Ignition switch

I have had this happen to me twice not able to get key in ignition switch so I'm thinking new ignition switch. I have tried WD 40 worked for a spell.

Sometimes on my 08 SWing the key gets fussy and doesn't want to go in easy. I have to wiggle it a bit to get it to line up, so to speak. then it goes in nicely. Other than that I haven't had any problems or trouble with it. And a shot of WD-40 now and then doesn't hurt either. Then I run the key in and out several times to "spread" the WD-40 on the pins in the lock.

Dale N. wrote:

Sometimes on my 08 SWing the key gets fussy and doesn't want to go in easy. I have to wiggle it a bit to get it to line up, so to speak. then it goes in nicely. Other than that I haven't had any problems or trouble with it. And a shot of WD-40 now and then doesn't hurt either. Then I run the key in and out several times to "spread" the WD-40 on the pins in the lock.

Thanks Dale N I will try that

Don’t use WD-40 in the lock. Go to the hardware store and get a small tube of lock graphite and use that. Graphite will lube the lock pins and tumbler. WD-40 may clean some crud from the lock but also dry out the pins and tumbler causing them to bind.

WD 40 worked fine for me

It seems to be a Honda thing, both Scootie and the CBF1000 often need a bit of jiggery to get the key to line up. Be careful what you squirt into locks though as it can cause problems, I usually use a tiny bit of light oil.

As Tim says ^^ dry grapite lubricant is best for the job, even comes in a puffer bottle with a pointed tip to hold the cover plate open ...



Or as the lock is horizontal, you could scrape the 'lead' (which is actually graphite) from a pencil onto a piece of paper, then holding the lock cover open with a small screwdriver (or similar) tip the dust into the lock

Here Honda, I think some of the problem with Honda and many other bikes-----the ignition switches are not waterproof----my out look on bikes is different than most, I seldom keep one over 50,000 miles and do not buy used----my interest is having it work when I own it---I hate walking.

I didn't know that about WD-40 Tim. Thanks. I'll get some graphite and give that a try.

Cosmic_Jumper wrote:

Don’t use WD-40 in the lock. Go to the hardware store and get a small tube of lock graphite and use that. Graphite will lube the lock pins and tumbler. WD-40 may clean some crud from the lock but also dry out the pins and tumbler causing them to bind.

Thanks Cosmic_Jumper I will try it an see if it helps

[quote="kupid"]

Cosmic_Jumper wrote:

Don’t use WD-40 in the lock. Go to the hardware store and get a small tube of lock graphite and use that. Graphite will lube the lock pins and tumbler. WD-40 may clean some crud from the lock but also dry out the pins and tumbler causing them to bind.

Thanks Cosmic_Jumper I used the graphite and it worked

WD40 is alright for helping release frozen parts, but if you don't follow up with some real lubrication then you will soon have more problems.

I've seen it turn into a glue-like substance in door locks.