Inspecting the electrical connections and testing functionality of the switch with a test light can indicate if a replacement switch is needed. It's a simple matter of loosening a couple of screws and adjusting. Light was still on. I have a 82 R100 and the brake light stays on all the time. Ensuring, Read More 12 No Oil in Car Symptoms to Look Out ForContinue, With the growing knowledge of engine oil products, their properties, and the like, it is no wonder comparing top brands, and pleasing choosy consumers have, Read More Castrol vs Mobil 1: Which is Better?Continue, Every vehicle owner can agree that dealing with water in the gas tank is troublesome. 2007 R1200R. Whether you have a turbo-charged, fuel-injected wheeler, or, Read More How to Know if Temp Gauge Is Bad (9 Symptoms)Continue. The rear brake light also proved troublesome, even forcing Harley to recall one Touring model for failure. You can find and fix basic electrical problems at home. Nearly all cases of a brake light staying on or continuously flickering have been caused by a damaged or faulty brake light switch. Your ohm meter is your friend! This article applies to Harley Davidson Touring models. To do this, slip the cable off and tuck it to the side of the battery. This rail is located in the combo box behind the left saddlebag. This invisibility is largely due to our smaller physical footprint, which means less presence, but why? Solution: adjuster handle bar up, you will find a small indentation on the bar which should be visable were the clamps meet when torqued properly. 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. I have a 99 gsxr 750 I gust installed a under tail kit with led turn signals and brake lights. You should see a screw, this leads to the switch (and actuates it). Disappointing yes realistically absolutely. An easy-to-follow remedy is to look under the dash above the brake pedal and follow the pedal arm up to the switch. This fuse powers the parking lights, license plate light, and turn signals. If you kneel down on the drivers side, you should be able to see it. Theres also a brake pedal stopper in play that needs your attention. When the switch is NOT engaged, the light will come on when it is, the light is off. If the brake lever has been changed out or the master cylinder replaced, it is easy for the delicate switch to become damaged or misaligned and remain in the on position, even when the brakes are released, thus causing the brake light to stay on. Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Motorcycle Mechanic: Chris If your brake fluid level is good, and you are sure the brake pedal is all the way up, then your switch may be bad, and causing the light to stay on. Otherwise, you may need to replace your defective switch. check the light with the switch in and out. It is interesting that sometimes a micro switch can make it's normal click sound when actuating but be bad. If the brake light switch shorts internally it may cause the brake lights to stay illuminated, even when the pedal is not being pressed. Brake light stays on only after riding for a while. Get some plastic safe electrical contact cleaner & spray up inside the rear brake switch while stepping on the pedal several times. This problem is usually found in the switch housing on the right side where the front brake switch is located. If the switch is damaged, replace the switch and make sure the master cylinder assembly is properly aligned with the switch housing when reassembled. Magnus is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase. I've never run into that situation: where a dealership or sales people know more about the product than the manufacturer or designers. (How to Fix), Brake Lights Not Working But Tail Lights Are? With the idea that motorcycle safety (see above) doesnt come at the expense of style, and accommodates both performance and style, the company brought the first prototype to market in April 2014. Electrical Diagnostic Guide I disconnected the spring attached to the brake pedal and allowed the plunger to retracted completely, brake light stays on. The switch uses a ground trigger for the BCM, which turns the brake lights power on. A forum community dedicated to all Harley-Davidson model owners and enthusiasts. How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Tail Light? Last night I rode 10 miles to the hardware store again no issues . Even the smallest amount of debris can lead to trouble. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Many motorcyclists, including those of us who have been involved in safety for a long time at all levels and across all disciplines, know that our presence is hard work. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Are your rear lights malfunctioning? GENII bikes lose the light right after ignition on, unless there's a problem. Although this rarely happens, the cause of your problem may be as simple as an engaged parking brake. Thank you folks for replies. Make sure that the brake pedal does not stay abnormally locked in place either. If the switch tests fine and there is still voltage coming from the relay, that indicates that the relay itself is bad. Verify that they securely connect. (This is why the switch is on the black wires). If you recently replaced the rear light bulbs when this happened, you may have installed the wrong bulbs. Replace missing bumpers with new ones as soon as you can so that you can close out the brake circuit. Replace the bulb if its the wrong type. Otherwise, it continues to look like you are braking because you are. The lights warn others that your vehicle is slowing down. The relay is an electronic switch that activates the front or rear brake lights and sends power directly from the battery to the brake lights. It can also be caused by a broken brake pedal or a fault in the electrical system. The switch on the front brake lever on my Intruder will sometimes retain water after I wash the bike or in heavy rain, causing this same problem. Whats even worse than having a bad spring in the pedal is having a defective pedal itself. You might get luck and squeak by using some electrical contact cleaner to flush out the switch. 