1100G(GK) ignition switch stuck in Park position

[Redman]

82 GS1100GK

I Put the ignition swtich in Park position (turn to ON , push in, turn further to right), and tail light only comes on ..... and now switch is stuck there.
Push key in.. wiggle key.... wiggle handbars ... mutter.. mumble... cant get key to turn back....

(pulled main fuse so battery not run flat)

All my years here on GSR, I dont think I have heard of this before. (maybe have heard of handle bars stuck in Lock position)

ANybody have any words of wisdom ?

[Redman]

Note 1: legond on the ignition swtich is faded, but I think is the Park position. One click to the right of ON after pushing key in.
Yes, I have verified that Park is to the right, past On, (where is presently stuck).
And Lock is left of Off.

[Redman]

Note 2: Key is stuck in the Park position (right of ON) and . . . . . . handle bars are locked in place . . . . Oh, crap, maybe this is pretty much the same problem as Handle Bars Stuck In Lock position.

[tom203]

Shoot some silicone spray down key…..add heat with hairdryer to free up gunk. Tap lightly on switch body as you attempt to release lock’s grip.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Was going to suggest same as Tom203. Had similar issue before. Working some WD40 in and around with the key got it to free up. Probably had to jostle the bars a bit too so the lock bolt wasn't tight against the stop on the steering head (i can see it in my brain but don't know if I'm describing it properly). Once I got it unstuck, I took the whole lock cylinder apart an thoroughly cleaned. Be careful, there's a ball bearing in there, and it is possible to put it back together exactly 180 degrees wrong. Best to work with all parts in a tray so nothing goes wondering. Take pics as you go so you know how to put the puzzle back together.

[Eli69]

I spray PB Blaster into keyholes occasionally. You might have to get up under where the actual steering lock is.

[LAB3]

You could remove the key assembly from the frame and work on getting the cylinder to turn on your workbench. My best guess is you'll want to do that anyhow as preventative maintenance.

[Grimly]

Yep, that happened to me once, and I was lucky enough to get it to come back out of the park/lock position. Never used it since, but lubed it once in a blue moon so it wouldn't stick again if I got forgetful.

[rphillips]

Anybody ever heard use graphite instead of oil in locks... Rumor yus'ta be oil will collect dust, grit, & eventually gum up, but graphite being dry won't.

[Redman]

thanks for reply and sharing info.

so, the stuck in park situation is the same as stuck in lock position.
andthe comments are to lubricate the key switch (thru key slot I gather)…..
I was thinking problem is not so much the key switch itself but what ever steering lock mechanism getting jammed up. But you knolodgeable experienced folks are saying to lubricate the key switch.

I have squirted in wd40 3-4 times over last day and half…. No results yet…..
I am not available Ned day and half , will see after that…..

in times I have had fork tubes off, and time I replaced steering head bearings, I don’t recall seeing what mechanism actually moves into
whatever position to lock steering in position.



[QUOTE…..under where the actual steering lock is.[/QUOTE]

I need to review microfiche and such to see what it can find.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Dave, I'll try to get some detailed pics of what you're lookin at and also the method of removing the two allen-head screws that hole the ignition barrel in place. I seem to recall it involved some extensions.

[Dogma]

I did this to myself last summer (long story) and had to take the ignition switch assembly off another bike.

The little finger that comes out of the lock assembly engages a tab on the frame to prevent rotation of the steering. On mine, the little finger that comes out of the lock assembly still has some free wiggle. So, whatever is stuck is completely internal to the lock mechanism.

I did some googling in and out of the forum and didn't have much luck. I only learned that it's common. Disassembly of the lock mechanism is doubtful. You'd need better tools than I have on hand. The whole thing is held together by 3 little spring pins, maybe 1.5 dia each. They go into blind holes, so you can't drive them out from the other side.

I keep forgetting to see if a locksmith would be willing to take on the job of trying to get all my locks keyed alike. I'll have to try the soaking it in lube routine.

Is all this in the top 10 noob mistakes thread yet?

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Dave, here’s a short video of how the bolt moves and locks against a flap of metal on the steering head. Mine was a little sticky there so I did shoot it with first brake kleen, then some silicone spray. Definitely helped it not be sticky. Try as I might I could not put together any combination of swivels and extensions to get a tool on either of the recessed Allen-head screws that bolt the ignition barrel in place. Clearly I head the headlamp bucket out of the way the last time I did this. I believe the alllens are 6mm. Don’t quote me. Hope this helps.

[salty_monk]

Yeah park position is a "use it regularly or use it NEVER" type of deal for just this reason...

[rphillips]

I never imagined using this park position unless broke down on road. I've been lucky, never broke down where I couldn't get off the rd... I have turned them over there a couple of times just to see if it worked, & they always do..