In some cases, a stuck brake light is caused not by an electrical fault. First, you need to create a vacuum in the braking system you can achieve this with your vehicle running. 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. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. IMHO the contacts back there are pretty cheap, and the constant vibration can't be helping much. Here's what could cause it and how to fix it. Because the pedal doesnt return to its natural spot, the brake lights remain on. Brake Free Technology is a small team of bikers with a love and passion for all things motorcycles. When I want to read a really good Harley thread, I just turn to VolusiaRiders.com. That ABS thing didn't start until the GENIII bikes. These switches provide ground to complete the brake light circuit. If your brake lights stay on even if you shut off your car, there are several possible reasons. Electrical Diagnostic Guide Connect one-on-one with {0} who will answer your question. Harley suggests testing the relay circuit with a digital multimeter, but a simple test light will work, too. JavaScript is disabled. Fixed it, sort of. But when stuck, these lights defeat their purpose as a safety feature and potentially put you and others in danger. If this happens when I park at night it drains the battery. If you are sure it is the rear, there is a switch attached to the rear pedal by a spring. it's on the frame, aft of the transmission, behind the exhaust pipes. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Disappointing yes realistically absolutely. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Fortunately, this is a fairly common problem with various Harley models, so diagnosis and repair of the failed component(s) is well documented. As with brake lights, changing the bulb is quick and easy and can fix the problem. remove the red and orange wires from the rear brake light switch. . Are your haywire turn signals keeping you up at night? 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. A loose wire will not make the brake lights work. 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. To do this, slip the cable off and tuck it to the side of the battery. The expectation is that the stoplight switch is aligned with the arm and pushed to shut the brake lights off. The nail w/a head on it, not the type that are the essentially the same circumference from one end to the other. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Motorcycle questions? Plug the wiring harness into the new stoplight switch until the locking tab clicks into place. Rear Brake light stays on. Last night I rode 10 miles to the hardware store again no issues . Checking the electrical connection and test operation of the switch with a test light can indicate whether replacement is required. 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------------------ With cooler nights and less heat and humidity during the day, bikers seem to be everywhere. Light was still on. Thanks so much for this info, I have passed it on to the dealer. Unscrew the threaded brake light switch by hand. Next up would be some left over farkle wiring from a previous owner, perhaps a brake light strobe gone wrong or trailer wiring. Good news. It also covers how to replace your brake light switch and bumper, should there be a need. Im gonna replace the rear brake light switch this morning and see if it solves it. 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. Turned out to be a bad connection. 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. If that that wire finds ground anywhere along its path, the brake light will remain on. 10 Bad O2 Sensor Symptoms (What to Look Out For), Why Is My Car Heater Not Getting Hot Enough? 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. Check that the brake lever perch and switch housing are flush, no gap. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 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 would have absolutely nothing to do with "altitude sickness." The housing is easily disassembled to inspect the brake switch. (14 Reasons)Continue, Engine oil is essentially the lifeblood of your vehicle. Most likely, your stuck brake light is caused by one of these problems. 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. 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. I took apart headlight on my 05 s2r 800 to replace broken lens now my brake light stays on. Conversely, determine if your turn signals need replacement this applies to American vehicle owners with blinkers incorporated into the brake light circuit. Paint, 44 tooth rear, Corbin seat, Stage 2 jet kit, Strati Pipes, and Stripes! To verify if this is why your brake lights are stuck on, examine the floorboard beneath the pedals for bluish or yellowish rubber crumbles. 2012 ultra classic. If your vehicles brake light gets stuck or is not working, it will start to drain your battery. Whether you have a turbo-charged, fuel-injected wheeler, or, Read More How to Know if Temp Gauge Is Bad (9 Symptoms)Continue. To do this, you will need to: Another brake assembly part that is commonly found at fault is the brake pedal switch bumper. Regardless of the problem, the basic steps are the same. Well I got back Sat from my trip to Panama City Fla., rode over 1680 miles . Brake light sensors are an inexpensive part that may need adjusted, as you may find out when your lights won't turn off. Normally, the ECU turns on a relay letting the relay contacts supply the 12 volts. 