79 kz650 wiring problems

A buddy and I are working on a 79 kz650 and have been having alllllll kinds of wiring problems and gremlins since day one. Turn signals working then not, engine running one minute then the next it won’t start until I mess with the key switch or something else. If I jump all the connections in the keyswitch(previous owner lost key) the brake lights work and headlights-and the turn signal bulbs light(but don’t blink), and all switches work, but if I just turn the plastic key barrel thing to the on, nothing works but the engine runs.. Just sick of the wiring problems. Would non functional rear turn signal lights cause a circuit to not be complete therefore causing non of the signals to work? Also doesn’t explain why the headlight doesn’t work normally or the brake light doesn’t work without judging all the connections on the key switch. ANY THOUGHTS???? Bout to send it off a cliff.....

Thanks in advance!

Sounds like you need a key, maybe check out this post.
kzrider.com/forum/13-bike-related/414874...-code-number?start=0

I don’t have the original barrel. Only the black back plate that the 7 wires run into. And using the plastic rotating thing with the connections pads to make it run. Can I get an oem key and switch??

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationHere is one and I am sure there are other places to get one. Not sure OEM rather aftermarket and may or may not require some wiring changes.

www.z1enterprises.com/ignition-switch-w-...%2Fall-models%2F1979 j

Sorry just noted that is out of stock.
You could try Ebay

How old is the battery and is it fully charged? The KZ650 will do odd things if the battery is not up to snuff. Ed

The battery is dead... jumping it off of the car...

jaffer650kz wrote: The battery is dead... jumping it off of the car...

No wonder it runs like crap. Don't do that !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Buy a bike battery, properly charge it, then see how things work. Ed