Key / Ignition Problem

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08 Apr 2006 18:01 #37914 by Gr_Lantern
Key / Ignition Problem was created by Gr_Lantern
Hey everyone,

I've had my 1982 KZ-550 for about three weeks now. I've had it running fine, and everything was great. Then I made the mistake of turning the key to the "Lock" position. Up until then I'd only had it OFF or ON.

Well, now that I've locked the steering (witht he bars turned to the left) I can remove the key, but I cannot fully UNLOCK it. If I put the key back in and push and turn as instructed, it turns about half way to the "OFF" position, and the bars unlock. But the key will not turn all the way to OFF, ON, or PARK. My only positions now are "LOCK" or halfway between LOCK and OFF.

I was thinking that maybe the Key was worn, so I had a new one cut to factory specs. I still have the same problem. Both keys work fine in the seat lock, the helmet lock, the gas tank, and can unlock the steering, but I cannot get further than half way to OFF.

I've tried graphite to lubricate the lock, I've tried it with the steering turned to the left, the right, wiggling the bars.. no good. I've tried wiggling the key, pushing on the key, but I don't want to break it off so I haven't gotten out the vice grips yet :)

Any suggestions? or am I looking at EBAY for a new ignition lock?

Thanks
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08 Apr 2006 18:29 #37921 by rstnick
Replied by rstnick on topic Key / Ignition Problem
Welcome to KZR. Nice looking bike!

Try spraying WD40 or another type of penetrating oil into the Ign. keyhole. It may free something up.

I would try turning the key back towards ON etc, while wobbling the key forward and back and in and out. Kind of like you've been doing. Just be careful not to bend the key.

Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, Progressive Suspension, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s

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14 Apr 2006 00:46 #39404 by Gr_Lantern
Replied by Gr_Lantern on topic Key / Ignition Problem
Hey Rstnick,

I tried everything, compressed air, WD 40, a whole lot of wiggling, Finally I gave up and pulled the ignition off the bike. I took it to a locksmith, and we took it apart, turns out one of the tumblers inside snapped and was keeping the key from turning.

I've ordered a new one off E-Bay , reasonable price, around $30 for the whole assembly.

What are the chances the new one I get will use the same key as the rest of my bike B)

Looks like i'll be a two key man. one for the ignition, and one for everything else... but at least my ignition will work :)

Thanks for your suggestions.

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14 Apr 2006 01:36 #39405 by btchalice
Replied by btchalice on topic Key / Ignition Problem
your locksmith can key it to match. well at least mine can ;) :whistle:

Terry Meyer / Wichita KS
76 kz900 w/1000 motor TWZTD
I am not driving too fast, I'm flying too low.

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14 Apr 2006 07:40 #39470 by loudhvx
Replied by loudhvx on topic Key / Ignition Problem
Hey Rob, how hard is it to change the lock to match a key?

GR, I love that bike especially the color!

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14 Apr 2006 08:31 #39479 by rstnick
Replied by rstnick on topic Key / Ignition Problem
To match the key, you need the proper tumblers. Some of the old tumblers may be used if their not all broken. Or may be lucky the tumblers just need rearranging to match the key. Also, some could be left out.

Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, Progressive Suspension, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s

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