Key won't turn
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 574
Likes: 10
From: Tennessee
Key won't turn
I was on a long trip last year and lost my key and fob (whole nuther story). Stopped in Oklahoma City and had a fob made but they couldn't make the key. So got back closer to home and stopped at a dealer and order two new barrel keys to be sent to my house. I don't hardly ever even lock my forks, I just let the security system arm, but you need a key for the bags.
Got my new keys in and the code was correct. They opened my bags and would fit in the ignition but would not turn the ignition to lock it. I eventually had to put more pressure on it than you should have to in order to turn it but it would never go all the way around. Any ideas on what is going on?
Got my new keys in and the code was correct. They opened my bags and would fit in the ignition but would not turn the ignition to lock it. I eventually had to put more pressure on it than you should have to in order to turn it but it would never go all the way around. Any ideas on what is going on?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,496
Likes: 30,782
From: Pennsylvania
Probably corroded from lack of use, put a little WD-40 in the lock and work the key back and forth along with making sure the lock is in the correct position for locking (pushed down) and the forks in the correct position. You did not state the model of your motorcycle so the ignition lock may be different than on a dresser.
Once you have it working good flush out the lock with some brake cleaner or electrical cleaner and a little compressed air if you have it. Then put some dry silicone lube in there and work it back and forth to get everything moved around.
Once you have it working good flush out the lock with some brake cleaner or electrical cleaner and a little compressed air if you have it. Then put some dry silicone lube in there and work it back and forth to get everything moved around.
Last edited by CoolBreeze3646; Mar 4, 2023 at 01:48 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 3,316
Likes: 2,111
From: Masshole
Don't use WD-40, it gums up, do not use any wet lubes period in locks. If you have, better off with a general purpose solvent to clean the crap out then use dry graphite lube.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Tennessee
What general purpose solvent would you recommend?
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 3,316
Likes: 2,111
From: Masshole
I use Worth Multi Purpose Solvent. It's my "go to". Not as agressive as brake cleaner and doesn't damage paint (tho I still protect it where I can). Leaves no residue.
https://wurthusa.com/Chemical-Produc...z-/p/089093000
https://wurthusa.com/Chemical-Produc...z-/p/089093000
