Brake lever safety switch

[lamjeff]

I see some people have encountered the problem with the brake switch on the Downtown 300i.

Questions --
1.) Do you have to take apart the dashboard to get to it or can you just unscrew the switch without any other disassembly?  If disassembly is required, anybody have a YouTube video, instructions, or something to help me undertake this?  I would take it to the dealer, but they are about 1 hour drive away.
2.) What is the best part to use?  I rather spend a few extra and get a more reliable part than an eBay "el-cheapo" universal fit part.

TIA.

[stuo]

The switch(s) are activated by the brake lever(s). The problem isn't just the quality of the switches, it's the amount of current that passes through them that causes the switch contacts to become pitted and lose conductivity. After replacing (or opening the switch and burnishing the contacts) you should replace the brake bulb with an LED that draws much less current, thereby eliminating the  problem regardless of the quality of the switches. Paying more for a switch is no guarantee of higher quality.

[mousejunks]

The brake lever switch is just an oddly shaped microswitch. It controls the brake light and the solenoid of the starter motor, which is too high for its rating, causing it to burn out.

A quick fix is to soak it with electrical contact cleaner then a spray of WD-40. Otherwise you have take it out by undoing the switch screw and 2 spade terminals. Not a hard job.

The photo attached is for the DT350i right side, can't remember how similar it is to the 300i except the addition of a rubber boot.