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. There are two main different light bulb types, with one circuit or two circuits. The switches and sensors in a braking system are responsible for telling the lights when the pedal is up or down. A busted Harley Davidson Sportster Rear Lights Not Working Actuation of the switch is achieved through the interaction of the brake lever / master cylinder assembly and the light switch. Harley brake light stays on when lever is not pressed. Jun 23, 2015. Last night I noticed that my brake light stays on all the time. Fortunately, this is a fairly common problem on various Harley models, so diagnosis and repair of the failed component(s) have been well documented. Most importantly, you keep yourself from driving under risky conditions, reducing your chances of causing an accident or being in one. 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. the lights pretty bright so i'm almost positive its on - wheres the brake sensors? If this spring has lost its tension and cant return back to normal, the brake system remains engaged, which causes the lights to illuminate. for sure the symtoms of a bad batt and a brake pedal that needs to be lubed. Then locate the negative terminal and disconnect it. 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 the switch tests fine and there is still voltage coming from the relay, that indicates that the relay itself is bad. This happens even when pedal switch removed. It is a little bit sad when the owners know more about the bike than their dealerships do. All Rights Reserved. I'll post the end of the story when it happens. If the switches test good, and there is still voltage coming out of the relay, this indicates the relay itself is bad. Changed out rear brake - Answered by a verified Motorcycle Mechanic. The number of times you pump your brake while driving and wear and tear can take a toll on your brake lights. That was an air/fuel ratio issue. 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 light stays on, battery drains fast even ignition is off. 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. Definately get into the rear brake setup - lube the pedal shaft & adjust the rear brake switch - easy to do. 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. My taillight is giving me similar problems. experience, MMI, HD technician, HD early, engine rebuild/performance,. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $300 for the parts and labor involved in this repair. GENII bikes lose the light right after ignition on, unless there's a problem. I have had mine short out and keep the rear brake light on. Squealing? Your car brakes are meant to keep you from getting into an accident. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. While some issues are simple to assess and fix, others occur due to unkempt car parts. Inspecting the electrical connections and testing functionality of the switch with a test light can indicate if a replacement switch is needed. I've managed to do that more than once when I had the 1997 M900. I inspected the rear brake switch and everything looks normal. The switch uses a ground trigger for the BCM, which turns the brake lights power on. You are using an out of date browser. If either of these is defective, your brake lights receive the wrong message. Otherwise, if it is in pieces, it needs to be replaced. When anything in this system malfunctions, it could spell disaster. So if your brake lights are sticking on, make sure to get them fixed as soon as possible. Figure 1. Did you check the switch for the front brake??? 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. List Price: $29.95. 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. Paint, 44 tooth rear, Corbin seat, Stage 2 jet kit, Strati Pipes, and Stripes! 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most bikers own and use these tools sometimes theyre physical things, sometimes theyre different, but we use them. Having air in the brake system has been known to trigger the ABS warning light. Brake systems are not overly complicated, so it is often quick and easy to find the source of the problem. Loosen and remove the bolts holding the switch in place (could be as many as 1-4 bolts depending on vehicle). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The brake system is not overly complex, so tracking down the source of the problem is often quick and easy. Load it up, set it up, fire it up, set your desired output setting and you can rest easy knowing that brakeless is providing a visual six to alert nearby road users and let them know youre there. 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. Replace the bulb if its the wrong type. This completes the brake lights circuit in your vehicles electrical system and needs to be replaced if found defective. I disconnected the run/turn/brake controller and connected the harness as orginal. Was a very easy fix for me. Check the rear brake sensor, it may be stuck. 2007 R1200R. 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. Road Runner, MyinfoPie, Banggood, HDForums If this is not the problem, also unplug the rear brake switch on the rear brake master cylinder. You are using an out of date browser. In fact, in some ways, some technologies have seen many solutions come into their own to provide tools and solutions for rapid emergence. They use a switch that turns the bulbs on the moment you press the brake pedal. 