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Taillight stuck on, likely brake switch
Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 2:42 pm
by tog
Noticed that the taillight on my BMW F800R is stuck "on". As well, the hazards don't go on (not sure if its related, but really trying to fix the taillight without having to bring it into the dealers). Based on research I've done, it appears to be the brake light switch (okay) but for the life of me (not being mechanically inclined), I can't find where the brake light switch is located (no wiring is shown in the BMW manual. Hopefully this is a simple question (albeit a stupid one) and help would be most appreciated
Re: Taillight stuck on, likely brake switch
Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 6:06 pm
by Wrider
Not exactly sure on that particular bike, but 99% of the time, the front brake light switch is activated by an extra little piece just past the pivot point on the brake lever. The rear is usually activated by a spring hooked to your rear brake lever. It's usually the rear one that's stuck. Try moving the spring and see if that helps. If it doesn't, try unhooking the spring (very weak spring, easy to do).
If that doesn't work, it's probably your front brake switch that's stuck. In that case make sure that the lever has a full range of motion. If that's not it, take the lever off (pull out the screw at the pivot point, again easy to remove and reinstall). If that still doesn't help, one of those switches needs to be replaced.
Re: Taillight stuck on, likely brake switch
Posted: Mon May 13, 2013 6:15 pm
by Johnj
Dang you beat me to it.
Re: Taillight stuck on, likely brake switch
Posted: Wed May 15, 2013 11:38 am
by Wrider
I'm pretty sneaky for a big guy...

Re: Taillight stuck on, likely brake switch
Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 6:23 pm
by tog
Thanks for the response, took off both the front and rear brake lever, both have full range of motion. Tailight's still on. Might have to get the switch replaced I guess.
Re: Taillight stuck on, likely brake switch
Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 7:13 pm
by Johnj
Your taillight should be on...all the time. Are you sure one of your two brake light switches (front and back) is stuck on?
Re: Taillight stuck on, likely brake switch
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 5:34 am
by Wrider
Yeah, taillight should be on when the key is on. Brake light should only come on when those switches are activated.