Brake Light Actuation

[tecman]

I have an '02 Bird, and I noticed, quite by accident, that my brake light does not come on when I squeeze the handlebar brake.  It does come on with the foot pedal.  

 

Any ideas?  Fuse?  Harness going bad?  Beuhler??

 

Thanks.

[poida]

check the small brake light switch on the handlebar lever

[blackhawkxx]

You should be able to hear it click on and off as you squeeze and release the lever.

[rockmeupto125]

Grab one off ebay. They fit a variety of bikes with the same brand braking systems. I know several yamaha models use the same switch. So if you see it listed for lots of different bikes, it's real, not just a universal switch you need to adapt.

 

[superhawk996]

Check for the audible click as mentioned.  If it's not, sometimes just flipping the lever quickly a few times will free them up.  Next is to remove the switch and fiddle with it directly.  I've encountered a few sticky ones and I don't recall ever needing to replace one.

 

If it's clicking, next step is to test continuity and the connection.  I don't have my manual with me and I don't know where the connector is so I can't help there.

[tecman]

Thanks for the advice.  I will have time to work on it later today and will let you know if anything worked.

 

As always, I am grateful for the .org and the members willing to help.  Still the best site on the net!

[jon haney]

I probably have the correct switch (used), but don't have a Bird anymore to verify the correct shape and mounting.  If that is what you end up needing, I'll check a parts fiche online, and let you know.

[tecman]

It is a bad light switch.  Let me know what ya' got.  They seem to be fairly universal.

 

Thanks.

[jon haney]

21 hours ago, tecman said:

It is a bad light switch.  Let me know what ya' got.  They seem to be fairly universal.

 

Thanks.

I'll look when I get home tonight.

[tecman]

Thanks for the offer but I found one at the Berkeley bike shop.  Less than $20.  About to replace it now.

 

I appreciate the help, it is actually a pretty easy procedure, even for a novice mechanic like me.

[jon haney]

On 3/23/2021 at 2:22 PM, tecman said:

Thanks for the offer but I found one at the Berkeley bike shop.  Less than $20.  About to replace it now.

 

I appreciate the help, it is actually a pretty easy procedure, even for a novice mechanic like me.

I had one, and would have sent it to you for free, but your way is faster.  Glad it was easy fix for you.

[tecman]

I am grateful for the offer, but my Bird is my daily ride and I needed it fixed ASAP.  I am just happy I could get it done in a day.

 

Your offer is yet another reason this board is the best!

 

Thanks again.