brake light not working

[corkey]

I have a 1996 kodiak 400 and the only time my tail light is working is when my lights are on. I have replaced the bulb and still no brake light or running light comes on without the head light being on. It does not come on when I use the foot brake or hand brake either. any ideas out there as to what my problem might be? Thx for the help!!! corkey

[dakotademon7]

I would check the wires going to the brake switch. Are you using the correct bulb.?

[Cyngen]

Suggest double checking the ground as well.

[corkey]

well I replaced the bulb that was in it with one just like it, maybe the people I bought it from had the wrong bulb in it. what is the correct bulb to use if I may ask? Like I say not even a running light is on. It is supposed to be on at all times isn't it?

[PecosBill]

I bet if you look, there is only one contact in the tail light. I don't believe Yamaha put brake lights on that model. In fact I think it was after 2002 that they added the brake light to any models.

[CRAZYKIWI]

Does it have 2 wires as above??

[corkey]

what about a running light? should it have one that is on all the time?

[CRAZYKIWI]

Not usually. you can fit a brake light for a few extra dollars if you have people following you a lot for safety.