Brake light not coming on when using rear brake

[ocgreenmachine]

My brake light does not come on when I use the rear brake but works fine with front brake. My first thought is the rear brake switch needs replacing, but before I buy a new one, are there other possible reasons for it not working?

 

[neilrl79]

Well it could be in the wiring between the switch and the light. You could do a continuity test to be sure before you spend some money on a new switch.

 

[Chicknstripn]

I have my money on the rear brake switch.
But definitely do a continuity/voltage test with a multi meter before you buy anything.

 

[Cooter]

Key on.

Unplug the connector at the rear brake light switch and jumper the 2 wires together with a paperclip or something. Don't let it touch metal.

If the brake light is on now. Replace the switch.

If not, you should have +12V at BOTH of the terminals on the bottom of the bulb socket with it still jumped (careful not to ground the test lead to the sides of the socket)

If you do have +12V at both terminals (with the switch jumped) clean the socket and replace the bulb.

To check wiring:
At the switch you should have +12V on one wire, and if you put 12V on the wire that doesn't have voltage with the key on you should get a brake light.

 

[Chicknstripn]

Nice Cooter!
Anyone having issues with a rear brake switch should be able to trouble shoot it now!
Good advice man

 

[Cooter]

Nice Cooter!

Awww, shucks:eek-new:



That's super nice without the comma:angel:

 

[ocgreenmachine]

Thanks guys! Shouldn't be the bulb since the light comes on when I use front brake, so I will check continuity and voltage when I get a chance.

 

[AZmidget91]

Mine doesn't work either, but it's probably from not having a switch....

 

[ocgreenmachine]

Mine doesn't work either, but it's probably from not having a switch....

Haha. It isn't too horrible for me, since I rarely use the rear brake for actual braking. I mostly use it at stoplights to rest my right hand.

 

[mrlogix]

the problem you both are experiencing is mis-alignment of your right ankles, please re-calibrate and post pics so we can review and help determine if the problem is resolved. :eagerness:

 

[djs2k2]

My rear brake light only comes on when I apply allot of pressure. Seriously I can really only get it to turn on after I stop and really step on it...... So try that as well while parked see if it works under lots of pressure!

 

[rchuff]

Just replace banjo fitting at rear master cylinder it is a pressure switch.

 

[Cooter]

My rear brake light only comes on when I apply allot of pressure. Seriously I can really only get it to turn on after I stop and really step on it...... So try that as well while parked see if it works under lots of pressure!

Ya, thats a bad switch for sure. Sometimes you can clean the gunk out of them. It's caused by people that never change their brake fluid. That brown stuff is nasty

 

[ocgreenmachine]

Key on.

Unplug the connector at the rear brake light switch and jumper the 2 wires together with a paperclip or something. Don't let it touch metal.

If the brake light is on now. Replace the switch.

If not, you should have +12V at BOTH of the terminals on the bottom of the bulb socket with it still jumped (careful not to ground the test lead to the sides of the socket)

If you do have +12V at both terminals (with the switch jumped) clean the socket and replace the bulb.

To check wiring:
At the switch you should have +12V on one wire, and if you put 12V on the wire that doesn't have voltage with the key on you should get a brake light.

Did step 1 and light came on... Ordered a new switch

 

[ocgreenmachine]

It was a bad switch. Swapped out the switch and it is fine now.

 

[MOTORCYCLES247]

I own a 2004XB12 an had the same thing-B light works off front Lever- Bought new switch and all was good except the price. I ride every day so waiting was not an option for me.