 Brake light only works with front break TBA '05
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37 |
Hopefully something obvious I'm missing.....With the plug connected to the rear break hydraulic switch I get a really dim brake light when I squeeze/push either break lever. If I disconnect the plug from the rear brake hyd' switch ( I'm guessing that's what it's called, bottom left below the battery), the rear brake doesn't light at all as you would expect but activating the front brake makes the brake light come on nice and bright. I tried a replacement cable from the tail light to the connection under the seat, same result , so somewhere between there and the hyd' switch I'm guessing I have the problem.
Is this a case of removing as much as possible to get to the wire harness and then unravelling all the tape etc. to find a pinched/exposed/shorted/etc wire? Any other possibilities?
Thanks for any help
Max
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Re: Brake light only works with front break TBA '05
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
I think its likely your rear brake switch. Thats the part I have seen fail.
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: Brake light only works with front break TBA '05
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
Jump across the rear brake switch and see if your light fires bright?
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Re: Brake light only works with front break TBA '05
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37 |
Excuse my ignorance, but just so I'm clear..... the rear brake switch would be the pressure switch coming off the the hydraulic brake line? I have seen other posts talking about a spring loaded switch on some models, can't find anything like that on my bike.
If that is the pressure switch any way to get it off without dropping a whole lot of brake fluid?
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Re: Brake light only works with front break TBA '05
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
Quote:
I think its likely your rear brake switch. Thats the part I have seen fail.
I agree with Chad (it's happened before  )
It's a safe bet that your wiring loom is ok as disconnecting the rear brake switch wouldn't cure it like it does. The fault lies in the bit that's disconnected
Check the wiring from the plug to the switch, if that's ok then you've got a knackered switch
HTH
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: Brake light only works with front break TBA '05
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Excuse my ignorance, but just so I'm clear..... the rear brake switch would be the pressure switch coming off the the hydraulic brake line?
That's the one. It's a messy job and the brake fluid is caustic so take it slow and clean any spills immediately. The brake fluid will eat powder coat if it's allowed to sit. Might be good time to order some speed bleeders and flush your brake lines while you're at it.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Brake light only works with front break TBA '05
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
That happened to mine. Replaced under warranty.
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Re: Brake light only works with front break TBA '05
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
I changed mine out. Had new washers. Cleaned that area up thoroughly, removed the old install the new. Done. No mess, no bleeding, nada.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Brake light only works with front break TBA '05
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Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37
Greenhorn
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OP
Greenhorn
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 37 |
Turned out to be a faulty pressure switch as you all thought. Was able to get one on Ebay from a 2010 TBA with 1725 miles. Came with mounting bracket, rear hydraulic hose, banjo bolts, washers as well as the switch for $37.11 including shipping. A new switch alone is $29 + SH so I was willing to take a risk especially as all the parts new would be $125. Time will tell if that was a smart decision.....
Thanks for everyone's help!
Max
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Re: Brake light only works with front break TBA '05
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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