking brake. -USB charging port (and possible firmware update) and one control button on top. Fred, this NC relay looks like the thing. I think the VisiStop is a great addition to the bike; the unit is inconspicuous, easy to install and adds good functionality to the auxiliary LED brake light. Two possibilities:Your brake pedal needs to be lubricated. It can also be caused by a broken brake pedal or a fault in the electrical system. While not as common, a faulty brake light relay can cause constant brake light illumination. Bad switch? Brake light stays on only after riding for a while. Lets look at each defective brake light symptom in-depth. To do this, slip the cable off and tuck it to the side of the battery. I've seen these cracked a few times. Content on ducatimonster.org is generated by its users. When the switch inside the brake system isnt working right, your lights cant turn off. Materials Needed Digital multimeter Torx sockets 1/4" drive ratchet and extension Adjustable wrench Step 1 - Check brake light switch Otherwise, you may need to replace your defective switch. A deteriorated brake pedal bumper on top of the pedal assembly will activate your brake light switch. Yes, and back up the line, it's sad when the dealerships know more than the manufacturer. Light was still on. My brake light has been sticking because the switch is all dirty so I show you how to take it off and clean it------------------ FOLLOW US ON INSTA! You are using an out of date browser. Fixing A Stuck/Sticky Motorcycle Brake Light Switch - YouTube My brake light has been sticking because the switch is all dirty so I show you how to take it off and clean. Because the pedal doesnt return to its natural spot, the brake lights remain on. Make sure that the brake pedal does not stay abnormally locked in place either. Are your haywire turn signals keeping you up at night? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. If this happens when I park at night it drains the battery. Perform a quick check of the brake lights, pedal and lines in between to ensure nothing has been affected by corrosion, leaves, dirt or other contaminants. If this won't stop the rear brake light from coming on, disconnect the rear brake switch and see if the front brake switch is causing this problem. If that that wire finds ground anywhere along its path, the brake light will remain on. You can also try to adjust the brake pedal switch if it has an adjustment and if it looks like it is engaged, even if the brake pedal is released. If the brake light on your Harley Touring model is stuck on or flickering, this article will focus on several issues that could be causing the problem. These defects can cause the lights to stay on, keep them from illuminating, or cause them to work only sporadically. While its extremely dangerous to drive with brake lights that dont come on, its just as scary having a set that is stuck on. An easy-to-follow remedy is to look under the dash above the brake pedal and follow the pedal arm up to the switch. I disconnected the spring attached to the brake pedal and allowed the plunger to retracted completely, brake light stays on. Rear Brake light stays on. If the stopper is missing, you want to look around on the mat where it might have fallen. Press and release the brake pedal and test if the brake lights are turning off and on. If this won't stop the rear brake light from coming on, disconnect the rear brake switch and see if the front brake switch is causing this problem. problem. You guys are awesome! If the switch tests fine and there is still voltage coming from the relay, that indicates that the relay itself is bad. A temporary fix for this is to detach your battery while your vehicle is off when you encounter this issue. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Sometimes, the brake pedal or switch is not aligned correctly, resulting in the brake light getting stuck. Troubleshooting Always On Brake Light (Motorcycle) - YouTube My brand new Honda Grom developed the problem when the brake light where would not turn off essentially we thought one of. Did you check the tab on the brake lever that operates the switch. Should you encounter something similar and you own an older-model vehicle, expect to replace your brake light bulbs a bit more often, as these cars still have traditional bulbs compared to more recent transports that have LED lights. In some cases, a stuck brake light is caused not by an electrical fault. The reverse gear is powered by hydraulic pressure, and due to its proximity to the exhaust system, it can fail in a number of ways. Unscrew the threaded brake light switch by hand. Aug 1, 2004. Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Then replaced the relay. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. With its passion for motorcycles and the desire to bring a brakeless smart brake light to the market, the company launched an IndieGoGo crowdfunding project in April 2017, and with the help of 2,138 backers, the brakeless light is here. Light was still on. On way back from hardware store my ABS light stayed on all the way home . Below are the things you will need: Below are steps on how to determine whether a faulty brake light switch is what is causing your brake lights to stay on: Find the brake light switch under the dashboard near the top of the brake pedal. If this turns the light off, you have found the problem. If your brake light remains on, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible. Tighten the adjustment nut and bolts with a ratchet and socket. For new riders, even with preparatory training, a presence needs to be established. Check the switches for the front and rear brakes. This rail is located in the combo box behind the left saddlebag. That indicates if the control module is working. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $300 for the parts and labor involved in this repair.