When the switch inside the brake system isnt working right, your lights cant turn off. I inspected the rear brake switch and everything looks normal. If there is an issue with the braking systems wiring, the lights might act unusually. Ask an Expert Car Questions Motorcycle Questions Steve, Motorcycle Mechanic 8,224 Satisfied Customers 30+ yrs. If the brake switch plunger is seized in the "in" position, then the brake lights will be "on" all the time. The housing is easily disassembled to inspect the brake switch. 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. Among the most common reasons your brake lights stay on are circuit errors, brake assembly problems, or a low brake fluid level. That ABS thing didn't start until the GENIII bikes. 3) Confirm the wheel bearings are good, the wheel is solidly mounted, the sensor mount is correctly located on the axle. Up nord at the shack and will attend to the easy adjustments. 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. Otherwise, it continues to look like you are braking because you are. Harley suggests testing the relay circuit with a digital multimeter, but a simple test light will work, too. Figure 1. 5 Reasons Why Your Brake Pedal Goes to the Floor. It's a simple matter of loosening a couple of screws and adjusting. If no luck, then you may be dealing with a non-working spring, a faulty switch, or a short in the brake circuit wiring. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Jun 23, 2015. The rear brake light also proved troublesome, even forcing Harley to recall one Touring model for failure. 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 pedal must come back to its original position for the switch to close and the lights to cease working. I disconnected the run/turn/brake controller and connected the harness as orginal. I'll post the end of the story when it happens. If the switch is damaged, replace the switch and make sure the master cylinder assembly is properly aligned with the switch housing when reassembled. This rail is located in the combo box behind the left saddlebag. Wont start in neutral with side stand down 2008 Model. Will brake lights that stay on drain the battery? Also took my battery out and put it back in I do not weather any of this is related to the problem. Here are common ways to fix brake lights that stay on: This article lists the most common fixes to stuck brake lights. I pull the plunger out, brake light stays on. And the price is right! If your brake light is on all the time, it's at least as bad as when it never works, maybe worse. If you cant get the brake pedal to come back up from the floor, the lights are not going to go off. Zero issues , fantastic ride on my XCT . First, remove the Hazard Lighting fuse (10 amp) and see if the brake lights go off. I had an '04 1500 that was really good at collecting gunk at the rear brake pedal switch. Brake lights that wont turn off when you remove the key from the ignition will drain your car battery pretty quickly. Why Does My Brake Light Stay On A successful brake light switch test may direct you to replace a defective brake light switch. 2012 ultra classic. Please register or login to enable Dark Mode. Low levels of brake fluid affect your vehicles braking performance and brake light function. 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. Has your rear brake switch failed you? 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. Light was still on. Grinding sound? 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. Check the switches for the front and rear brakes. Spotting these crumbs points to a deteriorated bumper due to heat and age, confirming it as the cause of the problem. This article applies to the Harley Davidson Touring. When all else fails, you should take your car to a mechanic. Good news. If you kneel down on the drivers side, you should be able to see it. Before doing any work on your vehicles electrical system, always disconnect the battery to avoid shock or damage. Inspecting the electrical connections and testing functionality of the switch with a test light can indicate if a replacement switch is needed. Most likely, your stuck brake light is caused by one of these problems. Regardless of the problem, the basic steps are the same. From a motorcycle perspective, many of us seem to have increased our desire to ride alone or together. A loose wire will not make the brake lights work. They use a switch that turns the bulbs on the moment you press the brake pedal. Check the rear brake sensor, it may be stuck. Changed out rear brake - Answered by a verified Motorcycle Mechanic. If you have a service manual, you can follow the steps to check the wiring and connections. 2) Confirm rear caliper moves freely-system will detect brake drag, however slight it may be. The switch for your brake pedal should be found under the dash, right by the pedal. Here are a few. Let's ride! Create new posts and participate in discussions. Its actually not safe to drive a car with the brake light on, even though it may seem like it would be fine. 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. What causes brake light to stay on solid in 07 Street glide? 