Ignition Key problem

ashkan

ashkan

Banned
Hey guys, i have an 06 zx6r and when i purchased it, i was given only one key (and no tag). The key was always a little hard to turn to 'OFF' and 'LOCK STEERING' position. But always with a little play it would turn. Last night i cuoldnt get it to swicth off for the life of me. So i put it inbetween 'ON' and the 'PARKING LIGHT' mode. whch turned the bike off and the Parking Light didnt go on(in this position i cant get the key out though). But it was parked in my Garage so it didnt matter that the key was left there however i cant leave the key in public places. So im wondering whether this is a KEY issue or the whole ignition has to be changed. Secondly, where is the sensor for the parking light mode? Because if i can somehow get the lights not to go on in PARKING LIGHT mode, then i can just use that mode and get the key off without draining the battery. Please let me know if you have any advice, thanks
 
Talk to a Kawi dealer. Some bikes, such as Hondas, have a key code on the bottom or side of the ignition lock. You will need to remove the lock to see it, but you just tell the dealer your key code and you get a key cut.

Otherwise pay a locksmith to pick your lock and get a key and a backup. This should cost about $60.
 
Tried a few drops of light oil in the lock?
 
+1 on a locksmith, or any decent place that makes keys. My bike had the same problem, I took it to the local lock guy, he cut a key using my original then tweaked it till it worked perfect. Cost me under $10
 
Someone had this similar problem last year with their ignition lock. Various suggestions were mentioned; but none worked. Press key in and turn does nothing? Double sided key did you try both ways?
 
I have a semi similar problem. Except that I can't switch to Parking mode. After a few months, its hard to switch the bike to ON. I hope this doesn't get worse. I have 2 keys and they are both giving the same problem. I think it started happening in the middle of winter where I tried switching the bike to ON.
 
a little update. So i got this locksmith number from past threads and met up with him (already got blanks from Kahuna) and he couldnt help me. He somehow had all the codes too since i didnt have the little metal place with the keycode but still no dice. Seems to be an ignition problem. Does anyone know how i could get the parking light NOT to come on when i put it in park (besides unplugging the actual light)?
 
ashkan said:
a little update. So i got this locksmith number from past threads and met up with him (already got blanks from Kahuna) and he couldnt help me. He somehow had all the codes too since i didnt have the little metal place with the keycode but still no dice. Seems to be an ignition problem. Does anyone know how i could get the parking light NOT to come on when i put it in park (besides unplugging the actual light)?
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I have a **** load of Kawis at my shop and its only happened to 2. My friends 05 and my 04....Both situations it was the key wearing out, causing it to stick in the ignition....You need to get it out, and then have another cut properly...

Its a pain in the *** but if you fiddle with it long enough you should be able to get it out. Spray WD40 into the ignition and keep going through the different positions in the lock, pulling slightly..Once you get it out dont put it back in and have a new one cut....Have a good locksmith do it...

Max does a good job for me when I need keys cut on the spot
AMAX locksmith
416-857-2179
 
Can't you get a new core? I only did this for an old bike so maybe this won't work with a new bike, but someone jammed a screwdriver in my ignition. Went to the wrecker and he gave me a used core with two keys for it and I just swapped it.
 
Just a thought, but are you turning the handlebars all the way to the left before you turn the key?
 
Baggsy said:
Just a thought, but are you turning the handlebars all the way to the left before you turn the key?
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THAT'S what I was thinking as well...is the key really getting stuck?
 
Thanks for the hints guys but the problem is not the key being stock. The problem is that i cant turn it into the off position and yes the steering is turned all the way and i kept playing with steering and key for a long time to try and get it to turn. It only goes to the off position after maybe 10-15 min of trying so it cant get any more annoying. Ive been putting it in park more but if im gonna be gone for more than an hour, i unplug the break light so it doesnt kill my battery. :S
 
ashkan said:
Thanks for the hints guys but the problem is not the key being stock. The problem is that i cant turn it into the off position and yes the steering is turned all the way and i kept playing with steering and key for a long time to try and get it to turn. It only goes to the off position after maybe 10-15 min of trying so it cant get any more annoying. Ive been putting it in park more but if im gonna be gone for more than an hour, i unplug the break light so it doesnt kill my battery. :S
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U probably need to take the core out of the bike, with the key and bring it to the dealer and complain.
 
ashkan said:
but its an 06. would they still honor anything at this point. and is Kahuna the only kawasaki dealer in GTA?
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I was thinking its a major design flaw. I've never heard of a key sticking in the ignition. Maybe if u complain they might give u a better price, if not, bring the core to the locksmith, so he can take his time to try and sort it out. Thats just my logic
 
The key is bent for sure. And especially now with all your efforts. Most likely twisted too. I had the same problem on my 94 YZF750R. First look at the key very carefully, if its twisted or bent in the slightest, it will jam the cylinder and thus not turn. You can fix it with a vice and pliers and maybe a hammer. Second you need WD-40 in the cylinder, just a quick shot. Third with the key in, try pushing it forward or up while turning the key. This step gets easier as you reshape the key. You will have to tweak the key several times until smooth operation.
 
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