How to take ignition switch apart? 1982 GS1100GK

[MtnManCO]

Hello,

As part of a comprehensive electrical contact cleaning I wanted to take the ignition switch of my 1982 GS1100GK apart.

It looks like the two main plastic parts are connected by tabs that snap into place.

GS Lock.jpg

I tried to gently pry things open but it feels like the tabs will break easily.

Is there a trick to open the switch without destroying it?

[Redman]

Has been several years, but I had mine apart. I got pics, that am not finding right away.
I half recall the difficulty is that there are multiple of those tabs, and need to get them released all at once somehow.

Other comment is that the GK swtich is different from most other GS in that the connector is built right in to the body. Most others have wire leads coming out of the body to a harnerss and connector. So is difficult to find a replacement if needed. BUt the internals are the same I would think (but dont really know).
Is easy to figure which contacts are the main swtich and which are for the tail light park circuit (if follow the wire colors).

[chuck hahn]

look at the barrel and youll see three very small roll pins. I used a real small screw to get ahold of them and tapped them out with pliers and a hammer...its not an easy job. Once they are out it all comes apart.

[MtnManCO]

Thank you. It looks like getting all tabs released at once without breaking them is the key. The issue is that there is very little space to wedge something under the tabs that is very thin but strong enough to be wedged in.

Chuck, I tried to find the roll pins but wasn't able to. Can you see them on the pic I embedded in the first post or can you point me to their location?

[MtnManCO]

Has been several years, but I had mine apart. I got pics, that am not finding right away.
I half recall the difficulty is that there are multiple of those tabs, and need to get them released all at once somehow.

Other comment is that the GK swtich is different from most other GS in that the connector is built right in to the body. Most others have wire leads coming out of the body to a harnerss and connector. So is difficult to find a replacement if needed. BUt the internals are the same I would think (but dont really know).
Is easy to figure which contacts are the main swtich and which are for the tail light park circuit (if follow the wire colors).

Just found your old post (https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ion+AND+switch) with pictures. You used multiple small screw drivers to pry the tabs open.

[Redman]

Just found your old post (https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ion+AND+switch) with pictures. You used multiple small screw drivers to pry the tabs open.

Good.
Hum, so next time I cant remember something, I will ask you. har har har

[MtnManCO]

Good.
Hum, so next time I cant remember something, I will ask you. har har har

Any time!

I ended up using a fine hack saw blade to make a small cut right under each tab which allowed me to insert the tip of a small screwdriver and pry the tabs up. It was easier than I thought.

Lock - disassembled.jpg

I disassembled the switch in a large clear bag to prevent small parts from flying through the garage. No parts got airborne. The contacts were slightly oxidized and covered with a small amount of grease.

Putting everything together was no problem, just had to push the two steel balls into their holes against slight spring pressure.

I am glad I took the switch apart. I feel better, now that I know that the contacts are clean.

[chuck hahn]

yeah..i posted without understanding what YEAR you have.....my bad

[MtnManCO]

yeah..i posted without understanding what YEAR you have.....my bad

No problem, thank you!