Ignition Key won't turn to the on position

lordhelemt · July 26th, 2023, 09:21 AM

I was hoping someone here would know what is going on with the lock cylinder on a 08 Ninja 250. The key was working fine yesterday but today I'm not able to move the key from off to on. The steering lock works fine but I'm not able to get the ignition to the on position. I squirted some wd40 into the cylinder but it didn't seem to help. It almost feels like the key is not engaging the tumblers but as I mentioned earlier moving the key into the steering lock position works just fine. Any ideas on what is going on?

DannoXYZ · July 26th, 2023, 10:00 AM

What's condition of key? Does it work better flipped 180-degrees?

If key's worn, get key-code off ignition-switch and send to this outfit. I recently got 2 brand-new CBR keys cut for $21. Worked perfectly!
https://www.cyclekeysonline.com/

lordhelemt · July 26th, 2023, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannoXYZ

What's condition of key? Does it work better flipped 180-degrees?

If key's worn, get key-code off ignition-switch and send to this outfit. I recently got 2 brand-new CBR keys cut for $21. Worked perfectly!
https://www.cyclekeysonline.com/

I think the key is okay. No problem opening the tank, cowl, or locking the steering. It just doesn't want to turn the ignition from off to on.

Will check to see if I can find the key code somewhere.

lordhelemt · July 26th, 2023, 04:00 PM

So I did more internet searching and it appears this is a common issue, particularly if left outside in the rain. The lock cylinder gets dirty...First I flushed the cylinder with carb cleaner, then realized I should probably use contact cleaner so I flushed it again. Still didn't work so I lubricated it with silicone spray and the key moved right away.

Triple Jim · July 26th, 2023, 07:55 PM

Locksmiths tell me that things like WD-40 and silicone spray are absolutely to be kept out of locks. They mix with dirt and make grinding compound that wears the lock. Graphite powder is the thing to use to lubricate locks, and has worked wonders on the worst locks I've had to deal with.

An example: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hillman-...3185/100137063

DannoXYZ · July 27th, 2023, 02:52 PM

Is that little flapper-door that seals off key-hole still working on your ignition-switch?

ducatiman · July 27th, 2023, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

Locksmiths tell me that things like WD-40 and silicone spray are absolutely to be kept out of locks. They mix with dirt and make grinding compound that wears the lock. Graphite powder is the thing to use to lubricate locks, and has worked wonders on the worst locks I've had to deal with.

An example: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hillman-...3185/100137063

great reminder for a dose of powdered graphite to iggy switches on each of my 3 bikes!

July 26th, 2023, 09:21 AM	#1
lordhelemt ninjette.org member Name: Paul Location: arlington Join Date: Jul 2022 Motorcycle(s): A few Posts: 13	Ignition Key won't turn to the on position I was hoping someone here would know what is going on with the lock cylinder on a 08 Ninja 250. The key was working fine yesterday but today I'm not able to move the key from off to on. The steering lock works fine but I'm not able to get the ignition to the on position. I squirted some wd40 into the cylinder but it didn't seem to help. It almost feels like the key is not engaging the tumblers but as I mentioned earlier moving the key into the steering lock position works just fine. Any ideas on what is going on?

July 26th, 2023, 07:55 PM	#5
Triple Jim Guy Who Enjoys Riding Name: Jim Location: North Carolina Join Date: Jul 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '18, Aug '17, Aug '16	Locksmiths tell me that things like WD-40 and silicone spray are absolutely to be kept out of locks. They mix with dirt and make grinding compound that wears the lock. Graphite powder is the thing to use to lubricate locks, and has worked wonders on the worst locks I've had to deal with. An example: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hillman-...3185/100137063
	2 out of 2 members found this post helpful.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Ignition Key Bypass To Kill Switch	Section59	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	5	June 22nd, 2023 10:49 AM
Turned on key ignition switch and nothing happened!!	falonso0	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	67	March 9th, 2021 12:20 PM
Anyone else have these in their ignition key?	juliusmichaelhonrada	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	7	July 31st, 2016 12:09 AM

July 26th, 2023, 10:00 AM	#2
DannoXYZ ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: AKA JacRyann Location: Mesa, AZ Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17	What's condition of key? Does it work better flipped 180-degrees? If key's worn, get key-code off ignition-switch and send to this outfit. I recently got 2 brand-new CBR keys cut for $21. Worked perfectly! https://www.cyclekeysonline.com/

July 26th, 2023, 04:00 PM	#4
lordhelemt ninjette.org member Name: Paul Location: arlington Join Date: Jul 2022 Motorcycle(s): A few Posts: 13	So I did more internet searching and it appears this is a common issue, particularly if left outside in the rain. The lock cylinder gets dirty...First I flushed the cylinder with carb cleaner, then realized I should probably use contact cleaner so I flushed it again. Still didn't work so I lubricated it with silicone spray and the key moved right away.

July 27th, 2023, 02:52 PM	#6
DannoXYZ ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: AKA JacRyann Location: Mesa, AZ Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): CB125T CBR250R-MC19 CBR250RR-MC22 NSR350R-MC21 VF500F CBR600RR SFV650 VFR750F R1M ST1300PA Valkyrie-F6C Posts: A lot. MOTY - 2018, MOTM - Nov '17	Is that little flapper-door that seals off key-hole still working on your ignition-switch?