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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Edsel on April 18, 2005, 05:49:07 AM

Title: Front Brake Light Switch
Post by: Edsel on April 18, 2005, 05:49:07 AM
i have an 04, does anyone know where this is located at?
Title: Front Brake Light Switch
Post by: dgyver on April 18, 2005, 06:38:30 AM
It is on the underside of the lever.
Title: Front Brake Light Switch
Post by: Edsel on April 18, 2005, 07:01:25 AM
Quote from: dgyverIt is on the underside of the lever.

is it visible or do i have to take out something to see it?
my brake light does not go off when the front bake is in use so i just want to check.
thanks
Title: Front Brake Light Switch
Post by: dgyver on April 18, 2005, 08:02:59 AM
It is visible from the bottom. It is black, about 1" square and about 1/4" thick with 2 wires. The 04 uses a sealed switch. It can be taken apart though. I have done it to repair one.

Does it "click" when the brake lever is pulled?
Title: Front Brake Light Switch
Post by: Edsel on April 18, 2005, 08:13:41 AM
Quote from: dgyverIt is visible from the bottom. It is black, about 1" square and about 1/4" thick with 2 wires. The 04 uses a sealed switch. It can be taken apart though. I have done it to repair one.

Does it "click" when the brake lever is pulled?

i dont remember, but i will check later on when i get home.  anything else i should be looking or listening for?
Title: Front Brake Light Switch
Post by: dgyver on April 18, 2005, 08:34:08 AM
If it clicks, it should still be good. Then check for bad connections.

If you have a multi-meter you may want to check to make sure it is good.

Is your bike still under warranty?
Title: Front Brake Light Switch
Post by: Edsel on April 18, 2005, 08:43:06 AM
i believe so, i will check it myself tonite and if i still cant figure it out, i will take it to the dealer tomorow. i just dont want to waste my time going to the dealer.
thanks for all your help.
Title: Front Brake Light Switch
Post by: indestructibleman on April 18, 2005, 11:44:16 AM
if you have a test light, you can check to see if there's current getting through it when you pull the lever.  and if you don't have a test light, i'd argue that you should.

i don't remember which tab is in and which is out, or whether current's supposed to be off or on when the lever's not pulled, but it will be easy to figure out.  as long as the current switches one way or the other when you pull the lever, the switch is working fine.

i'll give you good odds that your problem is the switch (assuming your brake light goes on when you hit the brake pedal).

it's been awhile since i've replaced mine, but it's pretty easy to check.  it's also really easy to replace (one screwdriver, five minutes (if you don't have vodka a rum and orange juice will suffice)).

anyway, you can see a picture and buy a new one for $13 at cycle re-cycle (http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/brake_switch.htm).

looks like that's only for 1989-2000 models, but i'm guessing the new one looks largely similar.

cheers,
will
Title: Front Brake Light Switch
Post by: indestructibleman on April 18, 2005, 11:49:04 AM
here's the diagram from ron ayers (http://www.ronayers.com/fiche/300_0366/handle_lever/handle_lever.cfm?man=su&groupid=3210&parent=3200) for the 04, and yeah they do look alike.
Title: Front Brake Light Switch
Post by: Edsel on April 18, 2005, 12:05:57 PM
Quote from: indestructiblemanhere's the diagram from ron ayers for the 04, and yeah they do look alike.

the brake light works when i press on the pedal, so most likely it is the switch.  thanks for the info and the site.
Title: Front Brake Light Switch
Post by: ukchickenlover on April 18, 2005, 02:41:49 PM
Just pull out the connectors on the break light switch and touch the metal ends together to see if the break light comes on. If it doesn't then you need to replace the wires, if it does you need to replace the switch.
Title: Front Brake Light Switch
Post by: Edsel on April 19, 2005, 10:13:20 AM
Quote from: ukchickenloverJust pull out the connectors on the break light switch and touch the metal ends together to see if the break light comes on. If it doesn't then you need to replace the wires, if it does you need to replace the switch.

thanks for the tip, but im taking the bike to the dealer today since it's still under warranty.