How do you thaw the ignition switch out

[Nudels2u75]

I am working in Iowa, I have to park my bike outside, I ride to work everyday, but a few times the ignition switch has froze up, and will not turn, like today I can only get the key halfway into tumbler...

I have tried the heat stuff you squirt into key hole---does not work

I have tried the WD-40 you squirt into key hole---does not work

I have tried the Either you squirt into key hole---does not work

I have tried putting a heat lamp onto the switch---does not work

I have tried covering the key hole up--does not work

Anybody else have any other suggestions, this is plum depressing and very aggrevating

 

[harrypottar]

Automotive stores sell lock de-icer, squirts in the lock wait a few seconds and should work

harry

 

[CyncySpyder]

Sounds like you may have to much 'gunk' down in that key hole & as it freezes, may be causing your issue. I'd recommend cleaning it out real well & allowing it to completely dry out, getting one of Lamonts IPS key covers & also a travel cover for your Spyder. That would solve any future issues from happening, but sadly does nothing to help you now, sorry. We rode all last winter & didn't have any such issues, possibly thanks to using our travel cover any time it was parked outside with any chance of precipitation.

Hope you get this remediedray:

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: You may have inadvertently gunked things up in there... :shocked: I honestly don't know how you would go about undoing what has been done; perhaps a call to a locksmith for some advice? :dontknow:

 

[eddieshep999]

Getting one of Lamonts IPS key covers & also a travel cover for your Spyder. That would solve any future issues from happening Hope you get this remediedray:

If you don't want to leave the IPS Key cover in ref Security a cheap way to ensure no moisture gets in is just to find
a lid that will just slip over the Ign Cover - I found one and just happened to make a Smiley face out of it
or just use a plain container lid

I also cover my Handlebar switches and my GPS to ensure they remain protected both from moisture and any heat when the Spyder is in direct sunlight whilst parked

These photos may help

​

 

[Pennyrick]

I am working in Iowa, I have to park my bike outside, I ride to work everyday, but a few times the ignition switch has froze up, and will not turn, like today I can only get the key halfway into tumbler...

I have tried the heat stuff you squirt into key hole---does not work

I have tried the WD-40 you squirt into key hole---does not work

I have tried the Either you squirt into key hole---does not work

I have tried putting a heat lamp onto the switch---does not work

I have tried covering the key hole up--does not work

Anybody else have any other suggestions, this is plum depressing and very aggrevating

Back when I used to live in Winnipeg I had a Hillman that I could not unlock in the winter. I used to take a lighter and heat up the key before I put it in the lock and that seemed to do the trick. Don't know if a hot key will help with the Spyder. It sounds like there is gunk in the switch.

 

[Grandpa Pete]

Back when I used to live in Winnipeg I had a Hillman that I could not unlock in the winter. I used to take a lighter and heat up the key before I put it in the lock and that seemed to do the trick. Don't know if a hot key will help with the Spyder. It sounds like there is gunk in the switch.

Same trick in Minnesota:clap:
:clap:

 

[bruiser]

I would not use heat on the key. It might damage the chip. How is the switch working in warmer weather? I tend to agree with others about the gunk buildup.

 

[Nudels2u75]

It was already freezing up when I started trying other stuff

It works fine in warm weather....


I am working here 150 miles west of Chicago, it appears after it rains that slush....

Sometimes I can not get the key to go in the slot and at times I can not get the tumbler to unfreeze...

I am not going to heat the key as I know it has a chip in it....

Maybe have to get a stronger heat lamp bulb...

Today after work I Plan taking my heat gun and warming the tumbler up a little...then putting a hood over the key with heat light inside of hood....

My goldwing has the same problem as the key is in the same location...

With this North West wind blowing through here and now there is another storm on the way....

I just hate being forced to drive my truck to work...

