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Ignition switch 'jammed' .. key won't turn

Okay, last night I was concerned that I couldn't access the battery compartment to put a tender on the battery and with being unable to switch off the lights, the battery was going to be dead by morning.

More out of frustration than anything else, I took the mallet I'd been using to tap on the switch housing (in the hopes of loosening up the tumblers if that was the problem) and beat down on the key. Voila! It went in far enough as to engage the frunk latch release and I was able to hook up the battery charger. Then, it occurred to me the lights had gone off; the mechanism had become unjammed and the switch had returned to the 'off' position!

I tested it a few times and the key did turn the ignition on and off just like normal. Depressed the key and it opened the frunk and the seat - even easier than it had ever done before!

So, for now, the bike is back to being fully operational and I don't need to rush into an expensive repair (although I'll definitely replace the switch before any long trips).

In the Navy, we used to jokingly say, when confronted with an obstinate piece of electronic equipment that wasn't yielding to normal troubleshooting; "you're not using a big enough hammer". Never thought for a moment it might have some merit!

So, when all else fails 'use a bigger hammer'
 
Lends new meaning to the old DOS command of "hit any key to continue":roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:. Glad it worked for you.:clap: Now before it quits working again add those emergency releases for seat and frunk
 
Lends new meaning to the old DOS command of "hit any key to continue":roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:. Glad it worked for you.:clap: Now before it quits working again add those emergency releases for seat and frunk
Yep, that project has now moved to the top of my priority list for BOTH bikes!
 
Sounds like I should start carrying a hammer! I've already installed a manual cable release for the frunk after having locked the key in the frunk 35 miles from home. Wife left her key at home. Luckily we have good friends.
 
Sounds like I should start carrying a hammer! I've already installed a manual cable release for the frunk after having locked the key in the frunk 35 miles from home. Wife left her key at home. Luckily we have good friends.
I'm thinking I can never have enough tools!
 
And that's why, I TOW A TRAILER!! Darn it. P.S. Pete.... I hope you get your issue resolved. Mac:2thumbs:
 
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And that's why, I TOW A TRAILER!! Darn it. P.S. Pete.... I hope you get your issue resolved. Mac:2thumbs:
And here I was laughing at the H-D owners who need to carry a full complement of spare parts and garage tools with them on every trip...:joke:
 
Good to hear it’s working, Pete, and here’s hoping that it doesn’t occur again before you see the dealer.
I will be moving the install of release cables up my priority list now. Actually, there could be a market for some enterprising young (or old;)) person to develop cable operated release kits for the various models.

Pete
 
The hammer trick !,

I did tell Jane about " adjusting" the switch with a dead blow or soft faced hammer. Did she mntion it to you?.?? I just knew the tumbler pins in the lock barrel had jammed.

SO GLAD YOU GOT IT FIXED. Now some powdered graphite, more compressed air, and lots of key move movement ( all to spread the graphite into the tumblers)

Again --- a great time with you,Jane, and Paul.

Lew L
 
I did tell Jane about " adjusting" the switch with a dead blow or soft faced hammer. Did she mntion it to you?.?? I just knew the tumbler pins in the lock barrel had jammed. SO GLAD YOU GOT IT FIXED. Now some powdered graphite, more compressed air, and lots of key move movement ( all to spread the graphite into the tumblers)
Yup, I'd been tapping on the housing, along with shooting WD40, compressed air and graphite. Nothing worked until I slammed the key into the hole with the mallet, but I wouldn't have had the mallet or thought about hitting it if it hadn't been for your suggestion. Thanks Lew.
 
And that's why, I TOW A TRAILER!! Darn it. P.S. Pete.... I hope you get your issue resolved. Mac:2thumbs:

I had the key barrel on my trailer pop out of position, it had to be drilled out to get into the trailer. Of course the tools were in the trailer.
 
Who knew that my dad's home repair recipe - if wd40 doesn't work, hit it with a hammer - would work on a spyder? Glad it's all working now.
 
See Pete it all works out for the best. If this hadn't happened you wouldn't have had near so much to talk about.It would have been just another everyday meet and greet,now none of us will ever forget the day that Lew and Nova came to town and you and Jane and I all went to lunch:yes::yes: with them.
 
I feel your pain :yikes:, and I'm sorry I can't help with your currant issue ........... Your problem is a perfect example of why I have mechanical PULL wires connected to my Frunk & Seat latches ..... Asking the ignition switch to do more than make the Electrical connection makes NO sense to me ...... If you want more info let me know ..... it was easy to do .... Mike :thumbup:

X2. also saves wear and tear on the key and switch. i mainly use the pulls.

glad to hear its working. if all else fails, the BMFH method will do it!!
 
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switch is around 230 bucks plus labor.

You can see the cables under the switch when removing the headlights too. and see if anything is hanging up cable wise. (frunk,seat)

Good Luck :thumbup:
 
Update to this.

The ignition switch has been working flawlessly since I smashed the key into the switch. Even opens the frunk and seat much easier.

Took it down to the dealer today and told him what happened. He asked if I wanted to replace it anyway and I said it's probably best, since it could fail on me again and leave us stranded at some point. He is going to check first with BRP to see if they will handle it under the recall program. If not, he's pretty confident the Rider's Advantage extended warranty I have on it will honor the repair.

They will call me when they have a resolution to the payment of this repair; meanwhile, we're continuing to ride the bike for day rides.
 
Utah Pete, this just happened to me this morning on a short ride. i was able to get back home since it was stuck in the on position, just as you described. Tried WD and some other lubricants and nothing, then i read where you tapped on the key and it released. Whew, thanks sooo much!! Saved me a day of frustration.
 
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