How Do I Remove the Ignition Switch?

[Guest]

I've tried searching and I come up with threads for members that have already removed it and have a different question.

The wires leading into the ignition switch on my bike are fried and I need to remove the switch to get at them. Do I just pry up that little plastic crown on top? It seems like it would break.

[tkent02]

There are two allen head screws, look under the ignition, they are upside down underneath.

[JEEPRUSTY]

There are two allen head screws, look under the ignition, they are upside down underneath.

They are upside down overneath tsk tsk tsk.

[cableguy]

Wrong side down and upside backwards toward the opposite side of the top. That's where they are.

[MadCapsule]

I just removed the entire gauge cluster and I don't see any screws for the ignition switch.



Do I need to pry this plastic cap up?



I gave it a slight "nudge" with a flat head screw driver and it's not responding well...

[hjfisk]

I just removed the entire gauge cluster and I don't see any screws for the ignition switch.



Do I need to pry this plastic cap up?



I gave it a slight "nudge" with a flat head screw driver and it's not responding well...

That plastic nut unthreads

[MadCapsule]

That plastic nut unthreads

I'm sure that'll be fun after 33 years of never being messed with.

I may have to invent some new curse words just for this task.

[hjfisk]

I'm sure that'll be fun after 33 years of never being messed with.

I may have to invent some new curse words just for this task.

Actually it shouldn't be all that hard. If you do break it and need another switch PM me I have a couple of them

[MadCapsule]

Actually it shouldn't be all that hard. If you do break it and need another switch PM me I have a couple of them

I'm out of daylight, so I'll give it a go tomorrow after work.

Thanks for the tip!

[MadCapsule]

So, unless there's a special tool I'm unaware of, that plastic cap isn't going to unscrew without me destroying it. I've drenched it in PB Blaster multiple times and I won't so much as budge. I've wrapped a rubber band around it and then went at it with a pair of pliers. Nothing.

Any suggestions?

[Matchless]

Break it off, maybe someone has glued it, as those plastic nuts tend to vibrate loose or even strip the threads easily.
Your call!

[MadCapsule]

Are the other threads on the metal body of the ignition switch itself?

[ikantbreave]

Hmm, I don't know your bike but maybe try unscrewing the ignition from the bottom?

[MadCapsule]

Hmm, I don't know your bike but maybe try unscrewing the ignition from the bottom?

I gave that a try the other day. That sucker's not coming out of there with anything less than a hacksaw.

Yesterday I bought a soldering iron, stripped the old wires up to a point that they looked decent, and soldered in some undamaged wiring from my old harness. Then I covered the soldered sections in liquid tape, let it dry and covered that in electrical tape. It's not pretty, but (I think) it should work.

Now, hopefully all I have to do, is get the rest of the new wiring harness connected properly.

Here's hoping it works.

I'll make sure to stand in a puddle of water when I try to start it up. You can never play it too safe when it comes to electricity!