Just not enough air time in the truck....LOL

 

[napper39]

i use the same stif i put on the window to melt ice,works for me.:2thumbs:

 

[NancysToy]

You'll probably get lots of advice. Here's mine:

1. Do not use WD-40...it will dry out the lock and make things worse.
2. You can have a plain key made (Ilco X270) and heat that to get throught the ice. It could take several tries. It won't start the Spyder but it will turn the lock.
3. Be careful with external heat...there are some plastic parts wires, etc. in that area.
4. If you try a lock-thawing spray, heat it in some warm water before using it. Keep it in a warm pocket until you use it.
5. Same thing goes for Lock-Ez graphite spray lubricant. I also recommend using this afterwards to free things up and repel water. (Warm) Lock-Ez and a warm key has been the best solution for my frozen locks in the past.

Thawing a horizontal lock cylinder is sometimes a long process. Thawing a vertical one could be more so. Have patience and you should eventually prevail.

 

[Farmbanker]

You'll probably get lots of advice. Here's mine:

1. Do not use WD-40...it will dry out the lock and make things worse.
2. You can have a plain key made (Ilco #107?) and heat that to get throught the ice. It could take several tries. It won't start the Spyder but it will turn the lock.
3. Be careful with external heat...there are some plastic parts wires, etc. in that area.
4. If you try a lock-thawing spray, heat it in some warm water before using it. Keep it in a warm pocket until you use it.
5. Same thing goes for Lock-Ez graphite spray lubricant. I also recommend using this afterwards to free things up and repel water. (Warm) Lock-Ez and a warm key has been the best solution for my frozen lock in the past.

Thawing a horizontal lock cylinder is sometimes a long process. Thawing a vertical one could be more so. Have patience and you should eventually prevail.

:agree:. I have to admit I have a lot of respect for anyone riding around here in this weather. Brrrrr!

 

[jerpinoy]

Nancystoy got the best advice. Go back and read it again. If I can add keep it covered.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

PROBABLY FROZEN LOCK

If it were my problem, I would follow Scotty's advice and get a " Dummy " key ( no chip ). Then I would put that key in a small narrow nose vice-grip ( Home Depot sells cheapo's for $ 3.99 ), and use a propane torch to heat it up ( once started they usually do not blow out in the wind, nor do they burn your fingers )....I believe Lock-eze is Alcohol based and that's how it de-ices the cylinder.....take your time with this.....and after success .....cover the lock when out in inclement weather .....a piece of duct tape will work........But you do have to dry out that cylinder or it will more than likely re-freeze.......Good Luck ,Mike :thumbup:

 

[NancysToy]

If it were my problem, I would follow Scotty's advice and get a " Dummy " key ( no chip ). Then I would put that key in a small narrow nose vice-grip ( Home Depot sells cheapo's for $ 3.99 ), and use a propane torch to heat it up ( once started they usually blow out in the wind, nor do they burn your fingers )....I believe Lock-eze is Alcohol based and that's how it de-ices the cylinder.....take your time with this.....and after success .....cober the lock when out in inclement weather .....a piece of duct tape will work........But you do have to dry out that cylinder or it will more than likely re-freeze.......Good Luck ,Mike :thumbup:

You should also lubricate it with a non-drying lock lube, like Lock-Ez, after it is thawed, cleaned, and dried. WD-40 is pretty good for cleaning and displacing moisture, but it removes the lubrication, so must be followed up with a graphite lock lubricant. My locksmith friend taught me that trick.

 

[Bob Denman]

Ilco's X270 Blank is the hot ticket for making up a dummy key! :thumbup:

 

[Chupaca]

All good..!!

All great suggestions, I have to go with the need to clean out the lock first. Sounds like you have tried a lot of products and though the water thaws the other accumulations stay behind and refreeze. Once clean follow suggestions above..hyea:

 

[NancysToy]

Ilco's X270 Blank is the hot ticket for making up a dummy key! :thumbup:

Thanks Bob! I drew a blank (old-timer's disease) and couldn't find it in a quick search. I have corrected my original post.

 

[oldgoat]

Back when I used to live in Winnipeg I had a Hillman that I could not unlock in the winter..

Wow. That takes me back in time. We had friends in Calgary with one in '65.

 

[NancysToy]

Wow. That takes me back in time. We had friends in Calgary with one in '65.

Hilman Minx...four on the tree shifter. That was fun to learn!