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. It's free! Good news. While its not usually a mechanical failure that prevents you from riding, a constantly flashing brake light can be a serious safety hazard as it signals other vehicles when youre slowing down. The brake lights are fed from another fuse but it's possible there is a short circuit somewhere in the rear lighting fixture or its associated wiring which might erroneously power the brake lights from the parking lights circuit. Older cars do not use a BCM, though, as the switch directly connects power to the brake lights. If I got this wrong, by all means please say so. :wayhappy: I had a similar problem with a Kisan Signal minder on C50 but it was the turn signals. Check brake lines and connections. Of course, being sales people they may tell you anything, but I think that is more likely than not baloney. Today after work decided to give her a bath . 1600 Kawasaki Classic. Yes. Im gonna replace the rear brake light switch this morning and see if it solves it. If you're experiencing brake light problems, a quick overdrive of the brake circuit can often . As unlikely as it may seem -- the world works in strange ways -- the tail light filament can break and drop down and short to the brake light filament causing the brake lights to be on 100% of the time. 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. Went for a ride last night and seen that my rear brake light was staying on all the time. This means we have a greater presence on dual carriageways and highways (and everything in between) and as such we must all do our part to maintain and maintain a distinct presence on those same roads. remove the red and orange wires from the rear brake light switch. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 2009 Ram TRX4 third brake light on when trick is off, rear brake lights on when trick is on. How to Change Brake Pads With an Electric Parking Brake, 5 Reasons Your Cruise Control Is Not Working and How To Fix It, 5 Symptoms Of A Bad Brake Light Switch and Replacement Cost, Car Wont Accelerate But RPMs Go Up: Causes & Fixes. If this is not the problem, also unplug the rear brake switch on the rear brake master cylinder. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This article applies to the What's Wrong with My Rear Brake Light Switch? Harley owners may notice that the brake light comes on even when the brakes are not applied. Next up would be some left over farkle wiring from a previous owner, perhaps a brake light strobe gone wrong or trailer wiring. Make sure the switch is adjusted (can be moved in or out) so that it is released when the brake is released. Is it safe to drive a car with the brake light on? Paint, 44 tooth rear, Corbin seat, Stage 2 jet kit, Strati Pipes, and Stripes! I inspected the rear brake switch and everything looks normal. No shorts were found. These switches provide ground to complete the brake light circuit. I can't learn chit from silence. You can use a pair of needle nose pliers to unhook the spring and replace it. I was pulled over on I-95 in the wee morning hours the other night by a friendly NH state trooper who informed me that I had no running light at all. The rear switch is hydraulic pressure-operated and, being close to the exhaust system, can fail in a variety of ways. Copyright 2023 Mechanic Base. First, you need to create a vacuum in the braking system you can achieve this with your vehicle running. To prevent this from happening, keep your brake pedal clean and corrosion-free. Ensure the pigtail harness is disconnected and tucked away somewhere safe before removing the brake light switch, as you will be reusing that same harness later. Most bikers own and use these tools sometimes theyre physical things, sometimes theyre different, but we use them. Its actually not safe to drive a car with the brake light on, even though it may seem like it would be fine. Otherwise, if it is in pieces, it needs to be replaced. Content on ducatimonster.org is generated by its users. If any damage to the switch is found, replace the switch and ensure the master cylinder assembly is correctly aligned with the switch housing upon reassembly. Not only are these lights confusing to other drivers, but you could be putting excessive wear on your brake pads or rotors. Among the most common reasons your brake lights stay on are circuit errors, brake assembly problems, or a low brake fluid level. Bad switch? 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. However, if they only stay on when the ignition is on, it is not very likely that they will drain your car battery. If the brake rods have been changed or the master cylinder replaced, it is easy for the sensitive switch to become damaged or damaged and remain in place even when the brake is released, causing the brake light to remain on. The brake pedal spring is located under the pedal. This Harley Davidson Touring Flashing Turn Signals Won't Work Squealing? If the brake lights on your Harley Touring model are stuck or flickering, this article will cover a few things that could be causing the problem. https://www.instagram.com/moto.bob/------------------OUR GEAR Spada Arc Helmet http://amzn.to/2dJ8Xfz HJC CL-Y Helmet http://amzn.to/2e92FnR Bering Raven Gloves http://amzn.to/2dc8ZbW Rev'it Mohawk Boots http://amzn.to/2dvRwfJ Sena SMH5 Bluetooth Intercom http://amzn.to/2dJ8Dxm Givi WP405 Saddle Bags http://amzn.to/2e5s2uS Givi EA106B Tank Bag http://amzn.to/2dVXXKy GoPro HERO5 Black http://amzn.to/2e15YwN Nikon D3300 http://amzn.to/2e93ZXL------------------ If you are experiencing a brake light problem, a quick once over of the brake circuit will often identify the fault. When I depress the front switch, the