82 GL1100 Interstate front brake switch issue

[Rodd]

OK, so I have no brake light when I apply the brakes. Doesn't matter whether front or back. Some investigating and a PO replaced the brake lights with a set of LED's. They work as the tail light but not the brake light. :shock: Then I notice that there is another led light wired into the tail light stuck to the bottom of the luggage rack that works as the brake light. :rant: Not impressed. Anyway, the rear brake pedal activates the LED light bar but the front lever does not.

I checked the wires at the front lever. The green wire is connected to the switch but the red wire is just hanging there. Where does it plug in? If I touch the two wires together the Brake LED lights up. I don't see a place to attach the wire.

Also, can anybody suggest a bulb I can pick up from an auto parts store to get the actual brake lights working?

Thanks,

Rod

 

[slabghost]

Restore the wiring to stock in accordance with the wiring diagram. 1157 bulbs in the tail light have the dual elements needed to keep the light on and go bright for braking. Rear signal lights are 1156 single element bulbs.

 

[Rodd]

Yes, I am in the process putting the wiring back to factory. But, I can't figure out where the wire plugs into the front brake lever.....

 

[slabghost]

Should be two tiny push on connectors on the switch just in front of the lever pivot. On my 80 those two wires are green and white with green stripe.

 

[Ansimp]

Sounds like a new switch is required as one of the tabs for the second wire has broken off

 

[slabghost]

Ansimp » Fri Jul 24, 2015 3:47 pm[/url]":1751rtp8]
Sounds like a new switch is required as one of the tabs for the second wire has broken off

Agreed.

 

[chilidawg]

Chances are that it's because it's LED.
Same reason indicators wont work when you change them for LED.
LED needs a resistor to flash, ( and uses much the same power as an incandescent does).
Same thing with your brake light, it flashes on and off too, though you may not notice it.
LED's can't flash on and off without a resistor.

Bottom line:- you ain't scoring nothing over incandescent with LED's, unless they ain't designed to flash (like an instrument light that stays on all the time) and if you fit the resistor they will use just about the same amount of power.

 

[Ansimp]

Leds are perfect in all applications except flashers and only are a problem because the flasher can is load sensitive ( flashes fast when a bulb is blown). I use fixed rate flasher cans with LEDs but at this moment I haven't found replacement Amber bulbs that are bright enough in my opinion.

90

• Steve83
• Mar 30, 2013

Five of the bulbs are led, you can see the one on the left of the Honda brake light is dull

76

• Steve83
• Mar 21, 2013

81

• Steve83
• Mar 21, 2013

 

[zman]

Ansimp » Sat Jul 25, 2015 1:51 am[/url]":12f58doo]
Leds are perfect in all applications except flashers and only are a problem because the flasher can is load sensitive ( flashes fast when a bulb is blown). I use fixed rate flasher cans with LEDs but at this moment I haven't found replacement Amber bulbs that are bright enough in my opinion.

90

• Steve83
• Mar 30, 2013

Five of the bulbs are led, you can see the one on the left of the Honda brake light is dull

76

• Steve83
• Mar 21, 2013

81

• Steve83
• Mar 21, 2013

Best LED I have found are Cree type...Q5 in red is what I used as a brake light bulb but am going to get in amber for the front turn signals..These also have 3 side firing led`s.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/X2-1157-5W-CREE ... 66&vxp=mtr

 

[Ansimp]

They look good Jeff. My LEDs are 2013 vintage and still nice and bright and going strong. Hopefully those Crees are nice and bright in amber. I am quite happy with the incandesant bulbs in the flashers as they don't work often except the front front 5 watt markers so the electrical load is not an issue like my 6 rear stop/ tail bulbs were.