Ignition Key Issue

Andy Bridger

Andy Bridger

Joined
Feb 6, 2021
Messages
6
Age
70
Location
Georgia
Sorry for what must be a repeat question but search won’t let me use ‘Key’ as a search criteria as it’s says it’s ’too Short’. Got an issue with my 2004 ST1300, was fine when I parked up a couple of days ago, nice and sunny here in Georgia today so thought I’d go out for an hour or so, got on bike and key won’t turn in ignition. Have tried all the normal ‘wiggling’, graphite lubricant etc… etc… but no joy, stil won’t turn. Any other random good ideas I could try???
 
Strictly guessing here, but do you have a spare key? Try a different key as your main one might just be worn out and the ridges/teeth of the key are too worn to work now.

Also, is the ignition in the lock position? Could try pushing/turning the handle bars to relieve pressure on the lock tab.
 
Mellow said:
Welcome to the site, when using a search of something that's 3 characters, add an asterisk.

key*

Sometimes the key can be tricky... you might need to get a new one cut or lift it up a little, or push down a little to get it to contact.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice
 
Nightmare said:
Strictly guessing here, but do you have a spare key? Try a different key as your main one might just be worn out and the ridges/teeth of the key are too worn to work now.

Also, is the ignition in the lock position? Could try pushing/turning the handle bars to relieve pressure on the lock tab.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the response, Tried the spare, same issue. Ignition locks not on.
 
On my recently acquired VFR1200, the original key is a bit worn and I have to push it down a bit (as if you were going to lock the steering) before it will turn the ignition on. I have a new key that was copied off the old and it has no such problems, the key experts pointed out that the tip of my old key is worn.
 
Thanks Terry, tried that, (I have 3 keys for this bike), still no joy. I suspect a new ignition switch is in my future……
 
Andy Bridger said:
Thanks Terry, tried that, (I have 3 keys for this bike), still no joy. I suspect a new ignition switch is in my future……
Click to expand...
I had this problem with my second ST1300 when it was about 12 months old. I had stopped for fuel and couldn't get the ignition to turn on. I too, had three ketys with me, tried them all, no joy. I called Honda Assist and they said they would get someone out to me. I continued to wiggle the keys and discovered I could lock the steering. OOPs! I thought, now the steering is locked I am really going to have trouble moving the bike about. I continued to do the key wiggle and, suddenly, the key moved in the lock and it was back to normal service. Had the bike for another 6 years and never had a repeat of the problem! So, sorry for no definite advice but if you keep trying............................................
 
J.Murphy said:
I had this problem with my second ST1300 when it was about 12 months old. I had stopped for fuel and couldn't get the ignition to turn on. I too, had three ketys with me, tried them all, no joy. I called Honda Assist and they said they would get someone out to me. I continued to wiggle the keys and discovered I could lock the steering. OOPs! I thought, now the steering is locked I am really going to have trouble moving the bike about. I continued to do the key wiggle and, suddenly, the key moved in the lock and it was back to normal service. Had the bike for another 6 years and never had a repeat of the problem! So, sorry for no definite advice but if you keep trying............................................
Click to expand...

Thanks J, I’ll give it a try, mine’s sat in the garage at the moment so I suppose it won’t really matter if the steering locks, I’ll just be a bit differently screwed.
 
J.Murphy said:
I had this problem with my second ST1300 when it was about 12 months old. I had stopped for fuel and couldn't get the ignition to turn on.
Click to expand...
LOL! ;)
Had a very similar incident just a couple of weeks ago while/after working on my '00 ST1100 in the shed...
Put the key in, rode it out on the street to park it there (needed the space in the shed)...
Later in the evening (dark, cold & dew everywhere) I wanted to ride home, inserted the key, noticing a slight resistance that normally isn't there... and: wouldn't turn... :confused:
Walked back into the shed, grabbed a can of gas duster and some silicone spray, blew the barrel clear, one drop of silicone spray -> key in, smooth as ever...
My theory is that dew (and possible dust/pollen/etc) had accumulated on the flap/retracting cover of the lock, and got forced down with the key...
So while already at it I treated all locks around the bike the same way, to be prepared for the cold season...

(arguments about graphite or silicone oil being better for the barrels & wafers in: 3... 2... 1... GO! ... ;))
 
Sadlsor said:
Gas duster?
Click to expand...
12 pack, Amazon...

51lnStfYN7L._AC_SL1500_.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom