Help with the Ignition

[Mzee]

I need help.

The problem is my ignition. The key starts the bike very well, and it sits firmly into the lock. However, I suspect that the tumblers inside the lock cylinder may be worn, damaged or the lock cylinder has failed. I can start the bike, take out the key, and the motor will still run. Now this is scary in many ways; for example, on a bumpy ride the key can eject; I will have no way of knowing when and where this will happen.

I spoke to a Yamaha mechanic who seem to suggest that I have to change the ignition assembly and also the Engine Control Unit Assy (EMUA) .

However if you look at the diagram attached, all I seem to need is 31, but it seems reasonable to include 32, new key, and 33,34,and 35 for aesthetic reasons.

I am aware that a new key will imply also changing the locks for the seat and any other associated locks( in my case only the lock of the seat. I do have the original red key which allows me to duplicate new keys without having to change the EMUA. Your guidance please. Thank you in advance .

 

[Dogdaze]

Have you tried just cleaning out the ignition barrel? Take it off, spray brake cleaner into and allow to soak, then do it again upside down to flush out all the grease and road grit, which is probably the reason the tumblers are not pushing against the key, which needs resistance to hold it in place. If all else fails and the bike runs fine, then perhaps lash the key to the handle bar when riding? i do that anyway. Another thing to think about, has anyone tried to pry the ignition? this is normally a good reason for a loose ignition barrel too.

 

[Kevhunts]

I need help.

The problem is my ignition. The ignition starts the bike very well, but the socket does not hold the key. I can start the bike, take out the key; the motor will still run. Now this is scary in many ways; for example, on a bumpy ride the key can eject; I will have no idea where it fell.

I spoke to a Yamaha mechanic who seem to suggest that I have to change the ignition assembly and also the Engine Control Unit Assy (EMUA) .

However if you look at the diagram attached, all I seem to need is 31, but it seems reasonable to include 32, new key, and 33,34,and 35 for aesthetic reasons.

I am aware that a new key will imply also changing the locks for the seat and any other associated locks( in my case only the lock of the seat. I do have the original red key which allows me to duplicate new keys without having to change the EMUA. Your guidance please. Thank you in advance .

The mechanic is probably describing the immobilizer which is the key switch & ECU being "linked" electronically for security reasons.
You would also need to be able to remove the two bolts holding the switch in place. These are tamper-proof where the head of the bolt snaps off after being tightened to the proper torque.

 

[Mzee]

Have you tried just cleaning out the ignition barrel? Take it off, spray brake cleaner into and allow to soak, then do it again upside down to flush out all the grease and road grit, which is probably the reason the tumblers are not pushing against the key, which needs resistance to hold it in place. If all else fails and the bike runs fine, then perhaps lash the key to the handle bar when riding? i do that anyway. Another thing to think about, has anyone tried to pry the ignition? this is normally a good reason for a loose ignition barrel too.

You are a very practical man mate ::025:: ::025:: ::025:: ::025:: ::025:: ::025:: ::025::, I am talking about lashing the key to the handlebars. The rest of what you suggest is acceptable.

 

[Mzee]

The mechanic is probably describing the immobilizer which is the key switch & ECU being "linked" electronically for security reasons.
You would also need to be able to remove the two bolts holding the switch in place. These are tamper-proof where the head of the bolt snaps off after being tightened to the proper torque.

The tamper-proof bolts can be dealt with and this is the least of my worries, but if we change the barrel does it necessarily imply changing the ECU, immobilizer, etc. In fact this is my difficulty. How about just reprogramming the new key that fits into the new cylinder?

 

[EricV]

The question in my mind is does the cylinder have a chip to mate to the red key chip, or is it just the key chip mating to the FMCU? If the latter, no reason why you couldn't just buy the cylinder and program the new key to your existing FMCU, IF the current red key will fit into the new cylinder and can do what ever functions required to program keys. I suspect there may be a hang up there.

Having the seat lock re-keyed for the new ignition key is not a big deal. Any locksmith can do that for a reasonable cost. The new cylinder should come with at least two keys, if not the full compliment of three, (one red, two black).

Do all of your keys pull out when the bike is running, including the red key? If so, key wear would not seem to be the issue. Do the free things first, (cleaning and re-lubricating), before spending money.

 

[Dogdaze]

I would not insert the red key without being at a dealership, I have known doing this to cause a complete re-program sequence that would immobilise the key functions and so the bike,not good if you are miles from a dealer and you need to use the bike. the red will de-activate all the other keys, the you will have to re-program them all.

 

[Don in Lodi]

Stick the red wand from any of your pressurized cleaning products as deep into the switch as you can, wd40, electrical contact cleaner, brake clean, and hose the sucker, flush it from the bottom up. Use the whole can if you want. Don't use a carb cleaner, it will lift your paint. Protect your tank from back spray. Have a container of hot soapy water handy to rinse away the scum and debris. WD40 will leave residue behind, it can work as a lube for a while, it's a good cleaner though. If you use the contact cleaner or brake clean it will dry... well, dry. There's a dry lube made for lock tumblers, graphite, it doesn't attract all the bad stuff or get all gummy. If a thorough cleaning doesn't do it, a locksmith can.

 

[Mzee]

Thanks mate, I will give you feed back after doing all you have suggested.