Rear Brake Light Switch

[Oldie]

The rear brake light switch is not working, the front is so it's not the bulb.  I want to get at the switch and check the contacts or replace it if needed!
Has anyone had the top plastic cover off the handle bars to expose the connection to the master cylinder?  I see the 2 screws that will need to be
removed and also have to take the mirrors off.  I would appreciate any helpful hints for this process...( any clips or tabs on the plastic to be careful
not to break).  Thanks to all for such a great forum!

[racewalker]

Be careful of the wiring to the turn signals. it should be no problem popping the cover off after you remove the screws. If I remember properly the switch is a micro switch. I will check the service manual and get back.

[racewalker]

There is one philips screw on the bottom of the master cylinder which holds the micro switch in place. My manual shows removing and emptying the master cylinder to do this. I would just unplug the switch and test for no connection with the brake handle released and a short between the contacts when the handle is pulled. You may have a problem some place else.

[Oldie]

Thanks Racewalker.  I will take your advice and check the switch continuity and go from there!  It may be a few days but I will post what I find..

Thanks again.     Oldie

[CROSSBOLT]

Getting the handlebar cover loose is pretty easy. Unplugging the turn signal lights is not. The plug and receptacle must be accessed AFTER you remove two screws from the underside of the handlebar cover and carefully "unsnap" the top cover. Then you can fish out the signal light wires and unplug them. Then you can unscrew the mirror(s) and then finally remove the top cover and go after the micro switch. My recommendation is to unplug the switch wires and jumper across the ends to see if the brake light works with those wires, proving that part of the circuit. All that  is left is the switch.

This sequence of removal is what I had to do to mount a RAM GPS holder to the top cover.

Karl

[Oldie]

Thanks Karl,

I still haven't got to work on it but will follow your steps

Ed