Need Help Diagnosing People 150 Lighting Problem

[Calothrix]

Was riding to work this morning and a guy pulled up next to me and said my brake lights were on all the time.  So tonight when I got home this is what I found:

With the scooter running, the brake light is on until I pull on the right brake handle and it then goes off, but the running light stays on.  The left brake handle has no effect on the brake light when I squeeze it.

With the ignition key in the "on" position and the scooter NOT running, the brake light is on until I pull on the right brake handle and it then goes off, but the running light also goes off.  Again, the left brake handle has no effect on the brake light when I squeeze it.

Also, if I remember right, the scooter should not start unless the left brake lever is squeezed; however, I can now start it without squeezing either brake lever.

So, those are the facts.  I'm guessing it is probably a bad switch somewhere but I'm hoping someone can diagnose this and narrow it down for me.  Thanks for any help and happy scooting!

[sidthesloth]

It sounds like your right hand brake switch is reversed. will the scoot start if you hold the right brake lever in? Are your tail light and head light the same as the smaller scoots and only run on the generator?

[Calothrix]

Sid, looks like you're bloody on to something.  I held in the right brake lever and the scoot did not turn over!  I've owned this scoot for close to three years and I know I've checked the lights before and they were OK and I'm pretty sure I have noticed that the left brake lever also acts as a safety switch when you start it.  So, how could this happen?  I'm not sure of the answer to your question about lights running on the generator.  Any more guesses as to what is going on?  Thanks!

[old geezer]

My 2009 People 150 will start with either the left or the right brake lever held in.

[sidthesloth]

Sounds like the switch is working tgpe wrong way, maybe just a faulty switch. If it were me, I would be pulling it apart to see what has happened and see if it can be fixed, worst case is it will need to be replaced anyway.

[streido]

I will also agree with sid that there is a problem with your left hand brake switch. Take it apart and use a meter to test it is making and breaking when you pull the lever. If it is and all wires look ok at the switch then you may need to start tracing wires away from the switch to look for shorts etc. Check the switch 1st tho, maybe faulty or a wire has come loose and is shorting out.

[sidthesloth]

Faulty right switch.

[Calothrix]

OK guys, thanks for the help.  I'll print out the electrical diagram and start with the brake switches.  Will report back what I find.

[streido]

Good luck, prepare for plently of head scratching, swearing and the urge to take a hammer to it

Seriously tho, just take your time and hopefully you will find the fault ok. Let us know how it goes.

[mrrmutt]

Mine has the same fault, unless I push the front brake lever out the brake light stays lit. Also the same starting issue. I actually like it that way as far as starting goes and just remember to push the brake light off. The extra slack in the lever allows me to blink my brake light without actually braking.

[MaryK]

The brake levers may need lubrication at the pivot bolts.  Use motor oil, just a few drops.

Also, the brake light switches can be cleaned with electronics contact cleaner.  Get it at the auto parts store in a spray can. 
One side of the switches (in general) has an opening that makes spraying easy.  The switches are
(usually) mounted with 1 screw.  There (usually) are 2 wires attached to each switch.
 
I have not actually seen the switches on my GV yet, so I am refering to switches on Honda motorcycles.

Scoot Safely,