Front Brake Switch

[moe]

Help, I just rebuilt my 1981 1100 Goldwing but my front brake switch isn't working. The rear brake light comes on when I press the rear brake pedal but when I squeeze my front brake handle nothing. I tried jumping the wires to see if it was the brake switch and jumping wire doesn't do anything also. I pulled the fairing and checked wires at the connection and everything there looked ok, Does anyone have any suggestions to help me with this problem.

 

[Winger 82]

Did you take the brake switch apart at the brake handle, they get dirty in there , had the same problem myself after a good cleaning it worked like new :hi:

 

[Wildwing]

+1 remove the switch (1 screw) split the casing and clean the posts. Easy job.

brake switch 003

• Wildwing
• Aug 4, 2013

brake switch 002

• Wildwing
• Aug 4, 2013

 

[Steve83]

Both brake switches get power from the turn signal fuse. The white/green wire at the front switch should show battery voltage with ignition on, and the green/yellow wire should have continuity with the stop light socket. The rear works, so the ground is good. The white/green wire also feeds the horns and the turn signal flasher, so if they work, the fuse is good.

There is a schematic in the manual, which is in the gallery.

 

[NCScooter]

Steve83 » Sun Aug 04, 2013 11:38 pm[/url]":kxnkiosq]
Both brake switches get power from the turn signal fuse. The white/green wire at the front switch should show battery voltage with ignition on, and the green/yellow wire should have continuity with the stop light socket. The rear works, so the ground is good. The white/green wire also feeds the horns and the turn signal flasher, so if they work, the fuse is good.

There is a schematic in the manual, which is in the gallery.

I had stared at the diagram for my 77 gl1000 with the turn signal/brake problem and did not see this commonality. Thank you! ! !

 

[jpwinger]

I'm having the same problem with my 80. The switch is different, it is round. Horn works fine.I have a spare but I think it's bad too. I have continuity when button is out and in. Dosen't look like I could split a part??? Parts and more have one at a descent price.Shipping is about as much as switch!!!! Anyone try to take that style a part to clean. Jerry

 

[Steve83]

The '80 & '81 used the round switch, while the '82 & '83 used the flat type. Not sure if the round ones will open up, I don't think so. Try some electronic cleaning spray, or dip it in alcohol, or...???

 

[moe]

I have the flat switch, took switch apart and cleaned with no success. All other connection on the handle bar holder works, Ignition, horn, T/S and etc. I tested the white and green wire and voltage was around .5 and the other wire was around .1 which would indicate to me bad wiring or something else. Took fairing apart and took the wiring harness that plugs into the handlebar control apart and sprayed with electrical cleaner and still no luck.

 

[jpwinger]

I tryed brake parts cleaner on my spare switch no electronic cleaner on hand. Still tests bad. I'll try soaking in alcohol. Thanks Jerry

 

[moe]

Ok here is the update, I just purchased a new brake switch installed it and still no brake lights from the front brake lever. I used a piece of wire to jump the two wires going to the brake switch and still no brake lights. So this would indicate a wiring issue between the handlebars and the headlight wiring harness. My next option would be to take the fairing off to expose wiring harness to start troubleshooting wiring. Since the brake lights work with the rear pedal I will use both the front and rear together until riding season is over before working on bike.

 

[Steve83]

Yup! That white/green wire should have full battery voltage. You can apply 12 volts to the green/yellow wire, and the stop light should light. It all comes together behind the inertia weight or the headlight bucket, depending on which fairing you have.

 

[moe]

I have the inertia weight, but the red connector is what the green/white and yellow and green wires plug into and I pulled that connector apart sprayed with contact cleaner and those two wires still have no voltage. All the other wires in that plug have voltage. Not sure if I have to follow those wires all the way to the beginning and rewire or what. Any suggestions.

 

[Steve83]

The green/yellow wire will only have voltage when the rear brake pedal is depressed with the ignition on. The white/green wire is connected to the turn signal fuse, via several splices, and should have full power with ignition on. Check the harness where it passes through the steering head. Years of constant bending can destroy some of the wires there. Tracing wires is such fun!!!

Here's a nice big schematic for ya! Click on it for the full-size image...

80-82 GL1100I Schematic

• Steve83
• Aug 6, 2013

 

[joedrum]

what a nightmare ...stay tough