Topic: Brake light stays on

[ateamsam]

Hey Guys,

My brake light on my 550 simply just stays on.  I can't seem to find a thread about this and was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction.
-Thanks,
Sam

[Laminar]

The brake light is activated in two possible ways:
1. A pressure-activated switch attached to your front brake light, usually mounted on the lower triple-tree mount.
2. A linear switch attached via a spring to your rear brake pedal.

I'd look at the rear brake switch first and make sure that it's adjusted correctly. You can adjust a nut on the switch body to set the tension in the spring and decide where the switch is activated and the light is turned on. If that's fine, I'd look at the wiring and make sure everything is hooked up correctly.

Did this issue pop up recently or has it been going on for a long time?

[Inigo Montoya]

My 750 did this. If I used the rear, it would stay on. Turns out the switch was dry. It needed a bit of lube and it worked fine. As the pedal goes down, it pulls on a spring and then on a switch that pulls out. This switch has a spring on the inside to move it back in. I used a drop of light oil(maybe not the best) and worked it around a bit and it was fine after that. best part is it didnt cost anything!

[ateamsam]

Thanks for the tips guys.  i just bought the bike so its a pre-existing issue that I only just noticed.  As soon as I get home I'll have to do some more investigating
-Sam

[flybox1]

my 350F did this when i adjusted the rear pedal to fit my foot position.  the rear linear switch needed to be adjusted for the new pedal position.

[ateamsam]

THE SWITCH WAS TOO TIGHT!!! talk about a simple fix.  Thanks for all the help guys.

[Laminar]

THE SWITCH WAS TOO TIGHT!!! talk about a simple fix.  Thanks for all the help guys.

Awesome. Gotta love the easy fixes.

[Inigo Montoya]

Especially when they are free!

[NShahdadi]

Just had the same problem. Screw was too tight. The forum saves the day (and the wallet) again!

[Stev-o]

Recently repaired mine too. 

[76cb550k]

Just had the same problem. Screw was too tight. The forum saves the day (and the wallet) again!

can you explain where the screw was that you adjusted?

[NShahdadi]

can you explain where the screw was that you adjusted?
[/quote]

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1976-honda-cb550k-exhaust-muffler-step-step/o/m9447sch399665

I think it's 38/48 on that diagram. It's basically a bolt that adjusts your brake lever return, if I recall. Just start tinkering with it and you'll see exactly how it works, it's real simple. Turn your power on so you know when your brake light goes on/off.

[Stev-o]

Just had the same problem. Screw was too tight. The forum saves the day (and the wallet) again!

can you explain where the screw was that you adjusted?

Front or rear brake? If rear, did you check the switch? It's connected to the pedal by a spring.

[76cb550k]

the weird part is all i did was fiddle with the exhaust to try to make it sit better and try to tighten the right hand brake lever (i didnt' actually do anything).

lastly, i removed the ignition to get some new keys recut.

all-in-all, i didn't do anything near the brake equipment and it seems to have caused the brake light to stay on.

i will try to loosen the nuts and see what happens.  can you tell me where the front hand brake adjustment is?

[dave500]

a cop pulled me over the other day,,he told me my brake light isnt working,,i just said thats ok,,im not stopping!

[SohRon]

Do your rear brake pedal adjustment first; once it's correctly adjusted then set the rear switch. Look at your Owner's manual or Shop Manual for the settings.

The front switch is non-adjustable; you either have pressure or you don't. Is your front caliper free and releasing properly? If the caliper sticks, the internal pressure can keep the switch activated...

The closest thing to an adjustment that's available on the MC end is the little rubber stop that fits into the small hole near the lever bolt on the underside of the MC... if it's missing the lever will flop around and seem to be out of adjustment...

[crobar]

I'm having the same problem with the brake light staying on. I disconnected the front switch(pulled the terminals from the switch) and it still stayed on. That tells me it must be the rear switch, right?

I have done some adjustment to the rear brake lever and the switch but it is still staying on. I'm thinking that means it's time for a new switch. Sound right?

[evanphi]

I'm having the same problem with the brake light staying on. I disconnected the front switch(pulled the terminals from the switch) and it still stayed on. That tells me it must be the rear switch, right?

I have done some adjustment to the rear brake lever and the switch but it is still staying on. I'm thinking that means it's time for a new switch. Sound right?

Try unhooking the spring from the brake pedal. If the light goes out it jut needs to be adjusted. If it still stays on then it may need to be lubed a bit, or replaced.

[flybox1]

The rear switch unit is held in a mount, with two nuts, one above and one below the mount.  loosen the top one of these slowly until the brake light goes out, and then go one turn looser.  Leave the top nut where it is.  Now, snug up the bottom one up to the mount....securing the unit in its new location.
Done

[PeWe]

That was the fix when rear light burned, adjust the brake light switch that is threaded in its holder until brake light is constantly on. Then possible to ride in the dark night...
Opposite, adjust it the other way, spring to pedal need some slack

[crobar]

It was the rear switch, and it only needed adjustment, switch is still good. Thanks all.