brake light comes on. Verify that the flat portion of the switch bumper is facing the rear of the vehicle. Fortunately, with some basic mechanical and automotive electrical knowledge, you should be able to diagnose the problem with a multimeter fairly easily. When you do this, the test light should illuminate, and the voltmeter should read 12V (if nothing is wrong with the brake switch). :devil. Fixed it, sort of. Brake light stays on, battery drains fast even ignition is off. There are many parts of the braking system that can get corroded or covered with debris. Harley recommends testing circuits using a digital circuit, but a simple test light works just as well. Fortunately, this is a fairly common problem on various Harley models, so diagnosis and repair of the failed component(s) have been well documented. But when stuck, these lights defeat their purpose as a safety feature and potentially put you and others in danger. This article Harley Davidson Touring Electrical Diagnostic Guide 100 ultra-bright LEDs are grouped into four panels or arrangements on the left and right edges and top and bottom center, presented in a unique eye-catching design. Yes. 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. I have checked the wires for anything obvious, also when you put the key in the park postion the rear. It may be due to a defective rubber stopper or debris/corrosion between the brake switch and pedal. Why Won't Flashing Turn Signals Work? When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Some individuals prefer to skip this testing procedure and simply swap in a new or known-good relay since they are readily available and relatively cheap. for sure the symtoms of a bad batt and a brake pedal that needs to be lubed. Loosen and remove the bolts holding the switch in place (could be as many as 1-4 bolts depending on vehicle). Although not as common, a faulty brake light switch can cause the brake light to come on. Shine a flashlight on the switch stopper and check that it sits flush against the metal plate. Additionally, you dont know what else is wrong that could potentially leave you without brakes if not repaired. Brake Free Technology is a small team of bikers with a love and passion for all things motorcycles. JavaScript is disabled. After all, we got our car heater to make, Read More Why Is My Car Heater Not Getting Hot Enough? Disconnect the wiring harness by pressing the locking tab and pulling the harness away from the brake light switch. A forum community dedicated to Ducati Monster owners and enthusiasts. I, Just another example of why my bikes never see the inside of a dealership. Zero issues , fantastic ride on my XCT . Next thing to check would be the wiring from the front switch to the BCM. Why Does My Brake Light Stay On Press and release the brake pedal and test if the brake lights are turning off and on. They use a switch that turns the bulbs on the moment you press the brake pedal. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The brake is a free smart brake light style hardened plastic housing with a little 3M VHB glue that sticks securely to the back of the hood. This is a common problem and usually due to improper installation or alignment of the throttle assemble and brake housing. Remove the defective switch and screw in a new one. Before doing any work on your vehicles electrical system, always disconnect the battery to avoid shock or damage. Mar 15, 2005. I'm Kris and this is my blog where I talk about all things related to ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, Jeeps, snowmobiles, and more. That was an air/fuel ratio issue. In addition, it can cause your brake pads to remain engaged, which leads to additional pad and rotor wear. Brake lights warn other vehicles behind you when you are about to slow down or stop. Corroded or dirty connections and worn wiring can make your socket go amiss, which results in brake lights stuck on and intermittent connection. Dont lose the mounting hardware, as you will need to reuse it when installing the new switch. I'll post the end of the story when it happens. 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. 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. . 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. Having the proper tools will make brake light wiring jobs less difficult. Ask a mechanic. Most likely, your stuck brake light is caused by one of these problems. Hence, keep your brake fluid within ample levels so that your brake lights do not act up. It makes the smooth operation of your car possible while protecting its components from damage. That ABS thing didn't start until the GENIII bikes. Now they're scratching their heads. A temporary fix for this is to detach your battery while your vehicle is off when you encounter this issue. While not as common, a faulty brake light relay can cause constant brake light illumination. It also accounts for barometric pressure, altitude, and, Read More 10 Bad O2 Sensor Symptoms (What to Look Out For)Continue, Running errands in the cold cannot be helped and is not a big deal for most. 5 Reasons Why Your Brake Pedal Goes to the Floor. Moved to oilheads. My taillight is giving me similar problems. Use your owners manual as a guide in determining which of the fuse box the one under the hood or the other one on the drivers side of the cabin contains the blown fuse that needs replacement. Check the rear brake sensor, it may be stuck. Putting on eye protection is highly recommended as you go about locating your brake pedal switch, disconnecting the wiring pigtail, and inspecting it for damage. