Ignition switch cleaning 84 GL1200

[vrocrider]

Problem: ignition switch cutting off sporadically. Proposed solution: clean contacts. How do you do this?

Solution update.
Remove key switch from bike. Remove plastic cover held on by 3 tabs from back of switch by pressing tabs in with small screwdriver. Remove electrical housing from metal key housing. Mark position of white plastic base with felt pin. Pry apart electrical housing which exposes 3 movable contact plates with total of 4 springs behind movable plates. Each plate has multiple contact points. Base has multiple fixed contact points that movable plates touch as switch is turned.

Clean all contact points with electrical contact cleaner. Work oil stone and/or 400 wet sandpaper on all damaged fixed and movable contact points. After final cleaning with contact cleaner apply small amount of dielectric grease and reassemble.

Use electrical tape to seal metal key housing and plastic cover. Connect ignition switch to bike wiring and operate to check proper operation prior to installation.

[admin]

We need a little more detail on what you want to do.

You might have pulse generator problems or a bad ignition switch which may need replacing.

[vrocrider]

I'm sure it's the switch. Thought I saw a post on GWRRA where someone took apart the switch and cleaned contacts. Trying to keep switch to stay with same key set. Wondering if someone here has done this? Thanks.

[admin]

When my ignition switch went bad I simply removed the lock cylinder and installed it in the new switch to retain one key for the bike.

[vrocrider]

Thanks. Did you get a new or used switch? $'s? Did it look like you could access the electrical to clean? Thanks again.

[admin]

I got a new switch <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://saber-cycle.com/store/Electrical1.html">http://saber-cycle.com/store/Electrical1.html</a><!-- m -->

Cleaning may be possible, although difficult, but it may not be reliable.

[vrocrider]

Thanks. Heard Saber has bad customer service. How was your experience? How was their price compared to Honda? Thanks again.

[Fatwing Chris]

Just read today on another forum that Honda will still replace the ignition switches under warr.,because it was a safety recall.You have to contact Honda directly as most of the dealers haven't been around long enough to know anything about the older recalls.Might be worth looking into.

[Fatwing Chris]

NHTSA Campaign #84VO67000

[admin]

Thanks. Heard Saber has bad customer service. How was your experience? How was their price compared to Honda? Thanks again.

Honda wanted over $200. for the switch. Saber sent it to me within two weeks for $135. + shipping and handling.

[vrocrider]

Thanks guys.
I'll chase the recall. Amazing that they'd cover something made in '84.

By the way, what was the forum you read this on?

Thanks again!

[admin]

Here's the link and details to the recall campaign:

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/results.cfm">http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/probl ... esults.cfm</a><!-- m -->

Recalls Summary

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
HONDA / GL1200 1984

Recall Number: 84V067000
Summary:
SWITCH COVER WHICH PROVIDES FOR A GOOD WIRE CONNECTION COULD BECOME LOOSE AND POSSIBLY CAUSE LOSS OF ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS.
Consequence:
There is no summary currently available
Remedy:
THE IGNITION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE SWITCH COVER. THE COVER IS INSTALLED TO ENSURE PROPER WIRE CONNECTION.
Notes:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES.SYSTEM: ELECTRICAL; IGNITION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: ENGINE COULD SHUT OFF WHILE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION,POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.

[MIKE BURNS]

FROM WHAT I AM READING,HONDA STILL HAS THIS RECALL OPEN AND IS REQUIRED TO REPLACE THE SWITCH ??? EVEN THOUGH MY BIKEI S 23 YRS OLD???

[admin]

That is correct Mike.

[vrocrider]

Talked with American Honda today and recall is open ended because safety issue. I'm covered! Yea! Thanks again guys!!

...fyi talked with Feds (NHTSA) prior to calling Honda and they said mfrs. are required to honor recalls for 10 years after recall posting. This recall was initiated in '84 so Honda going above and beyond...Got to thinking, wonder why they don't support stator issue. Mine went bad mid 90's and I called and pushed but still no help. Response from Honda was bike was beyond recall time limit. Probably $ issue I guess.

Thanks board!