[happycat254]

Hi folks. My 82 has been a real trooper for me over the past 6 years I've had it. Always starts. Till now. The key/ignition switch was starting to get a little wonky last fall. Started it a few times over the winter. Now, nothing. No lights, nothing. Key jiggling used to do it, but not anymore.
I could really use some advice on how to get this thing out, take it apart, clean it etc. Or is there something I should try before pulling it? (I checked the dogbone fuse which seems intact.) Any help is appreciated. Its Finally warm enough to ride and I'm starting to twitch!
Thanks,
Ed

 

[George 56-81]

Had the same problem on my 81 1100. You must remove the instrument cluster to get that switch out. Back of switch has plastic contact base, probably worn out. You can replace just that, but I got away cheaper at a junkyard with a whole switch assembly. I spent my summers as a kid in Shandaken; small world.

 

[happycat254]

Headed to Shandakan tonight to look at a 700.00 suzuki Intruder 750. Supposedly runs and drives but is "cosmetically challenged". Have to see what that means....
So to get the instrument cluster off, I'm assuming there are some nuts sticking out ofthe back of it. Hope I don't have to remove the fairing to get at all this stuff.....

 

[DaveO430]

Easier just to remove the fairing, it's not that hard. Then you can get to the 2 nuts that hold the cluster to the to bridge and disconnect the wiring and cables. More frustration to try to do it with the fairing on.

 

[George 56-81]

Mine is a Standard with a Windjammer that's easy to take off. Really hard to do with fairing on. Removing cluster is straightforward. Gives you a chance to lube speedo & tach cables. As I remember, once you have access, you put the key in a particular position, then slide the back of the lock out. Good luck.

 

[happycat254]

Thanks guys. Got the fairing off (standard windjammer) no problem. Got the switch off. Sprayed the hell out of it with elextrical contact cleaner, lugged it back in (did not bolt it back on to the bike). Tried it. No luck. Was hoping for the easy fix. Oh well.
Now what? Can I take it apart and clean it? Or should I just try and get a new (or used ) one and replace it?

 

[mrtwowheel]

Spray won't reach the places that have to be cleaned. You need to remove the plastic base and clean the contacts inside. Not so hard to do. I use a screwdriver with all of the surfaces rounded and smoothed over. Push the tabs in, don't cut them. Push the tabs in with the screwdriver on a hard table surface so that you don't stab yourself. I've done two without breaking anything, so I am batting 1000.

Key may have to be in the on position to remove the plastic base from the rest of the body, not sure about your specific switch.

Scott