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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 08:49 PM
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Default front brake level
Every time I release my front brake the light stays on until I push the level forward, any advise? Thank you.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 08:51 PM
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Off the top of my head, sounds like the switch in the lever is bad.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 08:57 PM
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I agree. Usually happens when removing the lever to change levers, grips, or bars and forgetting to shim the lever with cardboard.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 09:01 PM
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theres a little brass wedge that holds the switch in place, inside the switch housing cover. not that uncommon for one to get out of place. especally if you've been inside of the housing for any reason, or changed levers. steve
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 09:10 PM
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Thanks very much for your help, so that means i need to install a new front brake switch?
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 09:44 PM
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Sounds like a spring or adjust the cable a tad.
 
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Old Jan 9, 2011 | 09:50 PM
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Thank you very much.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 05:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Joanrava
Thanks very much for your help, so that means i need to install a new front brake switch?
If it is the switch I know of no fix for it other than replacement.

I say if it's the switch because the fact that you're able to push your lever forward more (it should return all the way by itself) indicates to me that there could be a return spring issue. I'm not sure but I believe that requires a repair kit and bleeding the brakes.

I can't see it being more than a $200 job at the dealer but I could be wrong.

I'd give the thread some more air time and see what other suggestions you receive.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 07:35 AM
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Originally Posted by snip0721
theres a little brass wedge that holds the switch in place, inside the switch housing cover. not that uncommon for one to get out of place. especally if you've been inside of the housing for any reason, or changed levers. steve

That's my vote...if the switch itself was bad, pushing the lever forward would make no difference.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2011 | 08:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Tom84FXST
That's my vote...if the switch itself was bad, pushing the lever forward would make no difference.
In my experience it is not unusual for plunger type switches to fail in that manner.

But as I stated, based on the fact that the op indicates there is play in the lever, I'm leaning more toward it being a problem with the spring in the master cylinder plunger which is preventing the lever from depressing the switch all the way. Perhaps even a sign the master cylinder is failing. I've never encountered this issue so just throwing out ideas.
 
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