This article applies to the Harley Davidson Harley Davidson Sportster Brake Diagnostics Guide Brake lights warn other vehicles behind you when you are about to slow down or stop. 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. It is a little bit sad when the owners know more about the bike than their dealerships do. Plug the wiring harness into the new stoplight switch until the locking tab clicks into place. Brake light sensors are an inexpensive part that may need adjusted, as you may find out when your lights won't turn off. Fortunately, with some basic mechanical and automotive electrical knowledge, you should be able to diagnose the problem with a multimeter fairly easily. I have checked the wires for anything obvious, also when you put the key in the park postion the rear. Lets look at each defective brake light symptom in-depth. Having air in the brake system has been known to trigger the ABS warning light. When anything in this system malfunctions, it could spell disaster. Disappointing yes realistically absolutely. While not as common, a faulty brake light relay can cause constant brake light illumination. 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. You might get luck and squeak by using some electrical contact cleaner to flush out the switch. 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. Hope this is the solution for you, otherwise talk to your dealer tech. Brake fluid is fine. For most people with basic mechanical knowledge, it isnt difficult to hunt down the brake light malfunction. Because the pedal doesnt return to its natural spot, the brake lights remain on. Steve Ask Your Own Motorcycle Question Today after work decided to give her a bath . We have a big role to play. I can't learn chit from silence. 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 I disconnected the spring attached to the brake pedal and allowed the plunger to retracted completely, brake light stays on. Remove the defective switch and screw in a new one. Has your rear brake switch failed you? Went for a ride last night and seen that my rear brake light was staying on all the time. JavaScript is disabled. Step 2 - Bleed the brakes You could have air in the system. Get some plastic safe electrical contact cleaner & spray up inside the rear brake switch while stepping on the pedal several times. Conversely, determine if your turn signals need replacement this applies to American vehicle owners with blinkers incorporated into the brake light circuit. In some cases, a stuck brake light is caused not by an electrical fault. Troubleshooting Always On Brake Light (Motorcycle) - YouTube My brand new Honda Grom developed the problem when the brake light where would not turn off essentially we thought one of. 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 there is an issue with the braking systems wiring, the lights might act unusually. wBW Product Review: Comagination VisiStop Brake Light Flasher. What can cause this? (14 Reasons)Continue, Engine oil is essentially the lifeblood of your vehicle. If this happens when I park at night it drains the battery. If the end is worn down, again, it will not turn off. Light was still on. It's free! 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. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. JavaScript is disabled. Moved to oilheads. Without taking the leads from their place, depress the brake pedal. It's a simple matter of loosening a couple of screws and adjusting. You dont want to take chances with the braking system, even if it is only an issue with the light. Low levels of brake fluid affect your vehicles braking performance and brake light function. You can find and fix basic electrical problems at home. 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. List Price: $29.95. 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. First, you need to create a vacuum in the braking system you can achieve this with your vehicle running. Fred, this NC relay looks like the thing. If you break the harness release by accident, you can use electric tape to hold the pigtail in place during reassembly. Check the rear brake sensor, it may be stuck. JavaScript is disabled. One way to check is to disconnect the wire in the harness to the switch. You will know that you have located the feed wire for the brake switch if the test light illuminates or your voltmeter reads 12V. 10 Bad O2 Sensor Symptoms (What to Look Out For), Why Is My Car Heater Not Getting Hot Enough? 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. 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. Motorcycle questions? The flanged part of the switch bumper should be pushed hard into the hole so that it snaps into place. 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. A desire to share this passion by creating beautiful and high performance products for our peers. Road Runner, MyinfoPie, Banggood, HDForums A brake light that is stuck on can be a real annoyance and a potential safety hazard. The problem is usually found in the right handlebar switch housing where the front brake switch is located. Ask a mechanic. I've never run into that situation: where a dealership or sales people know more about the product than the manufacturer or designers. Check the rear brake sensor, it may be stuck. My taillight is giving me similar problems. This Harley Davidson Touring Flashing Turn Signals Won't Work Electrical Diagnostic Guide Are your haywire turn signals keeping you up at night? I have a 82 R100 and the brake light stays on all the time. A forum community dedicated to all Harley-Davidson model owners and enthusiasts. 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. IF this is on the 2006 listed in his profile, the ABS light should not be on beyond starting it. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. ABS light on? ducatimonster.org is an independent Ducati enthusiast website owned and operated by VerticalScope Inc. If not, flush out the old brake fluid before adding a new one to the reservoir. 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. Fortunately, we have our own security toolbox in addition to our education, training and experience. no electric farks are on the bike yet any thoughts on the brake light staying on as if I am depressing the brake? Does the rear brake switch function the light correctly ? 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. If you have a service manual, you can follow the steps to check the wiring and connections. This is a common problem and usually due to improper installation or alignment of the throttle assemble and brake housing. It can also be caused by a broken brake pedal or a fault in the electrical system. 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. To check on this, locate the master cylinder or the brake fluid reservoir on the drivers side of the cabin. To do this, you will need to: Another brake assembly part that is commonly found at fault is the brake pedal switch bumper. If the switches test good, and there is still voltage coming out of the relay, this indicates the relay itself is bad. Wont start in neutral with side stand down 2008 Model. Aug 1, 2004. J. Dont take chances with your safety and the security of others on the road. Harley owners occasionally find that their brake light is continuously illuminated even without applying the brakes. Sometimes, the brake pedal or switch is not aligned correctly, resulting in the brake light getting stuck. A two fer one. I'm Kris and this is my blog where I talk about all things related to ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, Jeeps, snowmobiles, and more. Motorcycle Brake Light Stays On - Sticky brake lights are a real nuisance and can be a safety hazard. To do this, slip the cable off and tuck it to the side of the battery. Is it safe to drive a car with the brake light on? Changed out rear brake - Answered by a verified Motorcycle Mechanic. 3) Confirm the wheel bearings are good, the wheel is solidly mounted, the sensor mount is correctly located on the axle. If you kneel down on the drivers side, you should be able to see it. Slide the brake light switch bumper up the brake pedal with your other hand, feeling around for the hole where it should go. click on, click off. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, racing, news, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Certified Automotive Diagnostic Technician. You also need to remove the brake switch from the brake pedal linkage. I've been to a couple of forums this morning and this seems to be pretty popular issue. Although not as common, a faulty brake light switch can cause the brake light to come on. 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 Thank you folks for replies. this causes the front brake light switch to be actuated at all times, keeping the brake light on. Fortunately, this is a fairly common problem with various Harley models, so diagnosis and repair of the failed component(s) is well documented. Checking the electrical connection and test operation of the switch with a test light can indicate whether replacement is required. A missing bumper will do the same. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This problem is usually found in the switch housing on the right side where the front brake switch is located. The re-set sequence is to recycle the ignition switch to the off position, then proceed again. Definately get into the rear brake setup - lube the pedal shaft & adjust the rear brake switch - easy to do. I love to explore earth's natural terrain and share my experience. 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. After all, we got our car heater to make, Read More Why Is My Car Heater Not Getting Hot Enough? The housing is easily disassembled to inspect the brake switch. 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. The most common reason why your brake lights stay on is due to a faulty brake light switch or sensor. 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. 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. Fortunately, this is a fairly common problem with various Harley models, so diagnosis and repair of the failed component(s) is well documented. 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. 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------------------ R1200R. This happens even when pedal switch removed. 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. 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. Why Does My Brake Light Stay On There was no burning so they did #1. Loosen the adjustment nut from the mounting plate with a wrench. Thanks so much for this info, I have passed it on to the dealer. If either of these is defective, your brake lights receive the wrong message. I, Just another example of why my bikes never see the inside of a dealership. If that that wire finds ground anywhere along its path, the brake light will remain 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. Next up would be some left over farkle wiring from a previous owner, perhaps a brake light strobe gone wrong or trailer wiring. There are two main different light bulb types, with one circuit or two circuits. 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. This would have absolutely nothing to do with "altitude sickness." (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. So if your brake lights are sticking on, make sure to get them fixed as soon as possible. A hand or socket wrench can loosen the nut securing the ground cable to the battery terminal. In addition, it can cause your brake pads to remain engaged, which leads to additional pad and rotor wear. When this spring gets old, it can become weak. 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, this isnt a task that should be done without extensive automotive knowledge. These switches provide ground to complete the brake light circuit. 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. There are many parts of the braking system that can get corroded or covered with debris. Verify that the flat portion of the switch bumper is facing the rear of the vehicle. Parking brake light stays on, e brake light stays on, harley brake light stays on, car brake light stays on, abs brake light stays on, hyundai sonata brake light stays on, brake warning light stays on, brake light stays on, mini cooper brake light stays on, emergency brake light stays on, brake light on dash stays on, brake light stays on dashboard. Similarly, a stuck wire will keep the lights on. Turned out to be a bad connection. There have been several reported cases of the brake light shorting across the tail light causing the light to be too bright as if the brake light was on. I thought for sure the module went bad. 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! Today, we look at the reasons why your brake lights stay on and how to fix it. 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. I pull the plunger out, brake light stays on. 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. Normally, the ECU turns on a relay letting the relay contacts supply the 12 volts. However, if your cleaning does not fix the problem, then perhaps professional servicing and upkeep will. It works perfectly. 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. Materials Needed Digital multimeter Torx sockets 1/4" drive ratchet and extension Adjustable wrench Step 1 - Check brake light switch Most bikers own and use these tools sometimes theyre physical things, sometimes theyre different, but we use them. Grinding sound? The switches and sensors in a braking system are responsible for telling the lights when the pedal is up or down. JavaScript is disabled. 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. If you dont have the knowledge, contact a mechanic as soon as possible to get it fixed! (Causes & How To Fix), Tail Lights Not Working But Brake Lights Are? However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $300 for the parts and labor involved in this repair. 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. I pull the plunger. JavaScript is disabled. 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. The lights warn others that your vehicle is slowing down. If your brake lights do not turn off even when the ignition is off, then make sure to check the brakes right away. __Scott R. Nelson, 1998 ST2, 1993 888 SPO, Pleasanton, CA. 