Front Brake Light Switch Doesn't Work

David P

David P

Joined
Oct 4, 2007
Messages
6
Location
Tampa, FL
Bike
ST1300
When I activate the handlebar brake, my brake lights do not come on. When I push the foot brake pedal, everything works fine. I checked switch continuity: infinity in either state (pressed, not pressed). I tried to order it, but cannot find the handlebar brake switch part number in the Honda parts diagrams. Does anyone know how/where to order another switch, or know a replacement source? Thanks, DP

Also, where did all the old threads go? I'm missing a significant number of my posts. I didn't realize how much I relied on tribal knowledge...
 
David P said:
When I activate the handlebar brake, my brake lights do not come on. When I push the foot brake pedal, everything works fine. I checked switch continuity: infinity in either state (pressed, not pressed). I tried to order it, but cannot find the handlebar brake switch part number in the Honda parts diagrams. Does anyone know how/where to order another switch, or know a replacement source? Thanks, DP

Also, where did all the old threads go? I'm missing a significant number of my posts. I didn't realize how much I relied on tribal knowledge...
Click to expand...
The site suffered a big crash a couple of months ago and there was a lot of data loss as a result.

SWITCH ASSY., FR. STOP, P/N 35340-MM5-600​

You didn't state what year your ST1300 is. The above is for a 2009. My guess is that they are the same for all model years but you need to check for your model year. You can find it in the listing with the parts for the front brake master cylinder.
 
Do you have an aftermarket lever? May not be actuating the switch. Can you hear the click when you pull the lever in? If not you may just need to blast contact cleaner into the old switch while working it in/out to clean off some dirt. I'd put a small bet that nearly every brake light switch on every Honda from the 90's onwards uses the same switch.
 
Aha! I should have looked in the front brake master cylinder. I was looking in the handlebar area. I have a 2010 ST1300 with a standard lever. I tried the contact cleaner routine, but no luck. For $20 I can buy a new switch and not have to worry that my brake lights aren't on.

Many thanks for the help! DP
 
Good call. Mine stopped working a few years back. I just replaced it. Simple swap out, single screw, 2 connectors. Hardest part was getting the boots back into position.

I took the old one apart and tackled the puzzle of fixing it. It was a very delicate balancing act getting the parts in the correct position, with an over-centre spring. Not worth the time and effort required, and I never found out why it failed. I still have it as an emergency repair item, but never needed it.
 
About s year ago, my OE front brake light switch gave up, and being a cheap/frugal type, I ordered an after market switch. It lasted about a year, just failed.

Lesson learned.....
 
jfheath said:
I took the old one apart and tackled the puzzle of fixing it. It was a very delicate balancing act getting the parts in the correct position, with an over-centre spring. Not worth the time and effort required, and I never found out why it failed. I still have it as an emergency repair item, but never needed it.
Click to expand...
Had a similar incident with ze GF's old Kawa ER-5, darn switch failed right during a tour...
Managed to take it apart, no visible issue, so I scraped the contact pads clean, put back together, worked... (a Leatherman Wave can come handy)
Still decided to replace it upon arrival back home... they're consumables, like bulbs or brake pads...
 
The consequences of not having a brake light come on could be disastrous. Every stop I have to make sure I'm activating the rear brake. The new part is on its way.

Other handlebar electrical problems: a very touchy and easily activated engine kill switch. The slightest touch will stop the engine, or prevent it from starting. I opened up the housing and sprayed everything with contact cleaner, but the same logic applies: its too important and too easy not to replace.

And another: my clutch switch hasn't worked for years. I have to be in neutral to start the engine; when in gear I just can't hold the clutch in. Contact cleaner worked for a while, but the problem came back.

The bike is my commute; I imagine that 16 years of weather exposure in Florida has had an impact.
 
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