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 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. Motorcycle Brake Light Stays On Sticky brake lights are a real nuisance and can be a safety hazard. Most common problem if your brake lights wont turn off on your car ,. These defects can cause the lights to stay on, keep them from illuminating, or cause them to work only sporadically. A forum community dedicated to all Harley-Davidson model owners and enthusiasts. While there are typically no mechanical faults that prevent the bike from being ridden, a brake light that is always on can present a huge safety risk since it indicates to other vehicles when you are slowing down. Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. This article applies to the What's Wrong with My Rear Brake Light Switch? 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 Normally, the ECU turns on a relay letting the relay contacts supply the 12 volts. When anything in this system malfunctions, it could spell disaster. I've never run into that situation: where a dealership or sales people know more about the product than the manufacturer or designers. 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. Click here to find out why. If that that wire finds ground anywhere along its path, the brake light will remain on. Brake Light Stays on | V-Twin Forum The best way to find out, besides feeling a spongy brake pedal and lever, is to bleed the brakes. If you dont have the knowledge, contact a mechanic as soon as possible to get it fixed! On way back from hardware store my ABS light stayed on all the way home . Comagination Motorcycle Brake Light Flasher - webBikeWorld Remove the defective switch and screw in a new one. Brake lights warn other vehicles behind you when you are about to slow down or stop. If you are sure it is the rear, there is a switch attached to the rear pedal by a spring. Although not as common, a faulty brake light switch can cause the brake light to come on. Here's how to fix it. 2007 R1200R. If your brake lights are stuck on, it means that the drivers behind you wont be able to see when youre braking, which could lead to some serious accidents. Steve is online now Continue Related Motorcycle Questions The nail w/a head on it, not the type that are the essentially the same circumference from one end to the other. Register today and take advantage of membership benefits. 1) ground wire sub-harness. 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. If this brake component is defective, you want to replace it, which should cause your brake lights to work normally again. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $300 for the parts and labor involved in this repair. Although it may seem overly simple, check that the brake light bulb does not have any internal filament damage. 10 Bad O2 Sensor Symptoms (What to Look Out For), Why Is My Car Heater Not Getting Hot Enough? You might get luck and squeak by using some electrical contact cleaner to flush out the switch. Did you check the tab on the brake lever that operates the switch. 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! After all, we got our car heater to make, Read More Why Is My Car Heater Not Getting Hot Enough? So I'm guessing the controller went bad. If you see otherwise, adjust the brake switch so that it gets to open the connection. Notshy XRP 57K views 9 years ago How to Wire Motorcycle LED Lights Classic Octane 597K views 5 years ago Harley-Davidson Brake. Went for a ride last night and seen that my rear brake light was staying on all the time. Is it illegal to drive with brake lights stuck on? 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? One way to check is to disconnect the wire in the harness to the switch. Paint, 44 tooth rear, Corbin seat, Stage 2 jet kit, Strati Pipes, and Stripes! Brake Light stays on | Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums The housing can be easily taken apart to inspect the brake switch. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I unplugged the connector for front brake, brake light stayed on. Content on ducatimonster.org is generated by its users. Now they're scratching their heads. When I want to read a really good Harley thread, I just turn to VolusiaRiders.com. I have a 99 gsxr 750 I gust installed a under tail kit with led turn signals and brake lights. 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. Check the rear brake sensor, it may be stuck. 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. If you find it intact, you might be able to reattach it. Once done with the wires, inspect the switchs alignment and confirm that a depressed brake pedal activates the switchs plunger. If the stopper is missing, you want to look around on the mat where it might have fallen. 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 Harley Davidson Touring Flashing Turn Signals Won't Work 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. There are many parts of the braking system that can get corroded or covered with debris. What can cause this? These switches provide ground to complete the brake light circuit. The left brake light switches off, Sounds like a short circuit somewhere, maybe from failed wirings. 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. Replace the bulb if its the wrong type. 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 Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This problem is usually found in the switch housing on the right side where the front brake switch is located. First, you need to create a vacuum in the braking system you can achieve this with your vehicle running. Loosen the adjustment nut from the mounting plate with a wrench. He lit the bike up with his flashlight as I fixed the light. Dont get me wrong, its not bad any increase has to be good these days. Are your haywire turn signals keeping you up at night? Having air in the brake system has been known to trigger the ABS warning light. 