Intermitant brake light - SV650.org

29-01-10, 12:16 AM

When pulling in the brake lever I noticed tht the brake light flickers on and off n at points when applying the brake the light is not on..... Am unsure wht could be causing this.
Any ideas?

Cheers

Sid Squid · 29-01-10, 07:31 AM

The switch has dirty contacts, is loose or the connections aren't fitted properly/are damaged.

Make sure it's fitted properly first, that the spades/connector block are/is on right, and that the cables are undamaged. Try squirting some contact cleaner into the switch, (inside it, not just over it), it's not intended that you do but if you're careful it can be disassembled.

embee · 29-01-10, 08:44 PM

As the Squid says, very likely dirty/burnt contacts in the switch. I had exactly this problem.

They are designed so the contacts flick closed due to an overcentre spring arrangement (the click you hear), then as you continue to press the button in the contacts "wipe" slightly in theory to keep them clean. On mine the light would come on at the click but then go off as you pulled the lever further due to dirt just away from the first contact point.

Filling the switch with contact cleaner (or WD40 will do) and clicking it repeatedly will probably sort it.

The switch block casing has 3 plastic pegs which are melted over to hold the 2 halves together. They can be carefully prised apart at these pegs and then you can clean them properly. I didn't re-glue it, the fixing screw holds it together. I filled it with vaseline, it's been fine for several years now.

If all else fails they are not particularly expensive.

29-01-10, 08:54 PM

Mine did the same after not riding it for 3 months as everyone else has said try a little squirt of wd40 or electrical contact cleaner and lots of exercising of the brake lever.

29-01-10, 11:13 PM

Ok cheers for all the suggestions guys! Il give some WD a try and see if that sorts it with some exercise of the lever.

29-01-10, 12:16 AM	#1
metalhead19 Guest Posts: n/a	Intermitant brake light When pulling in the brake lever I noticed tht the brake light flickers on and off n at points when applying the brake the light is not on..... Am unsure wht could be causing this. Any ideas? Cheers

29-01-10, 07:31 AM	#2
Sid Squid No, I don't lend tools. Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Skunk Works, Nth London Posts: 8,680	Re: Intermitant brake light The switch has dirty contacts, is loose or the connections aren't fitted properly/are damaged. Make sure it's fitted properly first, that the spades/connector block are/is on right, and that the cables are undamaged. Try squirting some contact cleaner into the switch, (inside it, not just over it), it's not intended that you do but if you're careful it can be disassembled. __________________ If an SV650 has a flat tyre in the forest and no-one is there to blow it up, how long will it be 'til someone posts that the reg/rec is duff and the world will end unless a CBR unit is fitted? A little bit of knowledge = a dangerous thing. "a deathless anthem of nuclear-strength romantic angst"

29-01-10, 08:44 PM	#3
embee Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Warwickshire Posts: 2,804	Re: Intermitant brake light As the Squid says, very likely dirty/burnt contacts in the switch. I had exactly this problem. They are designed so the contacts flick closed due to an overcentre spring arrangement (the click you hear), then as you continue to press the button in the contacts "wipe" slightly in theory to keep them clean. On mine the light would come on at the click but then go off as you pulled the lever further due to dirt just away from the first contact point. Filling the switch with contact cleaner (or WD40 will do) and clicking it repeatedly will probably sort it. The switch block casing has 3 plastic pegs which are melted over to hold the 2 halves together. They can be carefully prised apart at these pegs and then you can clean them properly. I didn't re-glue it, the fixing screw holds it together. I filled it with vaseline, it's been fine for several years now. If all else fails they are not particularly expensive. __________________ "Artificial Intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"

29-01-10, 08:54 PM	#4
Rob969 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Intermitant brake light Mine did the same after not riding it for 3 months as everyone else has said try a little squirt of wd40 or electrical contact cleaner and lots of exercising of the brake lever.

29-01-10, 11:13 PM	#5
metalhead19 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Intermitant brake light Ok cheers for all the suggestions guys! Il give some WD a try and see if that sorts it with some exercise of the lever.

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