A brake light that is stuck on can be a real annoyance and a potential safety hazard. Today after work decided to give her a bath . When this spring gets old, it can become weak. 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. 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. Thanks so much for this info, I have passed it on to the dealer. 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. 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. #12. I've never run into that situation: where a dealership or sales people know more about the product than the manufacturer or designers. Inspecting the electrical connections and testing functionality of the switch with a test light can indicate if a replacement switch is needed. Here's what could cause it and how to fix it. He lit the bike up with his flashlight as I fixed the light. So I'm guessing the controller went bad. Only one of the two wires attached to the brake light switch should render this result. Steve is online now Continue Related Motorcycle Questions Will brake lights that stay on drain the battery? ducatimonster.org is not in any way affiliated with Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Get some plastic safe electrical contact cleaner & spray up inside the rear brake switch while stepping on the pedal several times. If this is not the problem, also unplug the rear brake switch on the rear brake master cylinder. There are many parts of the braking system that can get corroded or covered with debris. 99 monster s: 41mm FCR's, dyna coils, some CC stuff, marchenisi rims After scrounging around the house trying to figure out what I can use, the thing that works the best for me is a nail that I cut down to size w/a wire cutter. Disconnect the wiring harness by pressing the locking tab and pulling the harness away from the brake light switch. Two possibilities:Your brake pedal needs to be lubricated. Almost all brake lights that stay on or flicker are caused by faulty or malfunctioning brake lights. If you are sure it is the rear, there is a switch attached to the rear pedal by a spring. Using a universal bumper, clipping a little rubber off of the flange can help it fit. The most common reason why your brake lights stay on is due to a faulty brake light switch or sensor. Doityourself, PaulsTravelPictures this causes the front brake light switch to be actuated at all times, keeping the brake light on. Replace missing bumpers with new ones as soon as you can so that you can close out the brake circuit. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $300 for the parts and labor involved in this repair. 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. IF this is on the 2006 listed in his profile, the ABS light should not be on beyond starting it. One may be corroded (if so, clean the connections) or have water trapped in it bridging the connection. Good news. We have a big role to play. If this brake component is defective, you want to replace it, which should cause your brake lights to work normally again. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If your brake light remains on, you need to get it fixed as soon as possible. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Steve Ask Your Own Motorcycle Question Having the proper tools will make brake light wiring jobs less difficult. I had an '04 1500 that was really good at collecting gunk at the rear brake pedal switch. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. This might be the most complicated cause to troubleshoot and shouldnt be looked at until the other possible sources have been ruled out. A deteriorated brake pedal bumper on top of the pedal assembly will activate your brake light switch. Well, good news for the OP, fixing the brake light may well fix the ABS light flashing too. And the price is right! It's rare though. Harley brake light stays on when lever is not pressed. hey fellas, you guys are always good w/my numerous nuances w/my bike can anyone tell me what to check when the brake light isnt going off? Brake switch is normally open (open contacts when the brake is released) The contacts close when the brakes are in use. The fluid level should be within maximum and minimum indicators. If your brake light is on all the time, it's at least as bad as when it never works, maybe worse. If you dont have an available service manual, revert to the manufacturers website for diagrams and steps. That ABS thing didn't start until the GENIII bikes. It is illegal to drive with your brake lights stuck on. check the light with the switch in and out. 3) Confirm the wheel bearings are good, the wheel is solidly mounted, the sensor mount is correctly located on the axle. 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. There are two main different light bulb types, with one circuit or two circuits. Light was still on. The brake lights are not on when I leave the vehicle but sometimes are on when I return. Jun 23, 2015. I have a 99 gsxr 750 I gust installed a under tail kit with led turn signals and brake lights. If not, flush out the old brake fluid before adding a new one to the reservoir. experience, MMI, HD technician, HD early, engine rebuild/performance,. Figure 1. (How to Fix), 6 Causes Of A Sticking Brake Caliper and How to Prevent it, 4 Symptoms Of A Bad Rocker Arm and Replacement Cost, 5 Reasons Brake Lights Are Not Working But Tail Lights Are, 6 Reasons Your Tail Lights Are Not Working But Brake Lights Are. We are practically invisible on the road most of the time and after 50+ years on the road that fact is paramount when riding a motorcycle. Otherwise, you may need to replace your defective switch. 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. Fixed it, sort of. Well I got back Sat from my trip to Panama City Fla., rode over 1680 miles . First, remove the Hazard Lighting fuse (10 amp) and see if the brake lights go off. To do this, you will need to: Another brake assembly part that is commonly found at fault is the brake pedal switch bumper. I unplugged the connector for rear brake, brake light stayed on. Unscrew the threaded brake light switch by hand. Once done with the wires, inspect the switchs alignment and confirm that a depressed brake pedal activates the switchs plunger. A small bracket is attached to the hood to attach the brakeless unit to the bracket. These switches provide ground to complete the brake light circuit. Tighten the adjustment nut and bolts with a ratchet and socket. 