motorcycle brake light stays on

For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Why Won't Flashing Turn Signals Work? 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. 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. To do this, slip the cable off and tuck it to the side of the battery. Disconnect the wiring harness by pressing the locking tab and pulling the harness away from the brake light switch. There are many parts of the braking system that can get corroded or covered with debris. Take some WD-40 and spray the switch plunger and . This article applies to the Harley Davidson Harley Davidson Sportster Brake Diagnostics Guide The housing can be easily taken apart to inspect the brake switch. Check the switches for the front and rear brakes. You guys are awesome! 2009 Ram TRX4 third brake light on when trick is off, rear brake lights on when trick is on. If that that wire finds ground anywhere along its path, the brake light will remain on. Materials Needed Digital multimeter Torx sockets 1/4" drive ratchet and extension Adjustable wrench Step 1 - Check brake light switch Moved to oilheads. Once done with the wires, inspect the switchs alignment and confirm that a depressed brake pedal activates the switchs plunger. Make sure that the brake pedal does not stay abnormally locked in place either. One of the latest additions to the safety toolbox is a new product with proven scalable technology the Brake Free Smart Brake Light from Brake Free Technology. I inspected the rear brake switch and everything looks normal. 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. 1600 Kawasaki Classic. If this is not the problem, also unplug the rear brake switch on the rear brake master cylinder. At the bottom of the list of suspects would be a relay with stuck contacts. I have a 99 gsxr 750 I gust installed a under tail kit with led turn signals and brake lights. Brake lights warn other vehicles behind you when you are about to slow down or stop. If this happens when I park at night it drains the battery. Unscrew the threaded brake light switch by hand. 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. Without taking the leads from their place, depress the brake pedal. By logging into your account, you agree to our, Want To Buy Motorcycles/Parts/Accessories, Trades & Freebies (See Subforums for specific models), The Queens Of The Road (For Women Bikers), Support for The Troops and their Families, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. I unplugged the connector for front brake, brake light stayed on. Your ohm meter is your friend! All Rights Reserved. (How to Fix), Brake Lights Not Working But Tail Lights Are? Lights not illuminating or returning a 12V reading would mean that the brake switch is not receiving power, signifying a wiring problem. The brake light switch is a two-way mechanism near the brake pedal and is often marked. Dont lose the mounting hardware, as you will need to reuse it when installing the new switch. On way back from hardware store my ABS light stayed on all the way home . In some cases, a stuck brake light is caused not by an electrical fault. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. If youre experiencing brake light problems, a quick overdrive of the brake circuit can often identify the fault. JavaScript is disabled. Come join the discussion about performance, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Although it may seem overly simple, check that the brake light bulb does not have any internal filament damage. 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. 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 Doityourself, PaulsTravelPictures 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. I'll post the end of the story when it happens. It is interesting that sometimes a micro switch can make it's normal click sound when actuating but be bad. 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. 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! Castrol Edge vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? 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. Check the socket to see if you can see two circuits or one, and then check the light bulb. Fortunately, we have our own security toolbox in addition to our education, training and experience. check the light with the switch in and out. The problem is usually found in the right handlebar switch housing where the front brake switch is located. 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. Please read the whole thing before jumping to conclusions. Replace missing bumpers with new ones as soon as you can so that you can close out the brake circuit. Up nord at the shack and will attend to the easy adjustments. Click this article to find out why. Then they replaced the full harness (#2) as directed by Yamaha. Changed out rear brake - Answered by a verified Motorcycle Mechanic. If that that wire finds ground anywhere along its path, the brake light will remain on. It is a little bit sad when the owners know more about the bike than their dealerships do. This article applies to Harley Davidson Touring models. 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. This completes the brake lights circuit in your vehicles electrical system and needs to be replaced if found defective. Electrical Diagnostic Guide 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. A missing bumper will do the same. Brake lights that wont turn off when you remove the key from the ignition will drain your car battery pretty quickly. Installing this unit is simple. In addition, it can cause your brake pads to remain engaged, which leads to additional pad and rotor wear. If you dont have an available service manual, revert to the manufacturers website for diagrams and steps. 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 But when stuck, these lights defeat their purpose as a safety feature and potentially put you and others in danger. This fuse powers the parking lights, license plate light, and turn signals. 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. 4) Check that the connectors at the ABS ECM are clean and tight. wBW Product Review: Comagination VisiStop Brake Light Flasher. The expectation is that the stoplight switch is aligned with the arm and pushed to shut the brake lights off. The flanged part of the switch bumper should be pushed hard into the hole so that it snaps into place. Also, check the light bulbs in the rear to see if the right type is installed, like mentioned earlier in the article. Verify that the flat portion of the switch bumper is facing the rear of the vehicle. If you dont have the knowledge, contact a mechanic as soon as possible to get it fixed! This article Harley Davidson Touring Electrical Diagnostic Guide To check on this, locate the master cylinder or the brake fluid reservoir on the drivers side of the cabin. If the brake light switch shorts internally it may cause the brake lights to stay illuminated, even when the pedal is not being pressed. Once the bumper is in place, release the brake, and the plunger should press against the replacement part. Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Brake light stays on, battery drains fast even ignition is off. It's free! 