another ignition switch question

[kingmerle]

I have read alot of post and haven't found one that describes the problem I am having.
when I take the key out and put it back in i can't turn it to on. I have to play with it alot before it works. I am afraid it will not work at all one of these times. Is this common to this machine. Other post I have read describe other issues. I am leaving on a trip to deals gap in three weeks and don't need a break down.

 

[emwolb]

i know that my 08 classic will need to have the steering inline otherwise it'll not want to do much. it may be just the key switch vs the steering lock that's giving you trouble.

 

[HellFire]

If graphite lock lube doesn't solve the problem then you might have a broken tumbler spring or something wrong internally like that. Have you tried your other keys? do they have the same problem? Having a lot of keys on the keyring will wear on the switch too, I keep my car and bike keys separate from my other keys for that reason.

 

[kingmerle]

If graphite lock lube doesn't solve the problem then you might have a broken tumbler spring or something wrong internally like that. Have you tried your other keys? do they have the same problem? Having a lot of keys on the keyring will wear on the switch too, I keep my car and bike keys separate from my other keys for that reason.

the graphite idea occured to me, just seemed to early since I am only 4800 miles in to this thing. I will give it a try for sure.

 

[TheKid]

I tried some graphite, but had no luck. I then used some REM OIL, by Remington. It has Teflon in it. I didn't use much, just a drop. I hope it doesn't ruin the switch. I also used it on the saddle bags.

 

[HellFire]

the graphite idea occured to me, just seemed to early since I am only 4800 miles in to this thing. I will give it a try for sure.

I try not to wash the bike with the key in it, but catch myself doing it anyway. I notice that more water enters the mechanism with the key in it and washes out the lubrication. I've been just dropping a little 3in1 oil W/graphite into it once in awhile when water gets in.

After our trip to Niagara Falls (caught in heavy rain on dirty highways) the key acted funny. I blasted it with WD-40 just to clean out the debris that may have entered with the filthy highway water. The filth on the outside of the bike led me to think some was in the tumblers as well. It was like a fine grey grit.

 

[atomsplitter]

WD-40 is a better solution since it is a lubricant carried by a solvent. Flushing the lock with it will remove any dirt or caked grease and leave behind a film that dries. When I was in college I worked for a lock smith and he went through about a case of WD a week. For guns the teflon stuff is good.

 

[kingmerle]

now I am stuck. took key out to try graphite and I can't turn it at all. I think I need a new switch. Is this something I can change out myself. Here it is middle of summer and bike is stuck in garage

 

[kingmerle]

now I am stuck. took key out to try graphite and I can't turn it at all. I think I need a new switch. Is this something I can change out myself. Here it is middle of summer and bike is stuck in garage

I was ready to order new swich until I found out how much it was. I took the advice of WD40 and it worked. Thanks to all who tried to help. especially those who gave a thumbs up to the WD

 

[HellFire]

Sounds like you may have had the "Road-Grime's" like I did ... could have been a speck of something hard stuck down there. Glad you got a cheap fix out of it.

We did forget to warn you about something.... be ready for it to drip for awhile and be messy. ooops