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. On the older Monsters, at least, you can put the tail light bulb in backwards so that the brighter filament is connected to the tail light and the dimmer one to the brakes. This is the most obvious reason your brake lights wont go off. This completes the brake lights circuit in your vehicles electrical system and needs to be replaced if found defective. When the front brake light switch malfunctioned the last time, did you have everything re assembled? If anyone can help that would be great.A guy told me the other day that my brake light wasn't working while at a stop light.I got home and the problem is the brake light stays on and dosn't shut off.I replaced the rear light ( original from 03 ) and lubed the front leaver with teflon spray and lubed the rear pedal mechanism with spray and work in still nothing.Anything would help.Thanks Rodger Thanks again, and shane thanks for the curb side help!, Brake light stays on - not the common problems, Wont start in neutral with side stand down 2008 Model. Jiffy Lube Vs. Valvoline Oil Change: Differences & Which Is Better. If no luck, then you may be dealing with a non-working spring, a faulty switch, or a short in the brake circuit wiring. My Gen I and some others that I have followed during EOM and NERDS rides have had their brake lights stuck on without the ABS light flashing. That's mainly the problem Ask an Expert Car Questions Motorcycle Questions Brake light stays on, battery drains fast even ignition is TIMOTO, Motorcycle Mechanic 1,338 Satisfied Customers Motorcycle Brake Light Stays On - Sticky brake lights are a real nuisance and can be a safety hazard. Brake lights stay on One of the symptoms commonly associated with a bad brake light switch are brake lights that stay on at all times. click on, click off. You are using an out of date browser. So if your brake lights are sticking on, make sure to get them fixed as soon as possible. Do not forget to test the return of the switch to ensure it is properly working. (14 Reasons)Continue, Engine oil is essentially the lifeblood of your vehicle. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. If your brake light is on all the time, it's at least as bad as when it never works, maybe worse. Checking the electrical connection and test operation of the switch with a test light can indicate whether replacement is required. There is a spring located in the brake pedal that allows it to return to its original position once you have released it. Castrol Edge vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If we are not part of the visual solution ourselves, using PPE or high visibility PPE helmets or outers helps get people/vehicles off the road. Unscrew the threaded brake light switch by hand. Doityourself, PaulsTravelPictures There are two main different light bulb types, with one circuit or two circuits. This article aims to keep vehicle owners informed of how they can maintain the proper function of their cars safety features so stick around to learn more. But hey, nobody knows everything, and if we all help each other we can move forward a step. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Did you check the tab on the brake lever that operates the switch. If the brake switch plunger is seized in the "in" position, then the brake lights will be "on" all the time. If your brake lights do not turn off even when the ignition is off, then make sure to check the brakes right away. 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. Show. One may be corroded (if so, clean the connections) or have water trapped in it bridging the connection. Please read the whole thing before jumping to conclusions. If you bend the rear brake petal too far it will move too far away from the switch, allowing the brake light to stay on regardless of brake lever or pedal condition. Noticed it when I was parking the bike. Motorcycle Brake Light Stays On Sticky brake lights are a real nuisance and can be a safety hazard. To check on this, locate the master cylinder or the brake fluid reservoir on the drivers side of the cabin. Braking includes a user selectable free output mode and emergency braking. Well at least you found the problem. Lead, or follow, but just stay out of my way. This might be the most complicated cause to troubleshoot and shouldnt be looked at until the other possible sources have been ruled out. Motorcycle Mechanic: Steve more often than not, this is caused by a broken actuator pin on the front brake light switch. This would have absolutely nothing to do with "altitude sickness." Then replaced the relay. The flanged part of the switch bumper should be pushed hard into the hole so that it snaps into place. Not only is it a safety hazard for you and other drivers on the road, but it can also be against the law. any help would be appreciated, thanks. The next thing you will need to look at is the wires attached to the switch. The most common reason why your brake lights stay on is due to a faulty brake light switch or sensor. There was no burning so they did #1. Then they replaced the full harness (#2) as directed by Yamaha. First, remove the Hazard Lighting fuse (10 amp) and see if the brake lights go off. Because the pedal doesnt return to its natural spot, the brake lights remain on. Light was still on. A desire to share this passion by creating beautiful and high performance products for our peers. What can cause this? Your car brakes are meant to keep you from getting into an accident. JavaScript is disabled. Had a similar problem on a FLSTC, this was my experience. the lights pretty bright so i'm almost positive its on - wheres the brake sensors? Here are steps on how to replace it: In summary, here are 12 ways on how to fix stuck brake lights: The next time anyone asks you, Why are my brake lights stuck on? you should be able to assist them with where and what to inspect. Check for proper brake light operation by pressing and releasing the brake pedal several times. Spotting these crumbs points to a deteriorated bumper due to heat and age, confirming it as the cause of the problem. Also, check the light bulbs in the rear to see if the right type is installed, like mentioned earlier in the article. For what it does and how it does it, Brakeless costs $169.99.