Dodgy ignition/key switch - intermittent issue

Sudanpan

Sudanpan

Joined
Oct 23, 2024
Messages
1
Age
60
Location
Cornwall
Bike
ST1300 2009
Hi - my 2009 ST1300A has developed an issue with the key switch.
When turning on to fire up the starting sequence , prime the fuel pump etc, occasionally none of the lights in the RH panel will turn on at all. Obv then the bike does not fire up with the started switch.
If I wiggle the key then you can hear some clicks etc, the lights will either all come up as they should and bike will fire up with the starter switch. Or the lights except the F1 light, and consequently no fuel pump prime, and no fire up with the starter switch.
Sometimes the bike will start up and run, but there are no lights on the main dash, no revs, no speedometer response and no headlights.....
So I know I have an electrical issue (!) but not too sure where to start!
Any suggestions as to how I can whittle down the possible problems so I don't have to spend £££'s right from the get go?
Many thanks
 
Back to basics, as "electrickery" can sometimes be puzzling and daunting ... ...

Start with the ignition barrel, as it seems to sometimes work, then sometimes if you wiggle the key - probably dirty contacts in the lower section (use contact cleaner not WD40)
Next point to check is the kill switch - strip and clean the contacts.
Next place would be behind the dash & plastics - check / clean ALL earthing points.
All can be done with basic tools & knowledge, and no cost (unless you break something) ...

There are probably a couple of other places to check that are specific to a 1300, but I'll leave that to those with more experience in them :)
 
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ST1100Gold said:
Start with the ignition barrel, as it seems to sometimes work
Click to expand...

I got stranded once with my Magna due to losing all power to the bike, luckily wiggling the key in ign. sw. restored power and made it back. The ign. barrel on that bike has a plastic bottom secured with snaps to the metal barrel, which can be pried open carefully with tiny screwdrivers to get access to the contact plate and rotary contacts for cleaning/lubing. Not sure if the ST has a similar config.
 
I found the ignition worked much better on my bike when I got new keys, after I broke a worn key off at a gas station. All the locks worked better with new keys, but I wrongly assumed it was worn locks which caused the problem.
 
It sounds as though the switch in the base of the ignition key is suspect. Not sure how well sealed it is (and how cleanable/repairable it is) but once you have access can be removed from the barrel for cleaning/inspection ... The other possibility is the lock barrel pin broken and not engaging with the switch properly - new barrel/keys then required (ouch).

There's probably no point squirting anything down the lock - needs to be removed and sorted.
 
Paul said:
The ignition switch is mounted on the bottom of the key barrel with three screws on the U.S. bikes. Not sure about the HISS configuration.

I had issues with headlights and dash lights not working and cleaning the switch took care of the problem.

https://www.ronayers.com/oemparts/a/hon/5053f21df870021c54be6850/handlebar-top-bridge #5 and 32 in the diagram.
Click to expand...
Yep, same in UK - HISS not applicable as same lock barrel/switch combo whether or not HISS (the receiver is a separate part that clips over top of barrel).

@Sudanpan - if you need to order parts make sure you check out Web!ke - a recent discovery for me and saves a fortune (e.g. switch is £109 on Fowlers, £27.95 on Web!ke and I've not been charged VAT on import so far as long as you use EMS) even after shipping much cheaper although takes a week or so to arrive...
 
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Paul said:
The ignition switch is mounted on the bottom of the key barrel with three screws
Click to expand...
... and just a heads up. If you do attempt to remove these screws, it has been reported that they are one-way/one time use only, security screws. They will need to be drilled out and new screws will be needed to reinstall
 
I only know this because a few years back as I parked the bike up at work early one morning and put the steering lock on, when I took the key out it had snapped off in the barrel half way down… was particularly annoying as wasn’t bent or anything, just the cut was deep both sides of the key at that point and simply gave up on me!

Called out a locksmith who couldn’t get that half out, had to get bike recovered to dealership (was fun getting the ST on the recovery truck’s ramp with steering lock still engaged) who then complained about the fact they had a nightmare drilling out those pesky screws!

Not a cheap job in the end……

IMG_0410.jpeg
 
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Here’s pic with screws in place - and of course the switch assy.

I would have thought a stud remover tool would do-the-do rather than drilling out the head? Jus’ sayin’….

IMG_0411.jpeg
 
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