The Hodaka Club Forum

Hi guys, long time since I've used the forum for help. Hoping to get some direction on the Ace 100B. The rear tailight works, as in it lights up when running but does nothing when applying rear brake. The switch works, meaning I have continuity between the two poles when pulling on the switch. Any help would be appreciated.

Shaun

How do you know the switch works? When you pull it manually, then the brake light lights up? Or are you saying the switch can be pulled & therefore it’s functional? Being able to manipulate the switch doesn’t necessarily mean the switch is good. Tell us more… Victor

Victor, as I mentioned, when I pull on the spring loaded switch, I used my meter to test for continuity between the two leads coming off of it. When I pull it the two make contact. If that's how it supposed to work.

Shaun

Get a volt meter, and make sure it works. Fasten the negative lead to the frame, or battery negative terminal.
Turn on the key, and see if you get a volt reading on either side of the rear brake switch, using the positive meter lead.
No, check the wiring between the key switch and the brake switch.
Yes, apply the brake and see if you get voltage at the terminal on the other side of the brake switch.
No, the switch is bad.
Yes, take the bulb out of the socket of the tail light, and see if one of the terminals in the socket has voltage, with the switch closed. (Brake applied)
No, check the wire between the brake switch and the tail light socket for continuity or short circuit from bare wire.
Yes, check the brake filament of the bulb.
Same procedure for the front brake switch.

CZ

Are you getting electricity to the switch and is there electricity at the taillight from the switch? I think the taillight has a bulb with two filaments one for taillight and one for brake light. --------------- Clarence

Hey guys, thanks for all the help. Ended up being the bulb. It looked good, but when I flipped it around the brake light worked but taillight didn't. New bulb should do the trick. Thanks again.

Sometimes its the simple things!!!

Dirty, I know right. I still think the switch wasn't working right prior to that on the rear brake because I had no continuity between the leads when I pulled on it. I drilled out the rivets and took it apart. Cleaned up the corrosion on the inside and it seemed to fix that problem but obviously wasn't going to help the bad bulb. Lol. Just glad it's working the way it should now.