Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech ignition key problem

All of a sudden my key won't work .ie.; no turning, I can put it in all the but it won't turn. any suggestions ideas would be appreciated...thanks

First thing to try is load up the lock with graphite lube and work it in by running the key in and out.

Try Silicone spray, not quite as messy as graphite.

I tried silicone spray and no luck... I've read on some "troubleshooting" sites where people have actually tapped inside the lock using a small flat screwdriver but am not crazy about possibly making it worse.. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

if all else fails...How difficult is it to remove and replace without having it taken to a dealer?

easy did it few weeks ago.... manual says remove battery tray but I did it with tray on bike just removed rear mudguard for better (not easy anyway)acces bolts are from behind of ignition cylinder

part number T 2500803

thanks ...when you say mudguard do you mean fender?? With the battery out, would I not be better off to go at it through this way or would I need special reaching tools????Thanks for your help>>>
Where did you order the part from?

Im sure its easier if you can get batery try out but bolts on mine seized ,mudguard = fender, I had part from my local dealer but had to wait 5 weeks...imagine factory is just down the road

My bike is parked outside under it's cover in the rain...So I'll prepare myself for when the rain stops to try and get the starter piece out. I notice two screws coming through from the back. I would guess that these are two I have to get at to get the assembly out. Is there a wiring harness that it all plugs into? I'm hoping to get it off and take it to a locksmith and have them fix it or re-key it. Do you think I'll be able to get at these with a ratchet from the battery area? I live in Nova Scotia and don't want to be waiting 5 weeks for a replacement part. your help is appreciated. Thanks

harness is under seat biggest connector 6 wires, to remove ignition you need allen key

So the seat comes off as well? yes/no?

have to take seat off and small cover to disconnect ignition from main harness...took me about half an hour to change mineignition switch with removing rear fender

Good news!!!
After all that stress, loaded up the slot with silicone spray....and nothing happened....Read a couple of notes from various sites where people put the key in and tapped it a few times....now it's ok...don't want to take it for granted that it's perfect so will spray it on occasion to keep it in check.....thanks again for you help...Hopefully I won't have to replace it later....thanks again...

no problem and by the way its really pricey bit

Now the update....I was able to get the key to turn to position and start the bike..My notion that by spraying lube and tapping was short lived, as it didn't stay freed up. I couldn't count on it always turning so I called a (mobile) locksmith. He comes to the house, takes the ignition out, takes it to his truck, installs new springs in the tumbler, and re-installs it back in the bike. The cost of the service call was $45.00 (cdn)and $40.00 for the labor. Anyway...for future reference, to get you moving when the key won't turn, spray it with silicone, inset the key,and tap the key a few times. This will get you going until it's repaired properly.