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. Lets look at each defective brake light symptom in-depth. In addition, it can cause your brake pads to remain engaged, which leads to additional pad and rotor wear. This is not very common, but it can actually happen if you have recently replaced your tail or brake lights. If you break the harness release by accident, you can use electric tape to hold the pigtail in place during reassembly. If this brake component is defective, you want to replace it, which should cause your brake lights to work normally again. Has your rear brake switch failed you? Additionally, the cruise control system uses a brake light that may not work if the switch is stuck in the position. This article applies to the Harley Davidson Touring. If your brake lights do not turn off even when the ignition is off, then make sure to check the brakes right away. 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. wBW Product Review: Comagination VisiStop Brake Light Flasher. A forum community dedicated to Suzuki Volusia and Boulevard C50 motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. Once done with the wires, inspect the switchs alignment and confirm that a depressed brake pedal activates the switchs plunger. Dont get me wrong, its not bad any increase has to be good these days. That indicates if the control module is working. The relay is located in the fuse box behind the left side saddlebag. Please read the whole thing before jumping to conclusions. JavaScript is disabled. If youre in traffic and your brake lights stay on, other drivers may not see you actually braking, which could cause a rear-end collision. Dont lose the mounting hardware, as you will need to reuse it when installing the new switch. Aug 1, 2004. The next thing you will need to look at is the wires attached to the switch. The housing can be easily taken apart to inspect the brake switch. Fred, this NC relay looks like the thing. Notshy XRP 57K views 9 years ago How to Wire Motorcycle LED Lights Classic Octane 597K views 5 years ago Harley-Davidson Brake. However, if your cleaning does not fix the problem, then perhaps professional servicing and upkeep will. 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. Although not as common, a faulty brake light switch can cause the brake light to come on. Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. :wayhappy: I had a similar problem with a Kisan Signal minder on C50 but it was the turn signals. 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. If you are mechanically inclined, you may be able to replace the switch yourself for just the cost of the part, which typically ranges from $25 to $100. Even the smallest amount of debris can lead to trouble. The fluid level should be within maximum and minimum indicators. But IMHO do the second part first- determine which switch is likely the problem by unplugging one. 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. __Scott R. Nelson, 1998 ST2, 1993 888 SPO, Pleasanton, CA. Check for proper brake light operation by pressing and releasing the brake pedal several times. Hence, keep your brake fluid within ample levels so that your brake lights do not act up. 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. Yes. (14 Reasons), 12 No Oil in Car Symptoms to Look Out For, 8 Water in Gas Tank Symptoms (How To Check & Fix), How to Know if Temp Gauge Is Bad (9 Symptoms), A test light, multi-meter, or volt ohm meter, like a. Unplug the brake light or stoplight switch. Slide the brake light switch bumper up the brake pedal with your other hand, feeling around for the hole where it should go. Glad you found the problem. 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. Moved to oilheads. To find the brake light switch follow that wire, or just look around on the lever. Clean out any debris left behind by the old switch stopper in the hole where the bumper goes into. IF this is on the 2006 listed in his profile, the ABS light should not be on beyond starting it. Brake Diagnostics Guide Remove the defective switch and screw in a new one. The flanged part of the switch bumper should be pushed hard into the hole so that it snaps into place. If the brake switch plunger is seized in the "in" position, then the brake lights will be "on" all the time. This invisibility is largely due to our smaller physical footprint, which means less presence, but why? 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Then replaced the relay. Fortunately, we have our own security toolbox in addition to our education, training and experience. 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. Plugged in front brake lever connector, brake lite works normal, plug in rear brake connector and brake lite works normal. this causes the front brake light switch to be actuated at all times, keeping the brake light on. Whats even worse than having a bad spring in the pedal is having a defective pedal itself. 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. Using a universal bumper, clipping a little rubber off of the flange can help it fit. Braking includes a user selectable free output mode and emergency braking. Thank you folks for replies. The brake lights turn on by means of applying +12 volts to the brake filaments, so there has to be an unintended voltage source connected to the brake lights. Brake lights (or taillights) are one of the most important components of an automobile. 