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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: GS Fan on June 18, 2014, 10:24:20 PM

Title: Adjust brake light sensitivity?
Post by: GS Fan on June 18, 2014, 10:24:20 PM
Recently found out my hand brake does not engage the tail brake light At all.

While testing I also realized the foot brake needed to be pressed extremely hard to engage the light.

Any suggestions or solutions?
I want the brake to light up he second I apply pressure to either.
Title: Re: Adjust brake light sensitivity?
Post by: robfriedenberger on June 18, 2014, 11:00:27 PM
The rear brake is an easy fix, look behind the cover plate you will see the adjustable switch. You can simply adjust the screw out to make it turn on with little pressure. 

I don't think the front MC has such an adjustment, not 100% sure though.
Title: Re: Adjust brake light sensitivity?
Post by: GS Fan on June 23, 2014, 06:57:09 PM
Thank you very much!
Perfect explanation.  Couldn't have been easier
Title: Re: Adjust brake light sensitivity?
Post by: burning1 on June 24, 2014, 08:22:32 AM
Quote from: robfriedenberger on June 18, 2014, 11:00:27 PM
I don't think the front MC has such an adjustment, not 100% sure though.

Correct. There is most likely an electrical problem with the front switch. It's designed to turn the brake lights on with the slightest lever pressure.
Title: Re: Adjust brake light sensitivity?
Post by: JAS6377 on June 24, 2014, 08:34:44 AM
Yep. To add on to what burning said, you should be able to hear a small "click" when the lever hits the brake switch on the front. I'd recheck the wiring to the switch. Perhaps a connection wiggled loose.
Title: Re: Adjust brake light sensitivity?
Post by: burning1 on June 24, 2014, 12:47:47 PM
Normal procedure to test:

1. Listen for click
2. Check continuity across switch using multi-meter
3. Check DC voltage across connector using multi-meter
4. Jump connector, check brake light.

That should catch the obvious things.
Title: Re: Adjust brake light sensitivity?
Post by: Legnd on June 24, 2014, 08:12:23 PM
I had the same exact problem when I first got the bike. It turned out that there was just a little corrosion or gunk in the switch underneath the front brake lever. I pulled it apart and split it and just used sandpaper to clean up the two contacting surfaces and the switch worked as good as new.

Like burning said though, a multimeter would help you locate the problem easily.