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Brake light sticking

Started by Mike Qube, August 25, 2009, 05:32:01 AM

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Mike Qube

August 25, 2009, 05:32:01 AM
This morning when I was leaving I noticed my brake light was on and the brakes weren't. It seems to be the front brake thats the issue. The light stuck on and then I tapped the brake handle a bunch of times and it let go. Any way to fix this? I'd rather not ride with the brake light on all the time.

Raux

#1
August 25, 2009, 06:08:49 AM
check the microswitch for dirt builtup. or even the little button between the handle and the switch. if not, replace the switch.

Mike Qube

#2
August 25, 2009, 06:58:43 AM
Is the microswitch what the lever presses?

Mr Earl

#3
August 25, 2009, 07:03:31 AM
The microswitch is mounted on the lever assembly, actuated when you squeeze.

What's worked for me is to loosen the 2 little machine screws that hold the microswitch, reposition it just slightly and re-tighten.  Check function and repeat process until thoroughly frustrated or brake light works properly.
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Mike Qube

#4
August 25, 2009, 07:18:12 AM
Quote from: Mr Earl on August 25, 2009, 07:03:31 AM
The microswitch is mounted on the lever assembly, actuated when you squeeze.

What's worked for me is to loosen the 2 little machine screws that hold the microswitch, reposition it just slightly and re-tighten.  Check function and repeat process until thoroughly frustrated or brake light works properly.

Is that the one that is a little square thing with the really tiny screws and nuts?

rule62

#5
August 25, 2009, 08:37:49 AM
Quote from: Mike Qube on August 25, 2009, 07:18:12 AM
Is that the one that is a little square thing with the really tiny screws and nuts?

That's the one.  I had one go bad.  Clean it out real good and BE SURE NOT TO LOSE THE LITTLE PIN IN THE LEVER THAT PRESSES THE SWITCH. 

If that doesn't do it... you can get another microswitch at radio-shack instead of paying $$$ at the Ducati parts counter.

Duck-Stew

#6
August 25, 2009, 09:05:14 AM
Also of note, the switch is a normally closed switch as it sits with the lever at rest and the switch pressed.  When you squeeze the lever, it releases pressure and causes the switch to return to it's at rest position with the contacts closed (making connection) which then activates the brake lamp.

If you loose the little plastic actuator, it's not impossible to duplicate, just it would be better if you didn't have to do so.
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Mike Qube

#7
August 25, 2009, 09:32:29 AM
Quote from: rule62 on August 25, 2009, 08:37:49 AM
That's the one.  I had one go bad.  Clean it out real good and BE SURE NOT TO LOSE THE LITTLE PIN IN THE LEVER THAT PRESSES THE SWITCH. 

If that doesn't do it... you can get another microswitch at radio-shack instead of paying $$$ at the Ducati parts counter.

hmmm. I just looked at it, it didnt look like there was a pin in there, just the little button on the little black box. I might have to take some pictures to make sure I'm looking at the right thing.

ducpainter

#8
August 25, 2009, 02:24:09 PM
Quote from: Mike Qube on August 25, 2009, 07:18:12 AM
Is that the one that is a little square thing with the really tiny screws and nuts?
The switch is adjustable by loosening the little screws.

The pin that has been mentioned is actually a small plastic dowel that fits in the body of the brake master and is not really evident by a quick glance.

Did you change a lever recently by any chance? The dowel usually falls out if you do.
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DarkStaR

#9
August 25, 2009, 06:34:15 PM
On my old set up, the micro switch was mounted with a plastic bracket with no adjustments.  It ended up flexing out, so I used  a ziptie (black) through the lever pivot bolt hole to strapping the micro switch to where it was suppose to be. YMMV

Mike Qube

#10
August 28, 2009, 06:28:50 AM
While looking at the switch, it doesn't seem that there is anything to push the little button in. The button just kinda sits against a flat surface it seems. Something has to be activating it though, because when it sticks I do a quick flick of the level and it starts working fine.

Duck-Stew

#11
August 28, 2009, 06:59:07 AM
Quote from: Mike Qube on August 28, 2009, 06:28:50 AM
While looking at the switch, it doesn't seem that there is anything to push the little button in. The button just kinda sits against a flat surface it seems. Something has to be activating it though, because when it sticks I do a quick flick of the level and it starts working fine.

On the coffin style m/cylinders, the little plastic dowel gets lost in there because of where you're looking and the fact that the m/cylinder is black and the plastic dowel to activate the switch is also black.  Try removing the lever and kneeling down with needle nose pliers and a flash-light.  The dowel is still likely there just wasn't appearant before.
Bike-less Portuguese immigrant enjoying life.

Mike Qube

#12
August 28, 2009, 06:12:39 PM
I took the switch off and this time saw the dowel in there, I don't know how I missed it before. I didn't realize that the switch could be moved a tiny bit. I screwed in the screw thats on the back part of it and moved it very slightly while pulling the brake handle, I found the position that it was in when the light was sticking on, adjusted it not even a mm and now it seems to be working. When I put my ear up to it, I can hear the click of it when I pull the handle.
Thanks for the help everyone!
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