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). Check the rear brake sensor, it may be stuck. You can find and fix basic electrical problems at home. Does the rear brake switch function the light correctly ? The problem is usually found in the right handlebar switch housing where the front brake switch is located. These switches provide ground to complete the brake light circuit. It works perfectly. Nearly all cases of a brake light staying on or continuously flickering have been caused by a damaged or faulty brake light switch. 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? 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. Dont take chances with your safety and the security of others on the road. problem. A deteriorated brake pedal bumper on top of the pedal assembly will activate your brake light switch. Grinding sound? Here are common ways to fix brake lights that stay on: This article lists the most common fixes to stuck brake lights. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Two possibilities:Your brake pedal needs to be lubricated. The left brake light switches off, Sounds like a short circuit somewhere, maybe from failed wirings. Here are a few. Well, good news for the OP, fixing the brake light may well fix the ABS light flashing too. This is a common problem and usually due to improper installation or alignment of the throttle assemble and brake housing. Low levels of brake fluid affect your vehicles braking performance and brake light function. The oxygen sensor communicates air-fuel ratio measurements inside a cars engine to its PCM/ECU to adjust accordingly. If I got this wrong, by all means please say so. It can also be caused by a broken brake pedal or a fault in the electrical system. Of course, being sales people they may tell you anything, but I think that is more likely than not baloney. Brake fluid is fine. 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 1600 Kawasaki Classic. I have a 99 gsxr 750 I gust installed a under tail kit with led turn signals and brake lights. 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I unplugged the connector for front brake, brake light stayed on. Also, check the light bulbs in the rear to see if the right type is installed, like mentioned earlier in the article. If you've replaced the brake line, proceed to Step 2. The best way to find out, besides feeling a spongy brake pedal and lever, is to bleed the brakes. Consider two key facts: There is another element to all of this the rider or riders. The lights warn others that your vehicle is slowing down. :devil. 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. 4) Check that the connectors at the ABS ECM are clean and tight. Please register or login to enable Dark Mode. This article applies to the What's Wrong with My Rear Brake Light Switch? Make sure the switch is adjusted (can be moved in or out) so that it is released when the brake is released. 1) ground wire sub-harness. This article Harley Davidson Touring Electrical Diagnostic Guide 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. JavaScript is disabled. I may be Old but I Refuse to Grow Up. When I depress the front switch, the brake light comes on. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 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. hitting the front or rear brake doesn't do anything. If there is an issue with the braking systems wiring, the lights might act unusually. Here's how to fix it. Is it safe to drive a car with the brake light on? 2) Confirm rear caliper moves freely-system will detect brake drag, however slight it may be. 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. (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. If youre experiencing brake light problems, a quick overdrive of the brake circuit can often identify the fault. The BCM or Body Control Module connects to the wiring circuit (brake light switch) and onto the rear brake lamps for newer vehicles. I thought for sure the module went bad. 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. Have you noticed how hard it is to find a light off-road or ADV motorcycle in a showroom in some markets? Among the most common reasons your brake lights stay on are circuit errors, brake assembly problems, or a low brake fluid level. 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. When the switch inside the brake system isnt working right, your lights cant turn off. Check the switches for the front and rear brakes. After installing undertail I see that when the key is in the on position that the brake lights stay on, I go to push the brakes and does not change gust stays on all the time. Motorcycle Mechanic: Steve, Motorcycle Mechanic replied 11 years ago thank you. click on, click off. 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. The brake light system on 2nd Gens and later is a bit more complex than earlier models. As simple as it sounds, check the brake light bulb for internal damage. This Harley Davidson Touring Flashing Turn Signals Won't Work Bad switch? If you have a service manual, you can follow the steps to check the wiring and connections. 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. If you recently replaced the rear light bulbs when this happened, you may have installed the wrong bulbs. If there is something wrong with the BCM, this could leave the brake lights stuck on. First, remove the Hazard Lighting fuse (10 amp) and see if the brake lights go off. Having the proper tools will make brake light wiring jobs less difficult. Its actually not safe to drive a car with the brake light on, even though it may seem like it would be fine. Hope this is the solution for you, otherwise talk to your dealer tech.