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- Electrics & Lighting ( https://www.xt660.com/forumdisplay.php?f=199)

- - Ignition switch ( https://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=20286)

Small issue, no big deal, but wondering if anyone else had this ...

The ignition switch on my XTR (2006) can be very hard to turn. Specifically, once you get the right spot it turns easily enough, but finding the right spot is difficult. I have to put the key in all the way, and then slowly withdraw it, trying it all the time, until I get to the point where it will turn. Sometimes I have to go through this 2-3 times before I can get the bike switched on.

The reason I am asking this here is that I have never had this problem with any other bike - except my old 2004 XTR, which was exactly the same. I was wondering if this was a widespread issue, or if it's just me :)

Once the key is in the right position, it turns sweetly, so I don't think it's a lubrication or dirt issue. It seems as if the key should have a 'stop' on it to ensure it is correctly located in the lock, but this is wrong or missing (not a lock expert, guessing here). I was cursing it tonight - late for work - and then suddenly remembered that my last XTR had the same 'feature'.

Anyone else had this?

Hi Black dog, ive just got a R & i have the same issue, ive put loads of lube down it but no joy

This issue was common on 2004 to 2006 models.

Ah, not just me then :) As I said above, it's no biggie, but it would be good to find a way to make starting the bike easier. It's a bit of a fiddle at the moment. When I get some free time I am going to go into it a bit more. If I find anything useful, I will post it here.

Kev, thanks for the update. I assume no easy fix, then?

I'm going to give it a good flush out with contact cleaner, just in case there is any muck in there, and then see what I can do. It might just be that I haven't rediscovered the knack yet.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black Dog (Post 184212)

As many have said it is an issue with the barrel in models from 2004 to 2006, mine was changed under warranty, and they had to reprogram the red key and black keys to the ECU and changed both ignition barrel and seat lock barrel. Have a word with your local dealer.

Hmm, sounds like a lot of hassle for what is, for me, a fairly minor issue. Guess I will learn to live with it. Thanks for the information, anyway.

Glad to know it wasn't just me being cack-handed!

Got a xtx same year same problem, have took mine apart lubed it and played with it. Have found with mine if you put the key all way in and put a little pressure to the opposite way as to what part ot the ignition part you want. I.e to turn on at 11 o'clock put pressure on to 5 o'clock. This works fine for me for now :-\
Sent by me.. Off me..

Graphite powder is the stuff - May not cure an old lock, but it'll help a lot.

http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/13083...ype=pla&crdt=0

Avoid WD, ACF and liquid lubes if at all possible in ignition barrels as they'll ultimate attract grit and general cack which makes a pretty effective grinding paste.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pleiades (Post 184253)

+1 on dry graphite type lube....
Also, I had an XJ6 as a loan bike a while back. Key/barrel looked the same as XT, & was a complete pain to unlock petrol tank. It looked like it was down to corrosion.
I had a similar problem with my car key, but not with spare. I wire brushed & used emery paper on sharp feeling parts of key. Worked better afterwards.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dadiodw (Post 184247)

Have found with mine if you put the key all way in and put a little pressure to the opposite way as to what part ot the ignition part you want. I.e to turn on at 11 o'clock put pressure on to 5 o'clock.

Thanks, will give that a try.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pleiades (Post 184253)

Graphite powder is the stuff.

I'd agree with that, although it isn't easy stuff to find. I like contact cleaner to flush out the old oil and muck (evaporates to nothing) and then graphite powder or, at a pinch, WD-40. The advantage of WD-40 is that it is light, so you can easily wash it out and start again if it starts to get sticky. I've also had good results from a drip (no more) of 3-in-1 oil applied to the key rather than the lock, and worked in. I also have some silicon spray which has worked wonders on some very nasty locks at work, so I might try that. It dries 'dry', as it were, so no danger of the grinding paste thing.

But, as I said above, this isn't a sticky lock full of grease and dirt. It's the mechanism itself. It's just very hard to get the key into the right position to turn it. Once you are there, it's fine. Day off tomorrow, will get experimenting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mash101 (Post 184254)

I had a similar problem with my car key, but not with spare. I wire brushed & used emery paper on sharp feeling parts of key. Worked better afterwards.....

I'll have a look at the key too, thanks.