HOT ignition key

[Easy Rider]

'17 RT Limited.

No heat related issues I've noticed yet.....EXCEPT when I take the key out of the ignition switch, it is very HOT.
Nothing else in the dashboard area is hot, just the ignition switch housing and the key.

If this has been mentioned before I missed it.

 

[Chupaca]

Well...

Much has been said about the heatin that area. Heat rises and can pocket there if no outlet or movement. But if that is the only heat you are finding your doing great. This will be mostly while standing still or heavy traffic....:thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

are you sure that it's just not warm from soaking up the Sunlight? :dontknow:
Ride it to your Dealer, and let him get from blisters from it! :shocked:
He'll be able to find a cure for it after that!
Good luck! :thumbup:

 

[Easy Rider]

are you sure that it's just not warm from soaking up the Sunlight? :dontknow:

Sunlight could be a factor but the rest of the dash is BLACK, including the bars and those areas don't get nearly as hot.
Neither does the glove box, which others have mentioned.

There are no blisters involved here but the key gets hot enough that I don't really want to put it into my pocket until it cools down a bit.

 

[MercerLake]

Hot?? Key!!

Never have heard of anyone having this problem and it may well be a problem, I would go to your dealer and have it checked as it is not a normal event. Possible problem with the ignition switch itself or with the DESS unit, normally the DESS only activates the Key when it is first inserted, but if the RF unit continues to drive the antenna/coil it could become "hot" and heat the key. Possibly causing a failure of the key. How long does it take for the key to become hot? Just mu $.02! Have it checked so if it fails later you have started the ball rolling and have done all that you can do to prevent being stranded.

 

[Bob Denman]

There would have to be a failure in the ignition switch; for any heating of the key to occur. :dontknow:
Do you have one of those multi-meters? You could ground it, and touch the lead to the metal part of the key.
(You could build a cheap and easy tester out of a 12 volt light, and a couple of wires.)

 

[Easy Rider]

There would have to be a failure in the ignition switch; for any heating of the key to occur. :dontknow:

It is not just the key but the entire ignition switch assembly/pod.

And yes I know how to use a multi-meter.
I've been an Electrical Engineering Technician for about 50 years now.

I'm guessing that this is the highest point that the engine heat rises to.......but the suggestion of having a dealer check it out is probably wise advice.
Will do that as time permits......when I get back from my 15 day trip with the new Spyder and the (old) new toy hauler.

 

[canamjhb]

Mine gets hot too. Not too hot to touch. But hot enough to be uncomfortable in my hand. The top is OK, it's just the metal that's hot. Probably due to outside temperature. (It's 107 now) :yikes:

 

[Easy Rider]

But hot enough to be uncomfortable in my hand.
Probably due to outside temperature. (It's 107 now) :yikes:

That probably is a factor. Mid to upper 90's here.

Maybe it's a Canadian thing.......to keep the key from icing up !!!
:roflblack:

 

[canamjhb]

That probably is a factor. Mid to upper 90's here.

Maybe it's a Canadian thing.......to keep the key from icing up !!!
:roflblack:

Just got back from a little 4 day trip to the Colorado mountains. Temperatures ranged from 100+ to 60. Checked the key after riding in hot weather and it was not real hot, just a little warm. So, as for my "hot key", looks like it's just from the sun when going slow or sitting.

 

[Easy Rider]

So, as for my "hot key", looks like it's just from the sun when going slow or sitting.

Could be. I've been riding around Richmond for two days now; temp in the 70's and the key gets just barely warm. No more so than the black bars and other surrounding hardware. So I guess I won't worry about it, unless and until I take it out sometime later and the heat gets my attention again.