key not turning
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Paxton6754
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Fri Dec 08, 2023 10:05 am
- Bike Model and Year: 2012 BMW R 1200
key not turning
My BMW R1200RT is having problems with the ignition. I am having trouble turning the key. I washed the key to remove any dirt but it made no difference. What else can be done?
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EasyRider
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- Location: South Wales
- Bike Model and Year: 2019 R1250RT LE
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Re: key not turning
Tyr some grease on the key, and work it into the lock.
Also try moving the key slowly in and out as you try to turn it.
I had one bike that when you put the key in you needed to pull it back about 3mm for it to turn.
Also try moving the key slowly in and out as you try to turn it.
I had one bike that when you put the key in you needed to pull it back about 3mm for it to turn.
Last edited by EasyRider on Sun Dec 10, 2023 6:11 am, edited 1 time in total.
Dont Ride Faster, Than Your Angel Can Fly. 
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burridge01
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Re: key not turning
Exactly as BoB21 has said,graphite powder.DO NOT PUT GREASE DOWN THE BARREL OR ON THE KEY.Push thd tip of the key in the barrel and squeeze a little powder in/on the barrel and key and gently work the key up and down side to side.you do not need a lot of graphite powder or you will clog the barrel.
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EasyRider
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Re: key not turning
I've always used white lithium grease or even WD40. But i think its each to there own. Its worked for me.
Like you have said, graphite is a powder and if you put to much in the key will compact it at the bottom as the ignition barrel is vertical.
You can also mix a small amount of graphite powder with water to make it flow better and work it in that way. The water will evaporate leaving the graphit in place.
Like you have said, graphite is a powder and if you put to much in the key will compact it at the bottom as the ignition barrel is vertical.
You can also mix a small amount of graphite powder with water to make it flow better and work it in that way. The water will evaporate leaving the graphit in place.
Dont Ride Faster, Than Your Angel Can Fly.
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burridge01
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Doctor T
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Re: key not turning
Rub a pencil on both sides of the key. As good as Graphite oil. Thats what us old times used to us
Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.
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burridge01
- Posts: 586
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Re: key not turning
Not having that,you were on the chalk n slate back in the day
(Steve made me say it 
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Steve398
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Re: key not turning
burridge01 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 10, 2023 5:31 pm Not having that,you were on the chalk n slate back in the day
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Doctor T
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Re: key not turning
I was always getting the Berch from the Headmaster. Think he was a bit Kinky
Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.
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Doctor T
- Posts: 1670
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- Has liked: 909 times
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Re: key not turning
Could be one of the little locking pins or springs inside the lock could have become misaligned
Trust me I am a retired Doctor and lecturer at Oxford University of Structural and Mechanical/Electrical engineering.