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. for sure the symtoms of a bad batt and a brake pedal that needs to be lubed. When you do this, the test light should illuminate, and the voltmeter should read 12V (if nothing is wrong with the brake switch). Brake light sensors are an inexpensive part that may need adjusted, as you may find out when your lights won't turn off. Make sure that your hood latch is not electric before you disconnect the negative battery terminal. Harley owners occasionally find that their brake light is continuously illuminated even without applying the brakes. You want to confirm that the switch is depressing completely. Click here to find out why. It works perfectly. you can verify this with a volt meter by testing the switch when you are not applying the brake, and the switch should be open, or no continuity. Loosen and remove the bolts holding the switch in place (could be as many as 1-4 bolts depending on vehicle). Grinding sound? These switches provide ground to complete the brake light circuit. This article applies to the Harley Davidson Touring. If not, flush out the old brake fluid before adding a new one to the reservoir. I thought for sure the module went bad. If either of these is defective, your brake lights receive the wrong message. Although not as common, a faulty brake light switch can cause the brake light to come on. -USB charging port (and possible firmware update) and one control button on top. Harley owners may notice that the brake light comes on even when the brakes are not applied. 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. 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). These switches provide ground to complete the brake light circuit. 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. A temporary fix for this is to detach your battery while your vehicle is off when you encounter this issue. 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. But hey, nobody knows everything, and if we all help each other we can move forward a step. But if you can disconnect one of them and it makes no difference, it would at least support the theory that the other one is bad My mony is on the rear brake switch just because of the location and the chance for water, salt, road gunk etc to contaminate the switch. Harley Davidson Sportster Brake Light Stays On Fred, this NC relay looks like the thing. 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. The fluid level should be within maximum and minimum indicators. This switch is typically attached to the pedals arm via a bracket with two wires attached to it. Is it illegal to drive with brake lights stuck on? The number of times you pump your brake while driving and wear and tear can take a toll on your brake lights. problem. Although this rarely happens, the cause of your problem may be as simple as an engaged parking brake. Otherwise, you may need to replace your defective switch. Don't Delete, man. :wayhappy: I had a similar problem with a Kisan Signal minder on C50 but it was the turn signals. Brake fluid is fine. Why Aren't My Rear Lights Working? Nice guy. 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 rear brake light switch has proven quite problematic as well, and even forced Harley at one point to issue a recall on Touring models for it failing. 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. You might get luck and squeak by using some electrical contact cleaner to flush out the switch. (running light was still on). For what it does and how it does it, Brakeless costs $169.99. The housing is easily disassembled to inspect the brake switch. Road Runner, MyinfoPie, Banggood, HDForums Having air in the brake system has been known to trigger the ABS warning light. This might be the most complicated cause to troubleshoot and shouldnt be looked at until the other possible sources have been ruled out. Had a similar problem on a FLSTC, this was my experience. Lets look at each defective brake light symptom in-depth. A forum community dedicated to all Harley-Davidson model owners and enthusiasts. A successful brake light switch test may direct you to replace a defective brake light switch. You can't tell the difference when you apply the brakes in the daytime, but at night it's not too hard to detect the subtle difference in brightness. When this spring gets old, it can become weak. Motorcycle Brake Light Stays On - Sticky brake lights are a real nuisance and can be a safety hazard. I unplugged the connector for rear brake, brake light stayed on. Thank you folks for replies. Did you check the tab on the brake lever that operates the switch. There are two main different light bulb types, with one circuit or two circuits. I love to explore earth's natural terrain and share my experience. ABS light on? The relay is located in the fuse box behind the left side saddlebag. However, this isnt a task that should be done without extensive automotive knowledge. Squealing? Hence, keep your brake fluid within ample levels so that your brake lights do not act up. Magnus is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase. Disappointing yes realistically absolutely. Because the pedal doesnt return to its natural spot, the brake lights remain on. The switches and sensors in a braking system are responsible for telling the lights when the pedal is up or down. Press and release the brake pedal and test if the brake lights are turning off and on. 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. To do this, you will need to: Another brake assembly part that is commonly found at fault is the brake pedal switch bumper. 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. A busted Harley Davidson Sportster Rear Lights Not Working :devil. Have you noticed how hard it is to find a light off-road or ADV motorcycle in a showroom in some markets? hitting the front or rear brake doesn't do anything. I have had mine short out and keep the rear brake light on. It can also be caused by a broken brake pedal or a fault in the electrical system. Is it safe to drive a car with the brake light on? Check that the brake lever perch and switch housing are flush, no gap. If you're experiencing brake light problems, a quick overdrive of the brake circuit can often . Steve is online now Continue Related Motorcycle Questions Regardless of the problem, the basic steps are the same. Not only are these lights confusing to other drivers, but you could be putting excessive wear on your brake pads or rotors. When all else fails, you should take your car to a mechanic. The brake lights are not on when I leave the vehicle but sometimes are on when I return. How to fix a motorcycle tail light that stays on for free. Before doing any work on your vehicles electrical system, always disconnect the battery to avoid shock or damage. A relay is an electronic switch triggered by the front or rear brake light switch, which sends power directly from the battery to the brake light bulb. 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. 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. Has your rear brake switch failed you? Additionally, you dont know what else is wrong that could potentially leave you without brakes if not repaired. Did you check the switch for the front brake??? 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. If you break the harness release by accident, you can use electric tape to hold the pigtail in place during reassembly. Mar 15, 2005. click on, click off. This happens even when pedal switch removed. pulled the wires fron the rear brake light switch and the light went off. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Wont start in neutral with side stand down 2008 Model. Jiffy Lube Vs. Valvoline Oil Change: Differences & Which Is Better. To find the brake light switch follow that wire, or just look around on the lever. A forum community dedicated to Suzuki Volusia and Boulevard C50 motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. 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.