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Message started by Latimer on 09/30/08 at 11:42:13

Title: Brake Light
Post by Latimer on 09/30/08 at 11:42:13

So I was driving last night and a cop pulled me over warning me that my tail light was only turning on when I brake. I thought that was strange so after he pulled away I hopped off the bike... turned it on and noticed the tail light was on, then as soon as I tapped the rear brake it turned off. From then on it would only turn on when I would engage the rear brake.

Is this what its supposed to do? Sorry if this seems like a really stupid question, I just really dont spend any time looking at the back of my bike. If this isnt what its supposed to do anyone have any ideas? Maybe a loose connection?

Thanks for the help....

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by newrider55 on 09/30/08 at 12:01:20

I had something simular happen with a turn signal..seems the end of the bulb had worn down a bit. I just used a new bulb and no problem since.

Might also check for corrosion in the light socket.

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by youzguyz on 09/30/08 at 12:01:27

Your "tail light" was never on.
The light bulb in there is dual filament, one for tail light, one for brake light. Odds are the one for the tail light is burned out. Change the bulb

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by sidny4 on 09/30/08 at 14:22:35

exactly what youzguyz said. Shouldn't be too hard to replace the bulb, nor too expensive. Take the old one out and go to your local auto parts dealer (carquest, napa, checker, etc.) and they should have the replacement on hand.

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by Latimer on 09/30/08 at 16:22:24

sounds good. Thanks guys.... Told you it might have been a stupid question!

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by Educatedredneck on 09/30/08 at 22:08:15

There is no such thing as a stupid question. This is how we all learn.

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by youzguyz on 10/01/08 at 02:26:50

43544555545D5D48425E5F310 wrote:

There is no such thing as a stupid question. This is how we all learn.

Must beg to differ. There are 2 stupid questions.
1. The one you don't ask.
2. The one you ask more than once.

I am such a hard a$$.. ;D

The only thing that bothers me about the original post is he tapped the brake and the light went off. Might have a sticky rear brake switch too.

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by Latimer on 10/01/08 at 15:03:39

Well just went and got a new bulb from Pep Boys. They didnt have the 2397 in stock so I got a 2057 dual filament (guy there said it should work).... Swapped it out and its still doing the same thing. Except it never lights now unless either brake is engaged. Anyone have any idea where I should start?

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by EssForty on 10/01/08 at 15:46:36

Those lamps are interchangeable, so the problem is not the lamp itself if you installed it correctly.

Do you have a voltmeter or 12 v continuity checker? Do you have a Clymers manual? Are you familiar with how to check low voltage circuits?

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by Demin on 10/01/08 at 15:53:47

Take the seat(s)off,and check the connections.I'm thinkin' it's a brown wire for tail,and blue with a yellow tracer(??? not sure)for brake.But anyhoo check any/all connections from tank to were the wires go through fender.

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by YonuhAdisi on 10/01/08 at 16:14:28

I just had a problem with one of my turn signals. I took off the seat and one of the wires had disconnected, plugged it back in and now it's fine. So like Demin said, check wiring connections.

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by T Mack 1 on 10/01/08 at 19:11:49

Also check out the ground wire(s).....

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by Latimer on 10/02/08 at 05:56:16

My mechanic buddy has a voltmeter, so we will check that out this weekend. I also imagine I could have knocked a wire loose while mounting/dismounting the fuel tank.... I get pretty foreceful with that thing sometimes. But I havent actually taken the tank off since the beginning of the summer. I guess its possible I could have been riding without a taillight all summer.

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/03/08 at 21:20:35

Checking the tail light & brake & sigs is too easy to not do it. YOu can do it in the driveway, or, if you are just TOOO lazy to get off the bike, you can back into a parking space at a glass faced store. AutoZone has loads of glass. Look back( If you are too lazy for THIS, use the mirror) Hit the switches & squeeze the lever & step on the pedal, If you are too lazy for THIS,, go home, get on the couch & never get up..

Title: Re: Brake Light
Post by Latimer on 10/04/08 at 13:50:18

Figured it out... was a loose connection under the seat. Thanks for the help guys.

Thanks for the advice Justin.... I think....