problems getting the key in the hole

Am I the only one who has the key problem in the ignition, I end up flipping the key around thinking it would be better but no so it takes me at least a minute.The key wold go in but not all the way.

tankyuong wrote:

Am I the only one who has the key problem in the ignition, I end up flipping the key around thinking it would be better but no so it takes me at least a minute.The key wold go in but not all the way.

Use graphite powder to lubricate the lock and the key, then work the power in ... both will slide much easier.

tankyuong wrote:

Am I the only one who has the key problem in the ignition, I end up flipping the key around thinking it would be better but no so it takes me at least a minute.The key wold go in but not all the way.

I had the same problem and did as you did, rotating the key. (That was from new). By new I mean I obtained the bike in September this year, (09), but in fact the bike is a 07 model so in reality it may have sat in storage for two years.

However I have since lubricated the key and worked the key in and out of the key hole several times. Worked for me, not a problem any more.

Same here - just sliding the key in.
I must lubricate it.

My 2004 SW is also touchy about accepting the ignition key. It really wants the key inserted at the right angle and doesn't care which side of the key goes up or down. The glove box and seat lock isn't nearly as particular.

exavid wrote:

My 2004 SW is also touchy about accepting the ignition key. It really wants the key inserted at the right angle and doesn't care which side of the key goes up or down. The glove box and seat lock isn't nearly as particular.

So did you lube it described? I wonder if wd40 works

Hi "Tank",
You can use WD-40 and it will probably work okay but will be much less of a long term fix. Your best bet is to get the graphite powder for locks that honda_silver recommended. The WD-40 will tend to 'collect' dust and dirt wherever it settles in that lock mechanism, whereas the graphite serves more as a cleaner and polisher of all the metals in there. That's not very scientific but I think it's the gist of the matter.

tankyuong wrote:

So did you lube it described? I wonder if wd40 works

WD40 is not a lubricant.

http://www.masterlock.com/general/faqs_careandservice.shtml

6. We suggest that you do not use WD40 on your lock because dust particles may clog the pins when WD40 is sprayed inside the lock.

Way too many jokes come to mind while reading this thread...

DickO wrote:

Hi "Tank",
You can use WD-40 and it will probably work okay but will be much less of a long term fix. Your best bet is to get the graphite powder for locks that honda_silver recommended. The WD-40 will tend to 'collect' dust and dirt wherever it settles in that lock mechanism, whereas the graphite serves more as a cleaner and polisher of all the metals in there. That's not very scientific but I think it's the gist of the matter.

Where can one get graphite lube?

tankyuong wrote:

Where can one get graphite lube?

Automotive parts store will have.

Whenever I park my SWing I always lock the handlebars.

After I came out of the store this morning, the key was hard to slide into the ignition about half-way and would not fit anymore. When I tried to position the handlebars to ease the key ... the handlebars were not locked ... but the key was in the locked position. I have never seen this happen before.

So I had to keep fidgeting with the handlebars till I could get my key to slide the rest of the way ... I was wondering if I was going to be able to free up the ignition. With a little time 1-2 minutes and patience I was finally able to fit the key and move it to the unlocked position.

Since I have the extended Honda warranty, I drove straight to my Honda dealer in Georgetown, Tx. They took my SWing right away into the shop area to check the ignition. They lubricated the ignition and did not find any problems with the ignition .... I did not expect them to ... but I wanted to make sure it was documented. They did document the problem in my history if the problem keeps reoccurring.

I would be curious if this happened to anyone else?

Had a problem with mine, stoped to get gas and when I was ready to leave the key would not go all the way into ignition switch. Could not get graphite or wd40 at the store I was at but they did have rubbing alcohol which I poured about 2 teaspoons in the slot while trying to work the key in and it started working. Next stop was auto parts store where I picked up graphite and lubed the slot.I think that dust settles on top of the switch and gets in when the key is inserted which causes thinks to start sticking.

Quote... Skiwoods "Way too many jokes come to mind while reading this thread... "

Man, I've been fighting the urge to answer this, but?????? Thanks for the lead....

Maybe the Wylie E Coyote's ACME Hair Restorer could work. It worked on that pesky rabbit!

I've had the same trouble from day one of my new '03. Locksmith said this wasn't the usual Honda quality and was a POS.

I used some 180 grit sandpaper to smooth the key's edges and graphite which did help some, but still have to make a conscious effort to make sure and insert the key squarely into the keyway. Doesn't like any offset. Also make sure your key is still straight, any slight bend from pissed off torqueing will add to the problem.

Also the weather cap on the keyway can turn independantly of the keyway itself, which will block the key from entering if the two aren't aligned. This is a defect, but Honda doesn't seem to care. Their attitude seems to be "well you can keep diddling with it and it'll eventually go in."

An $8,000 machine shouldn't need to be "diddled with"

WhitSTer

That sounds like the same problem my SW has but not quite as bad as that. It requires a careful lineup before trying to insert the key. It's not the key itself but the entry into the warding of the lock. Apparently it was manufactured with no lead in at all just square cut at the entry, normally there's a bit of taper to the input side of the wards to help guide the key but mine doesn't have any at all. The other two locks on the bike work quite easily and will allow a little misalignment of the key when inserting it. It really isn't much of a problem, more like a small irritation about every fourth time I put the key in.

I am having problems restraining myself!!!!!!

KurtPerthWA wrote:

I am having problems restraining myself!!!!!!

Yep. Giggling like a high school freshman here...

yep, same problem here and i just bought my 2008 this year in march, i used graphite powder and have not had much trouble since.

tankyuong wrote:

Am I the only one who has the key problem in the ignition, I end up flipping the key around thinking it would be better but no so it takes me at least a minute.The key wold go in but not all the way.

My name is Roberto, I live in Florence, Italy.
I have the same key problem all the time. Is there a solution?

Hello Roberto and welcome!

Solutions?
Only what's in the thread, I fear.

thank you for answering. But on the chat I found somebody putting some graphyte powder in the hole. It may help a bit.

skiwoods wrote:

Way too many jokes come to mind while reading this thread...

In that context a tight fit is preferable.

Ditto the dry graphite suggestions. Don't use anything liquid or it'll just make the problem worse when it attracts dirt.

mickey wrote:

Ditto the dry graphite suggestions. Don't use anything liquid or it'll just make the problem worse when it attracts dirt.

There are problems for and against grease as well as liquids.

Grease can harden in certain conditions making the insertion difficult, in high temps grease can liquify!

There is a key guard that will protect the keyway from ingress of dirt so grease or a liquid lubricant would be preferable to a dry keyway.

I'm not saying a word!