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. Steve is online now Continue Related Motorcycle Questions If the switch is damaged, replace the switch and make sure the master cylinder assembly is properly aligned with the switch housing when reassembled. 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. Shine a flashlight on the switch stopper and check that it sits flush against the metal plate. Disconnect the wiring harness by pressing the locking tab and pulling the harness away from the brake light switch. Here's how to fix it. Then they replaced the full harness (#2) as directed by Yamaha. A busted Harley Davidson Sportster Rear Lights Not Working 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. Im gonna replace the rear brake light switch this morning and see if it solves it. Well I got back Sat from my trip to Panama City Fla., rode over 1680 miles . GENII bikes lose the light right after ignition on, unless there's a problem. This invisibility is largely due to our smaller physical footprint, which means less presence, but why? Below are the things you will need: Below are steps on how to determine whether a faulty brake light switch is what is causing your brake lights to stay on: Find the brake light switch under the dashboard near the top of the brake pedal. If you've replaced the brake line, proceed to Step 2. Lets begin with the causes: The most common reason why your brake lights stay on is due to a faulty brake light switch or sensor. Also took my battery out and put it back in I do not weather any of this is related to the problem. A small bracket is attached to the hood to attach the brakeless unit to the bracket. Loosen and remove the bolts holding the switch in place (could be as many as 1-4 bolts depending on vehicle). Figure 1. Brake lights that wont turn off when you remove the key from the ignition will drain your car battery pretty quickly. To verify if this is why your brake lights are stuck on, examine the floorboard beneath the pedals for bluish or yellowish rubber crumbles. I unplugged the connector for rear brake, brake light stayed on. It is interesting that sometimes a micro switch can make it's normal click sound when actuating but be bad. This switch is typically attached to the pedals arm via a bracket with two wires attached to it. It's rare though. Here's what could cause it and how to fix it. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. There is a spring located in the brake pedal that allows it to return to its original position once you have released it. Pennzoil vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? Consider two key facts: There is another element to all of this the rider or riders. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. It makes the smooth operation of your car possible while protecting its components from damage. Then replaced the relay. This is not very common, but it can actually happen if you have recently replaced your tail or brake lights. 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. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. I inspected the rear brake switch and everything looks normal. Just be careful some plastics really don't like that stuff 07 C50- SOLDA few bikes in between99 Royal Star Venture-current. Motorcycle Brake Light Stays On Sticky brake lights are a real nuisance and can be a safety hazard. Last night I rode 10 miles to the hardware store again no issues . JavaScript is disabled. When you do this, the test light should illuminate, and the voltmeter should read 12V (if nothing is wrong with the brake switch). Available From: Comagination. This placement and lens combine to provide a large visual footprint day and night, instantly increasing your visibility (visibility) to nearby passers-by and making the driver stand out even more. If there is something wrong with the BCM, this could leave the brake lights stuck on. Lights not illuminating or returning a 12V reading would mean that the brake switch is not receiving power, signifying a wiring problem. Jan 13, 2023 (Edited) Brake switch is normally open (open contacts when the brake is released) The contacts close when the brakes are in use. Could also be a broken brake light switch together with other faulty bulbs if they are not working at all. 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. Otherwise, it continues to look like you are braking because you are. :devil. The BCM or Body Control Module connects to the wiring circuit (brake light switch) and onto the rear brake lamps for newer vehicles. 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. If this spring has lost its tension and cant return back to normal, the brake system remains engaged, which causes the lights to illuminate. You are using an out of date browser. 1600 Kawasaki Classic. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Come join the discussion about performance, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Motorcycle Mechanic: Steve, Motorcycle Mechanic replied 11 years ago thank you. Create new posts and participate in discussions. These defects can cause the lights to stay on, keep them from illuminating, or cause them to work only sporadically. Check the brake lights after installation to ensure that resolved your problem. This article Harley Davidson Touring Electrical Diagnostic Guide Did you check the switch for the front brake??? The switch uses a ground trigger for the BCM, which turns the brake lights power on. -USB charging port (and possible firmware update) and one control button on top. Braking includes a user selectable free output mode and emergency braking. These switches provide ground to complete the brake light circuit. Replace the bulb if its the wrong type. And the price is right! I've seen these cracked a few times. IMHO the contacts back there are pretty cheap, and the constant vibration can't be helping much. Bad switch? 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. Two possibilities:Your brake pedal needs to be lubricated. 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. 1600 Kawasaki Classic. 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. 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. Make sure the switch is adjusted (can be moved in or out) so that it is released when the brake is released. 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 Additionally, you dont know what else is wrong that could potentially leave you without brakes if not repaired. Last night I noticed that my brake light stays on all the time. Fully releasing the parking brake will get your brake light unstuck. Well, good news for the OP, fixing the brake light may well fix the ABS light flashing too. This rail is located in the combo box behind the left saddlebag. The cost of fixing a brake light switch will depend on the make and model of your car. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. Brake light stays on, battery drains fast even ignition is off. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Make sure that your hood latch is not electric before you disconnect the negative battery terminal. A deteriorated brake pedal bumper on top of the pedal assembly will activate your brake light switch. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Nice guy. 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.