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. You should see a screw, this leads to the switch (and actuates it). To do this, slip the cable off and tuck it to the side of the battery. 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. ABS light on? Brake light stays on, battery drains fast even ignition is off. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. If you're experiencing brake light problems, a quick overdrive of the brake circuit can often . One lane user will recognize and acknowledge your presence, but the next ten users will not. Thank you folks for replies. The problem is usually found in the right handlebar switch housing where the front brake switch is located. Check the socket to see if you can see two circuits or one, and then check the light bulb. 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. The expectation is that the stoplight switch is aligned with the arm and pushed to shut the brake lights off. (Causes & How To Fix), Tail Lights Not Working But Brake Lights Are? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. 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. 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. I've been to a couple of forums this morning and this seems to be pretty popular issue. 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. Motorcycle Brake Light Stays On - Sticky brake lights are a real nuisance and can be a safety hazard. JavaScript is disabled. Nothing else. Harley brake light stays on when lever is not pressed. Replace missing bumpers with new ones as soon as you can so that you can close out the brake circuit. I thought for sure the module went bad. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Noticed it when I was parking the bike. Hi Gang, looking for some help here. A missing bumper will do the same. While some issues are simple to assess and fix, others occur due to unkempt car parts. Motorcycle. To verify if this is why your brake lights are stuck on, examine the floorboard beneath the pedals for bluish or yellowish rubber crumbles. If not, flush out the old brake fluid before adding a new one to the reservoir. When the front brake light switch malfunctioned the last time, did you have everything re assembled? Not only are these lights confusing to other drivers, but you could be putting excessive wear on your brake pads or rotors. The brake pedal switch is located near your brake pedal and you can often adjust it. Brake light stays on only after riding for a while. Brake Otherwise, if it is in pieces, it needs to be replaced. Press and release the brake pedal and test if the brake lights are turning off and on. The re-set sequence is to recycle the ignition switch to the off position, then proceed again. I've seen these cracked a few times. Additionally, the cruise control system uses a brake light that may not work if the switch is stuck in the position. This happens even when pedal switch removed. Steve Ask Your Own Motorcycle Question Light was still on. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. One may be corroded (if so, clean the connections) or have water trapped in it bridging the connection. Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Brake Light Switch - YourMechanic Tighten the adjustment nut and bolts with a ratchet and socket. I'm having the same problem where's the sensor?? Check brake lines and connections. Moved to oilheads. If the brake light switch shorts internally it may cause the brake lights to stay illuminated, even when the pedal is not being pressed. As with the brake light relay, bulb replacement is quick as well as easy and may just solve the problem. Well, good news for the OP, fixing the brake light may well fix the ABS light flashing too. Thread starter foshow150; Start date Jun 18, 2010; Help Support Yamaha FJR Motorcycle Forum: . Last night I rode 10 miles to the hardware store again no issues . Conversely, determine if your turn signals need replacement this applies to American vehicle owners with blinkers incorporated into the brake light circuit. JavaScript is disabled. When the switch is NOT engaged, the light will come on when it is, the light is off. 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. 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. 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. This switch is typically attached to the pedals arm via a bracket with two wires attached to 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. ABS light staying on | Victory Motorcycle Forum 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. Verify that the flat portion of the switch bumper is facing the rear of the vehicle. Rear Brake light stays on. Today, we look at the reasons why your brake lights stay on and how to fix it. Why Aren't My Rear Lights Working? A busted Harley Davidson Sportster Rear Lights Not Working If you are experiencing a brake light problem, a quick once over of the brake circuit will often identify the fault. How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Tail Light? 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. Magnus is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase. 2009 Ram TRX4 third brake light on when trick is off, rear brake lights on when trick is on.