key not turning

Having Problems with your BMW R1200RT/R1250RT? or have some Maintenance and Service questions?
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Paxton6754
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key not turning

Post by Paxton6754 »

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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Re: key not turning

Post by EasyRider »

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.
Last edited by EasyRider on Sun Dec 10, 2023 6:11 am, edited 1 time in total.
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BoB21
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Re: key not turning

Post by BoB21 »

Try Graphite oil/powder.very messy so put on key.
burridge01
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Re: key not turning

Post by burridge01 »

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

Post by EasyRider »

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.
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BoB21
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Re: key not turning

Post by BoB21 »

I use graphite oil as it's liquid form. Grease / WD40 will work but collect dirt and block again.we use graphite oil at work on locks for that reason.
burridge01
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Re: key not turning

Post by burridge01 »

Small puff of powder :mrgreen:
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Doctor T
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Re: key not turning

Post by Doctor T »

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.
"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light". Groucho Marx
burridge01
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Re: key not turning

Post by burridge01 »

Doctor T wrote: Sun Dec 10, 2023 4:04 pm Rub a pencil on both sides of the key. As good as Graphite oil. Thats what us old times used to us
Not having that,you were on the chalk n slate back in the day :lol: :lol: (Steve made me say it :o )
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Steve398
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Re: key not turning

Post by Steve398 »

burridge01 wrote: Sun Dec 10, 2023 5:31 pm Not having that,you were on the chalk n slate back in the day :lol: :lol: (Steve made me say it :o )
:o :lol: :lol:
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Doctor T
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Re: key not turning

Post by Doctor T »

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.
"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light". Groucho Marx
Orion7562
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Re: key not turning

Post by Orion7562 »

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Doctor T
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Re: key not turning

Post by Doctor T »

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.
"Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light". Groucho Marx
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