Rear Brake light switch

njwhit · Jun 26, 2012

Having issues with rear brake light switch. Thought it just needed a adjustment but it's shorting out. Starts sparking when you turn the key on. Wondering if it has something to do with me getting my foot peg mounts chromed ? I've had adjustment issues before but they never shorted the switch out. I put a bigger fuse in it to see if I can diagnose it but it got so hot that the spring started to glow. I disconnected it and ordered a new one today. I just had all 4 of my engine covers and all 4 foot peg mounts chromed. Being the spring assembly is incorporated with the right side foot peg i was wondering if it was possible that getting it chromed could have a ground issue ??????? I did notice that the old foot peg mount was fully painted or powder coated even inside the bolt hole so I know it wasn't an issue before. Any suggestions ?????????

dingy · Jun 26, 2012

This my help you if you want to try to save switch. PDf's attached of how to dis-assemble switch & clean. 1st part is front switches, last part is rear brake in each file.

Also switch may be where a problem is showing up, switch may be fine with a problem elsewhere in circuit.

My usual disclaimer, never even sat on a VMax, but I did take pictures of them this weekend.

2 versions, I think vmax will be the 2 wire version, but I posted 4 wire that is used on Ventures with cruise control in case.

Gary

naughtyG · Jun 27, 2012

I would follow the wiring and make sure no wires are naked / shorting anywhere first. Then remove the brake switch and test it with a multimeter making sure it's not damaged.
Trying a bigger fuse is a really bad idea as if there's a short somewhere it'll help in melting the concerned wires' insulation and creating a bigger problem, even a fire hazard!

njwhit · Jun 27, 2012

njwhit · Jun 27, 2012

I hear ya on the fuse. I disconnected it immediately after it turned orange LOL. I did follow the wires and they are for the most part in a wire loom. Didn't see anything that rubbed through. The switch was only 18.00 at the dealer so that's no biggie. Should have it on Monday so we'll see.

Fitz666 · Jun 29, 2012

I have an issues with the electrics on mine where one of the fuses kept blowing, that circuit included the neutral light & rev counter, both of which I can live without.

Then I found out it also inlcuded the brake light, which obvously we cannot live without.

Put it into the bike shop (next to my house and good friends) as I could not find anything wrong.

Head mechanic used to work in a Yahama dealers so found the problem in 20 mins, turns out it was a faulty rear brake light switch that was fusing, he put in a new generic one and it has been perfect ever since, cost next to nothing as well.

Hope you get your Max sorted soon.

njwhit · Jul 7, 2012

Picked up my new switch yesterday from the Yamaha dealer and installed it this morning. All is good now. Was definitely a bad switch. Adjusted it a tad and it works like a champ again.