Stuck Ignition switch

Hi folks, I lubed my ignition switch with graphite dry lubricant, the one for locks Sunday. I was able to lock & unlock the switch fine that day but today it stayed stuck! I tried force, jiggling it with the key in the key hole, moving it around inside but it's stuck on the lock position! I need to get the bike off the street until I can get to the problem. I might have to change the ignition lock all together: that can only means a bunch of $$$ to the local Honda dealer!
Help please!

 

Are you using original Honda key? May be worn, I noticed my copy actually works better.

 

Yes, original key. Eevrything was fine up until I decided to lube the lock with graphite...I guess I should've left it alone! I have a spare, copied using a blank Honda key, by a master locksmith & that worked up until I lubed.

 

You might try a trick that crooks use called a bump key, they can open just about any lock by inserting a blank key and giving it a hard bump. Google it!

Any way, give your key a light tap and see if will loosing up on of the pins, and try a liquid graphite lubricant called "Lock Ease", that might dissolve the powdered graphite.

 

I would try and clean it out with brake clean and wd 40. Switch Back and forth until the fluid that runs out is cleanish. Then see what happens. In automotive we use white lithium grease for locks. Also will help keep out corrosion


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Thank you for all the replies! Contact cleaner is another option? Up to this point, I'll try almost anything! Updates later.

 

Contact cleaner may do the trick, I really think you got a clump of graphite hanging up one of the pins.

 

So I sprayed brake cleaner in the keyhole & out came the black graphite stuff. Then I wiggled the key in the ignition & it unlocked! Many thanks to you folks who helped me out with great advice!
It could be that the PO used "wet" lube inn the key hole & my graphite powder formed a paste that seized the tumblers. Brake cleaner flushed out the gunk. Now should I flush some more & apply lithium grease? I only spray enough of the cleaner to un seize the barrel & move the VFR.
98Viffer & Allyance had it spot on!

 

Awesome glad it worked for you! I'd probably try and clean it a bit more just to assure you don't end up with anymore build up working its way into a jam.


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We should all walk away from this thread with plans to go clean out our locks and switches befor the cold weather comes. Great info guys!

 

Standard routine preventive maintenance for me includes a shot of WD-40 into all lock cylinders every 6 months or so.

 

Standard routine preventive maintenance for me includes a shot of JD everday for good measure...

 

"JD"? Sorry, need to ask

 

I have also had intermittent failures with my contactless key. This week while riding the warning light came on that the key could not be found. Does not appear to be a battery issue. The temporary solution is to hold the key fob under the rear fender on the small round bump. My dealer has apparently had other issues like this and doesn't have the answer.Then i contact to Locksmith and he gave me solution.

 

Jack Daniels - booze to the uninitiated.

 

As far as ignition switches go i`d go for WD-40. I changed a lot of keys and so far graphite works the worst in my Honda (both car and bike). wd40 is my way to go after locksmith gave me an idea bout that

P.S. I know i bumped an old thread and i`m sorry

 

Thanks Jericho, I just got my VFR out of storage about 3 weeks ago. I'm getting around to get her ready for the season, lube, fluids replacing...I used a silicone lube for my ignition switch & seat lock. No problem so far...And since I'm here, I just splurged on a Shorai as a replacement battery...