Aggravated: Whats Wrong With My Ignition?

Put key in, try to turn; nothing.

The steering lock is not engaged at this time.

This has been happening on and off for a little while. I put some graphite in there once and it seemed to make things better. Usually a few tries, taking the key out, reinserting and it'll go.

But now it's not moving after fidgeting with it for twenty minutes.

I put more graphite in there, but no luck.

What's the problem? How do I fix it?

[image: View Post]Alien VFR, on Aug 15 2009, 08:02 PM, said:

Put key in, try to turn; nothing.

The steering lock is not engaged at this time.

This has been happening on and off for a little while. I put some graphite in there once and it seemed to make things better. Usually a few tries, taking the key out, reinserting and it'll go.

But now it's not moving after fidgeting with it for twenty minutes.

I put more graphite in there, but no luck.

What's the problem? How do I fix it?

You don't want to use graphite on this type of lock. The ignition is downwards, and has no drain, so put graphite in, add some water, and it doesn't work well. I highly doubt it would cause the lock to freeze, but it's possible it hardened and caused one of the pins to stick in the tumbler.

First of all, is your key bent? Look at it closely, are all of the ridges and valleys the same on both sides? Chances are you just need a new key, and if you don't have a spare, your Honda Dealer can get you one using the VIN number. If that doesn't work you can try spraying WD-40 in there just a little bit at a time. Try turning it while pulling it out slightly. If that doesn't work, you may have to take the ignition out and either fix it or get a new one. If your dealer can't fix it perhaps a locksmith can.

Oh, here's another test, does the key work in the seat latch? The fuel tank?

After buying my VFR, my first question was "do they all have such fiddly ignition switches?"


Mt key is just slightly bent and sometimes I gotta play with it to make it groovy.

As posted above, have the local dealer cut a new key. If it's still a little sticky, try the WD-40. If that doesn't work replace the ignition lock - it's worn out.

If you have to go the new key route. Try calling around to local locksmiths. I found one in my local area that all he needed was the number off of the ignition switch and he could make me a key. Total cost $12 for two keys. The worst part is the number is on the side of the ignition that is up against the frame. So you will have to take the isnition switch out to get the number. The stealer had quoted me $56 for one key. I'm cheap and decided to go the cheap route. This solved the same problem for me. Hope this helps.

When I got my bike '08, the key was a royal-pain. So I did what I've seen key cutter tech's do. Smooth it down with a bench grinder wire wheel Lightly..... works smooth as silk..... I've been doing that to all my keys for years......

i only use wd40 in the ignition as occasional maintenance, id try that

Then next step is replacement being electrical contacts need to be solid in that area

Mine is also a little finicky. I believe my key is just a little bent. Seems to be made out of aluminium.

Why, back in the day, 19 and 80 if I recall, when I'd cut a new key, I'd drag each edge of the sumbitch on a concrete wall, just to smooth things up a touch, awwwhuh..... :schla15:

Fast forward to today: Last time my ignition siezed up, WD-WD-WD and more WD.
After it dried up, dry graphite spray and kept working the key back and forth until it was smooth as buttah...... ya, dat's it. :491:
Works as good as Marlin Brando and dat goil in 'Last Tango in Paris' :comp13: :wub:

mine is like that
+1 no graphite
lots of wd-40 to fix it