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. The expectation is that the stoplight switch is aligned with the arm and pushed to shut the brake lights off. Clean out any debris left behind by the old switch stopper in the hole where the bumper goes into. Several cases have been reported where the brake light filament has shorted across to the tail light filament, causing the light to be overly bright as if the brake light was on. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Why Won't Flashing Turn Signals Work? If the stopper is missing, you want to look around on the mat where it might have fallen. Make sure the switch is adjusted (can be moved in or out) so that it is released when the brake is released. Here's how to fix it. Braking includes a user selectable free output mode and emergency braking. 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. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. If you've replaced the brake line, proceed to Step 2. If this spring has lost its tension and cant return back to normal, the brake system remains engaged, which causes the lights to illuminate. 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------------------ click on, click off. Installing this unit is simple. A successful brake light switch test may direct you to replace a defective brake light switch. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, off-road, touring, street bikes, and more! Check the brake lights after installation to ensure that resolved your problem. Nice guy. If you kneel down on the drivers side, you should be able to see it. 1) ground wire sub-harness. I have had mine short out and keep the rear brake light on. brake light stays on. Depending on your state, you could be subject to a hefty fine if you are pulled over for driving with your brake lights on at all times. First, you need to create a vacuum in the braking system you can achieve this with your vehicle running. He has been working as a car mechanic for over 10 years, and the majority of them specialized in advanced car diagnostics and troubleshooting. Brake Diagnostics Guide Harley recommends testing circuits using a digital circuit, but a simple test light works just as well. Come join the discussion about performance, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! 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. Is it illegal to drive with brake lights stuck on? Grinding sound? Plugged in front brake lever connector, brake lite works normal, plug in rear brake connector and brake lite works normal. It works perfectly. 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. While its extremely dangerous to drive with brake lights that dont come on, its just as scary having a set that is stuck on. To do this, slip the cable off and tuck it to the side of the battery. Motorcycle Mechanic: Steve more often than not, this is caused by a broken actuator pin on the front brake light switch. From a motorcycle perspective, many of us seem to have increased our desire to ride alone or together. __Scott R. Nelson, 1998 ST2, 1993 888 SPO, Pleasanton, CA. Check that the brake lever perch and switch housing are flush, no gap. The next thing you will need to look at is the wires attached to the switch. I love to explore earth's natural terrain and share my experience. Then they replaced the full harness (#2) as directed by Yamaha. It's free! Had a similar problem on a FLSTC, this was my experience. Nothing else. This rail is located in the combo box behind the left saddlebag. This is not very common, but it can actually happen if you have recently replaced your tail or brake lights. The nail w/a head on it, not the type that are the essentially the same circumference from one end to the other. Actuation of the switch is achieved through the interaction of the brake lever / master cylinder assembly and the light switch. In some cases, a stuck brake light is caused not by an electrical fault. 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. This article applies to Harley Davidson Touring models. I've been to a couple of forums this morning and this seems to be pretty popular issue. Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Most importantly, you keep yourself from driving under risky conditions, reducing your chances of causing an accident or being in one. . A forum community dedicated to Ducati Monster owners and enthusiasts. With cooler nights and less heat and humidity during the day, bikers seem to be everywhere. That was an air/fuel ratio issue. A desire to share this passion by creating beautiful and high performance products for our peers. 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. Regardless of the problem, the basic steps are the same. This switch is typically attached to the pedals arm via a bracket with two wires attached to it. no electric farks are on the bike yet any thoughts on the brake light staying on as if I am depressing the brake? A temporary fix for this is to detach your battery while your vehicle is off when you encounter this issue. Was a very easy fix for me. ducatimonster.org is an independent Ducati enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope Inc. Although it may seem overly simple, check that the brake light bulb does not have any internal filament damage. 100 super bright LEDs (two peripheral and two central panels) and two sensors together with two software provide a truly autonomous device with real footage. Please register or login to enable Dark Mode. It is interesting that sometimes a micro switch can make it's normal click sound when actuating but be bad. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. 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. 