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Biker Bill
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« on: March 19, 2014, 07:30:47 PM » |
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Checked my lights today and found that my brake light brightens when pressing the foot brake lever but does NOT brighten when operating the hand brake lever. Any ideas about what could be wrong and how to fix it?
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Joe Hummer
Member
Posts: 1645
VRCC #25677 VRCC Missouri State Representative
Arnold, MO
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« Reply #1 on: March 19, 2014, 07:54:22 PM » |
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Sounds like a dirty switch. It is located under the brake lever and reservoir. take it off the bike, clean with contact cleaner, throw some WD40 at it, put it back on...and give it a test.
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1999 Valkyrie Interstate
You pay for the whole bike, why not use it Jerry Motorman Palladino
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Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2014, 08:22:27 PM » |
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I cleaned my several times before I finally decided to get a new one. Cheap and easy to replace. I got worried about someone rearending me.
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Gryphon Rider
Member
Posts: 5227
2000 Tourer
Calgary, Alberta
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« Reply #4 on: March 19, 2014, 08:58:18 PM » |
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Contact cleaner yes, WD40 no. It might simply be the connectors at the switch.
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Biker Bill
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« Reply #5 on: March 20, 2014, 06:11:07 PM » |
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Okay, I need to remove the switch and clean it. I can hear the "click" when I pull the handle. So it is activating but apparently not making contact.
Any tips on removing the switch? Any parts spring activated that will pop out and disappear in the lawn?
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Joe Hummer
Member
Posts: 1645
VRCC #25677 VRCC Missouri State Representative
Arnold, MO
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« Reply #6 on: March 20, 2014, 06:14:43 PM » |
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the switch is held on with a single phillips screw. No springy parts unless you fully disassemble the switch.
Joe
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1999 Valkyrie Interstate
You pay for the whole bike, why not use it Jerry Motorman Palladino
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Biker Bill
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« Reply #7 on: March 20, 2014, 06:17:23 PM » |
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Good! Thanks Joe, appreciate the info.
Bill
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Chiefy
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« Reply #8 on: March 20, 2014, 08:04:09 PM » |
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Look up in there and be sure the connectors are seated before you begin surgery.
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 1998 Valk Standard 52,500 miles |
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Biker Bill
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« Reply #9 on: March 21, 2014, 01:29:13 PM » |
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Okay. I cleaned the contacts; reinstalled the switch...brake light still does not brighten when switch activated. Hmm. Checked connections for tightness...okay there. Still would not brighten. Next I put a jumper wire between the wire connectors, eliminating the switch...the light brightens! Ordered a new switch from Partzilla as Joe suggested.
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PhredValk
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« Reply #10 on: March 21, 2014, 10:14:45 PM » |
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There are no Phillips screws on the Valkyrie (or any Goldwing, for that matter). They are JIS screws, and if you don't want to strip them with a Phillips driver you should find and order a set of JIS drivers. I used to strip screws all the time, but with my JIS drivers I haven't stripped a screw.
Fred.
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Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.
VRCCDS0237
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Bighead
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« Reply #11 on: March 21, 2014, 10:22:34 PM » |
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Phred good tips I didn't know that but do now  and I will get a set  |
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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Biker Bill
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« Reply #12 on: March 23, 2014, 06:38:38 PM » |
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I have the JIS drivers and there is a difference from phillips. While waiting for my replacement switch I opened up the old switch, cleaned the points with and emory board; sprayed it thoroughly with contact cleaner, and it worked! Mounted it on the handle bar and went for a ride  Still plan on installing the new one when it arrives as it will be more weather/dirt resistant than the one I had to pop open. |
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