Rear brake light.

[alstensby]

OK. So I'm resurrecting an '82 GS650GL that was dead in my neighbor's garage for about five years. I now have her running and rideable for the most part, new tires, all the oil leaks fixed, etc. One of the issues I've tried to fix unsuccessfully is my rear brake light. In doing an electric check I noticed that the tail light worked as well as the brake light. However, the brake light didn't come on very well. Kind of intermittent and not very bright. So, I took of the electrical connection at the hand lever and cleaned the contacts. Thought I put everything back in right (spring and plastic piece). Only problem is, now the brake light doesn't work at all. Any tips?

[Steve]

Do you have a test light or a meter? Why not? Those are basic items that should be in every tool box. :shock:

Use your test light to verify that you have power to and from the brake light switch.
Do you have turn signals and horn, and do the fuel gauge and gear indicators work?
They all are powered by the same fuse, so if they work, the brakes should, too.

Once you determine that the switch is good, diagnose the brake light assembly. Chances are you might just have a bad ground connector. The assembly is not grounded to the fender, so check the wiring that goes to the light. You will find bullet-type connectors under the seat.

Don't forget that there is another brake switch for the foot brake. Make sure that one works, too.


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[onchiman]

OK. Thought I put everything back in right (spring and plastic piece). Only problem is, now the brake light doesn't work at all. Any tips?

Hmmmm, you didn't mention the third part of this equation which is a tiny "U" shaped piece of copper that fits over the plastic piece. That's the actual contact. It rides on top of the plastic piece and spring and slides when you apply the brake, hitting the small "rails" and bridging them, closing the circuit. Did you lose it when you took apart the switch? Been there, done that.

[alstensby]

Good points. I'd actually already checked all the electrical and she's a go all around. Just need the brake light to get BRIGHT when I hit the brake. The rear brake is a whole other issue all together. On my first ride last night around the neighborhood, I went to use it and she dropped a lot further than I was comfortable with! lol. So, I'm digging in to that too.

[Mark whiz]

That front brake lever switch can be a finicky thing. The contacts need to be cleaned, you need to make sure that the post is in the notch in the lever and then the switch itself has to be adjusted so that it completes the circuit when the lever is pulled.
I like mine adjusted to be real sensitive, so that any pressure brings the light on - I like to make sure that those behind me see me.:shock: But getting it adjusted "just right" can take some time.

[alstensby]

Well, the little "U" must be the issue. I was afraid it was something of that nature. That's why I maid sure to mention that those were the two parts. Hopefully, it's still on my garage floor! Anything I can use to sub for it? Or have to get one?

[J_C]

Yeah the contact is a big PITA. If its only when it's the brakes are applied that its intermittant then at least you can rule out the rest of the electrical. I found that I had to get the screws in the cover, through the contact, and into the MC a little bit, then I used a screwdriver to slide the contact board one way or the other until it was right, then I tightened. It is obnoxious.


And you can buy new brake switches... ebay?

[onchiman]

I've heard of someone who fabricated a new "U" contact from a piece of 12gauge copper wire. They pounded it flat then filed, cut and bent it to shape. I haven't tried it but it seems like it would work in a pinch.

[alstensby]

Awesome! Thanks again, everyone! If I can't find that piece I'll just get one of them on Ebay. I can't wait to get this bike fully road ready. I've been stealing the wife's every chance I get! Wish I could have found another deal like that one! '81 GS550L with only 11K on it runs great with nothing needing to be done! $500! But, now that mine's running, I'm happier.

[J_C]

Oh dear God. It's rear light. Disregard that link, thats a front switch.


Wait. Since there's only one brake light, are we talking about the rear SWITCH? Or are we still referring to the front brake switch? What?

*Goes back to sleep*


EDIT AGAIN: nevermind, I was right originally. That link was fine, but i deleted it. Its on ebay. Ugh

[Steve]

Why wait for one to come up on eBay, then take a chance on a used one?
Chances are, it's somebody else's problem switch they are trying to get rid of.

Just get a new one from Bike Bandit. Item #8, it lists for $18.26. \\/


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