5 Reasons Why Your Brake Pedal Goes to the Floor. Establishing your presence, maintaining your space of course in collaboration and being aware is important to establishing and maintaining situational awareness and making a 360 security bubble viable. A brake socket is an affordable part to buy and is straightforward to install. If you recently replaced the rear light bulbs when this happened, you may have installed the wrong bulbs. When possible, Off-Roading Pro uses affiliate links. Dont get me wrong, its not bad any increase has to be good these days. When the switch inside the brake system isnt working right, your lights cant turn off. The best way to find out, besides feeling a spongy brake pedal and lever, is to bleed the brakes. Today, we look at the reasons why your brake lights stay on and how to fix it. The rear brake light also proved troublesome, even forcing Harley to recall one Touring model for failure. Check the switches for the front and rear brakes. Verify that they securely connect. 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. Turned out to be a bad connection. 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. Hope this is the solution for you, otherwise talk to your dealer tech. All Rights Reserved. J. I disconnected the spring attached to the brake pedal and allowed the plunger to retracted completely, brake light stays on. You can use a pair of needle nose pliers to unhook the spring and replace it. tell me what you find. If the switch is damaged, replace the switch and make sure the master cylinder assembly is properly aligned with the switch housing when reassembled. You are using an out of date browser. This fuse powers the parking lights, license plate light, and turn signals. JavaScript is disabled. Next thing to check would be the wiring from the front switch to the BCM. Well at least you found the problem. Lead, or follow, but just stay out of my way. Normally, the ECU turns on a relay letting the relay contacts supply the 12 volts. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Checking the electrical connection and test operation of the switch with a test light can indicate whether replacement is required. Lights not illuminating or returning a 12V reading would mean that the brake switch is not receiving power, signifying a wiring problem. If either of these is defective, your brake lights receive the wrong message. Glad you found the problem. This article applies to the What's Wrong with My Rear Brake Light Switch? I inspected the rear brake switch and everything looks normal. 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. Shine a flashlight on the switch stopper and check that it sits flush against the metal plate. Harley owners may notice that the brake light comes on even when the brakes are not applied. Moved to oilheads. The lights warn others that your vehicle is slowing down. 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. Check the socket to see if you can see two circuits or one, and then check the light bulb. The brake light system on 2nd Gens and later is a bit more complex than earlier models. Check the rear brake sensor, it may be stuck. This article applies to the Harley Davidson Touring. Brake lights that wont turn off when you remove the key from the ignition will drain your car battery pretty quickly. Castrol Edge vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? However, if they only stay on when the ignition is on, it is not very likely that they will drain your car battery. It also covers how to replace your brake light switch and bumper, should there be a need. Create new posts and participate in discussions. Replace the bulb if its the wrong type. 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. Here are common ways to fix brake lights that stay on: Check the brake light switch for damage Replace blown fuses Install a new brake light switch Keep your brake pedal bumper functional Replace burnt-out bulbs Detach the car battery Keep your brake pedal dirt-free Ensure the brake pedal pushes the switch correctly Electrical Diagnostic Guide 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. The switches and sensors in a braking system are responsible for telling the lights when the pedal is up or down. An easy-to-follow remedy is to look under the dash above the brake pedal and follow the pedal arm up to the switch. If that was burned or melted they would do: 2) full wiring harness. Please read the whole thing before jumping to conclusions. Nearly all cases of a brake light staying on or continuously flickering have been caused by a damaged or faulty brake light switch. You can find and fix basic electrical problems at home. 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. If the end is worn down, again, it will not turn off. A forum community dedicated to Suzuki Volusia and Boulevard C50 motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. Welcome to Off-Roading Pro. This completes the brake lights circuit in your vehicles electrical system and needs to be replaced if found defective. If your brake lights stay on even if you shut off your car, there are several possible reasons. Sometimes, the brake pedal or switch is not aligned correctly, resulting in the brake light getting stuck. Also, check the light bulbs in the rear to see if the right type is installed, like mentioned earlier in the article. Loosen and remove the bolts holding the switch in place (could be as many as 1-4 bolts depending on vehicle). Because the pedal doesnt return to its natural spot, the brake lights remain on. Make sure that your hood latch is not electric before you disconnect the negative battery terminal. 