Electric issue: Corrosion in brake light connector?

[mukaiboston]

Hi guys,

I searched on here for brake light issues but didn't find anyone with my specific issue. About a week ago during my pre-ride inspection, I noticed my brake light doesn't fully light when the brakes are applied. All other lights (high beams, dash, blinkers) work fine. The taillight is always on. Only when the brake is applied, the brake light does not light up all the way EXCEPT for two seconds after the electric starter is used. Then it dims.

I think that rules out battery problems or LED light failure. I took it to the mechanic on Thursday and he detached the brake light electric connector (behind the rear panel it is a three-pronged plug incased in plastic). He said the terminals looked corroded so he used electric cleaner and scraped the debris out with a flat head screwdriver.

That seemed to fix the problem. Yesterday, we had a massive thunderstorm. Today, the problem returned maybe due to the weather. I sprayed electric cleaner and tried to scrap it out but wasn't able to fix the problem. The RadioShack guy said to spray the metal contacts and set it sit overnight while the solution lifts the corrosion off.

Has anyone had a problem like this before and do you think I am doing the right thing?

[tortoise]

Sometimes a wire will break at the connector crimp inside the insulation . . so the actual connector may not be deficient. Might try flexing the wires into the connector slightly. Also research dielectric grease . . example. One resource is Ace Hardware plumbing department.

[mukaiboston]

Thanks for the tip. I let the bike sit overnight but they brake light is still not coming on all the way. I will call my mechanic tomorrow.

[mukaiboston]

Found someone who might have had a similar issue:
http://www.vtxoa.com/forums/showthread. ... ht-too-dim