Brake light always on - 1979 GS850

[Steve]

No, the next thing is to check the source.

Use your new handy-dandy test light to check the fuses. Looking at a wiring diagram for your bike, it appears that there are four fuses in the block. One will have power even when the key is OFF, that is your MAIN fuse. The one next to it will be the LIGHTS fuse, then the SIGNALS fuse, then the IGNITION fuse. Turn the key ON, check both sides of each fuse to make sure there is power.

With your brake light not working and your turn signals not working, there is a possibility that your horn does not work, either, and all of them are powered by the SIGNALS fuse.

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[natejelovich]

No, the next thing is to check the source.

Use your new handy-dandy test light to check the fuses. Looking at a wiring diagram for your bike, it appears that there are four fuses in the block. One will have power even when the key is OFF, that is your MAIN fuse. The one next to it will be the LIGHTS fuse, then the SIGNALS fuse, then the IGNITION fuse. Turn the key ON, check both sides of each fuse to make sure there is power.

With your brake light not working and your turn signals not working, there is a possibility that your horn does not work, either, and all of them are powered by the SIGNALS fuse.

.

Yes, horn hasn't worked for quite some time actually...

But, I just tested the fuses and all of them lit up, both sides, except for the third one down labeled signal... only one side lit up, the other did not.

So, replace the fuse and see if we're good??

[Steve]

Yes, horn hasn't worked for quite some time actually...

But, I just tested the fuses and all of them lit up, both sides, except for the third one down labeled signal... only one side lit up, the other did not.

So, replace the fuse and see if we're good??

Sounds good to me.

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[mrbill5491]

Since your bike is a 79, chances are the fuse block is original? I had to install a new one on my bike about mmmm 12 years ago. 3 of the fuse connections had gotten so loose they would not make contact at times when riding. You can imagine the problems that caused. Found it by using that handy dandy lite circuit tester.

[natejelovich]

Since your bike is a 79, chances are the fuse block is original? I had to install a new one on my bike about mmmm 12 years ago. 3 of the fuse connections had gotten so loose they would not make contact at times when riding. You can imagine the problems that caused. Found it by using that handy dandy lite circuit tester.

Good to know! I think it is original. The clips seem to be in good shape (holding the fuses very tightly) but will check the back as well if the fuse replacement doesn't solve the problem.

Thanks Steve, Cowyboyup, and Mr. Bill for all your help!! Will keep you posted on how the fuse replacement goes.

[natejelovich]

Well, well...

After all your guys' help, I can say that changing out the fuse fixed the problem!

THANK YOU!!

So, for now, all is good and I think it's ready to ride again (had to fix the front brakes - whole other issue in another thread) and then this, so it's been out of commission for awhile.

Now I just gotta wait for the rain to quit!

Thanks again Steve and everyone else

[Steve]

All it usually takes is the proper tools and a systematic approach.

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[mrbill5491]

It was our pleasure