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! But that setback means that as we move from summer to early fall, getting two wheels covering the groundpaved or otherwisemeans there are just as many, if not more, of us on the road. (Causes & How To Fix), Tail Lights Not Working But Brake Lights Are? Clean out those sockets to prevent your brake lights from getting stuck. Two outcomes will occur when this happens either the brake lights are stuck on or not working. ABS light on? To check on this, locate the master cylinder or the brake fluid reservoir on the drivers side of the cabin. Next up would be some left over farkle wiring from a previous owner, perhaps a brake light strobe gone wrong or trailer wiring. This article applies to the Harley Davidson Harley Davidson Sportster Brake Diagnostics Guide Aug 1, 2004. There are probably a lot of other things that could be attributed to this as well, this is just one issue that i personally had. Older cars do not use a BCM, though, as the switch directly connects power to the brake lights. The switch for your brake pedal should be found under the dash, right by the pedal. Not that anyone would intentionally do it, but it can, Read More 8 Water in Gas Tank Symptoms (How To Check & Fix)Continue, More than we would like to admit, a well-functioning temp gauge is crucial to our vehicle performance. I pull the plunger out, brake light stays on. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. I, Just another example of why my bikes never see the inside of a dealership. Now that you are aware of the possible causes why your brake light gets stuck on, it will be easier to narrow down its origin and troubleshoot accordingly. The rear switch is hydraulic pressure-operated and, being close to the exhaust system, can fail in a variety of ways. 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. It makes the smooth operation of your car possible while protecting its components from damage. 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. Mar 15, 2005. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. JavaScript is disabled. :devil. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Definately get into the rear brake setup - lube the pedal shaft & adjust the rear brake switch - easy to do. 1600 Kawasaki Classic. 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. 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. Here are common ways to fix brake lights that stay on: This article lists the most common fixes to stuck brake lights. But IMHO do the second part first- determine which switch is likely the problem by unplugging one. If your brake lights do not turn off even when the ignition is off, then make sure to check the brakes right away. It's a simple matter of loosening a couple of screws and adjusting. A hand or socket wrench can loosen the nut securing the ground cable to the battery terminal. Your car brakes are meant to keep you from getting into an accident. If that that wire finds ground anywhere along its path, the brake light will remain on. I've managed to do that more than once when I had the 1997 M900. This would have absolutely nothing to do with "altitude sickness." Fortunately, with some basic mechanical and automotive electrical knowledge, you should be able to diagnose the problem with a multimeter fairly easily. Copyright 2023 Mechanic Base. Brake Pedal Goes to Floor? 2) Confirm rear caliper moves freely-system will detect brake drag, however slight it may be. (14 Reasons)Continue, Engine oil is essentially the lifeblood of your vehicle. To repeat the statement made in the introductory section of the InView wireless brake and turn signal system review the technology is not there yet, even in our COVID-19 world. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Is it safe to drive a car with the brake light on? This is a common problem and usually due to improper installation or alignment of the throttle assemble and brake housing. A brake pedal that is stuck or not closing the switch is another cause for the brake light to stay on or get stuck. JavaScript is disabled. 2009 Ram TRX4 third brake light on when trick is off, rear brake lights on when trick is on. Harley suggests testing the relay circuit with a digital multimeter, but a simple test light will work, too. wBW Product Review: Comagination VisiStop Brake Light Flasher. This article Harley Davidson Touring Electrical Diagnostic Guide Bad switch? Disappointing yes realistically absolutely. The goal is to provide a product that riders want and are proud to wear on their helmet, that should be simple to use, simple to install and go a long way in increasing the visibility or visibility of the motorcycle/rider. Zero issues , fantastic ride on my XCT . I inspected the rear brake switch and everything looks normal. 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. Connect one-on-one with {0} who will answer your question. IMHO the contacts back there are pretty cheap, and the constant vibration can't be helping much. Actuation of the switch is accomplished by the interplay between the brake lever/master cylinder assembly and the light switch. While not as common, a faulty brake light relay can cause constant brake light illumination. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. When I depress the front switch, the brake light comes on. I have checked the wires for anything obvious, also when you put the key in the park postion the rear. Not only does this temporarily stop the brake light from being stuck, but it also helps you save battery power to be able to start the car until the issue rectifies. If you break the harness release by accident, you can use electric tape to hold the pigtail in place during reassembly. OffRoadingPro.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Verify that the flat portion of the switch bumper is facing the rear of the vehicle. 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. 1600 Kawasaki Classic. it's on the frame, aft of the transmission, behind the exhaust pipes. Get some plastic safe electrical contact cleaner & spray up inside the rear brake switch while stepping on the pedal several times. Although this rarely happens, the cause of your problem may be as simple as an engaged parking brake. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Jiffy Lube Vs. Valvoline Oil Change: Differences & Which Is Better. Brake lights (or taillights) are one of the most important components of an automobile. Even the smallest amount of debris can lead to trouble.