I have replaced the brake light switch and it continues to stay on. Seems it's the master cyclinder not pushing it back.? What can I do to fix this, besides get new hand controls or bypass(take it out) the brake light switch. Thanx for your replies...

 

Is the little spring clip that goes behind the switch missing?

 

+1....Check to make sure the clip is installed properly....Also did you change the bars recently? You might have a short in the wiring for the switch causing the problem....

 

The spring is still there and no I haven't changed bars or grips recently when this started. It's like the plunger for the brake cyclinder in not pushing the lever back enough to contact the switch. I can push the lever forward a hair and it works.

 

If I remember right the switch is pressed when the brake is not engaged. When you squeeze the brake the switch is released and the circuit is closed turning on the brake lights. I had this issues when I did my first bar swap and it's because I missed the button. Once it was lined up with the little edge on the inside of the lever and pressed the switch down it worked fine.

 

So nobody thinks it has to do with the master cyclinder? It's just some lil bullshit adjustment?
Probably just get all new hand controls and stop dealing with this stock crap anyway...
Thanx

 

Something that I've found to work real well is to attach a small piece of 3M foam tape to the tab on the brake handle that contacts the brake light switch.

The problem usually arises from changing out the brake and clutch handles. Theres a minor difference between early and late model tabs on the handle, and what you have is one of the symptoms that you might have the wrong controls. I almost always first see this as a flickering brake light while riding, but every once in a while it stays on, just like yours. I did however, run across one recently where the brake light switch was junk, and had to be changed out.

 

Also, if you are missing the clip, #6 in the photo, just fold up a matchbook cover and stick it in there

 

Tape!? Ghetto style huh. lol

I got it figured out. Took it all apart and lubed the master cylinder plunger valve(name?) which was covered in dust/dirt. Seems to work good now. Could've been the controls had moved a little from the mirror/lever mount. Either way, she's workin!

 

2011 FXDWG, My front brakes failed completely. Flush and refilled with dot5, brakes returned to normal but sometimes the brake light stays on. It seems like the lever is not returning to the fully open position. I can push it forward about 1/8" and light goes off. Spring maybe? Dirty? I'll pull the lever and see what's up. Any other ideas will help.