Valk Key Question

[indybobm]

Time for my Stupid Question of the Day. When the ignition is turned on, should you be able to remove the key? Just noticed that I can and am not sure if it is correct.

[Fritz The Cat]

No sir, mine comes out only when the ignition is off.

[BonS]

If it could come out when the ignition is on then it might be jarred out somewhere on a ride. Or maybe bumped out by your knee. Bad end to a good ride!

[indybobm]

Guess I will look into getting another ignition switch. One more key to keep track of. I can take the key out of the gas cap also when I open it. Cannot remember if that is normal.

[MacDragon]

Not normal. If it's coming out of the tank cover too... common denominator is the key... get another key made based on the key code with a dealer... Won't help making it from the existing key since it appears to be worn.  Never heard of the key coming out of both before.

[indybobm]

Where do you find the key code? Is it on the key or the lock. I have two Honda keys without any numbers.

[..]

IF

I remember correctly a Honda dealer can look up your key from the VIN#

Do not get a key and take it home. Take the bike to the dealer so you can try the key there.

[Willow]

It's not likely the switch.  Most likely it's a very worn key or a poorly made copy (not in that order).

[indybobm]

Thanks for the help. I kind of thought it might be the key. I have two copies that seem to want to stay in the switch when it is on but they come out also. 

[salty1]

I agree on the worn key diagnosis. 

[indybobm]

IF

I remember correctly a Honda dealer can look up your key from the VIN#

Do not get a key and take it home. Take the bike to the dealer so you can try the key there.

Went to Dreyer Honda (oldest Honda dealer in the country) and they told me they cannot look it up by the VIN. What I found is that there are two easy ways to find your key code.

The 1st is to remove the the chrome cover from the ignition switch. Then remove the two star screws that hold the switch to the engine mount plate. The code is on the bottom of the die cast part of the switch.

The 2nd way is the easiest. Open the gas cap and get the code from the bottom of the gas cap. This will be the same number that is on the bottom of the ignition switch. It will probably be something like 8ECAxx or 8ECBxx where xx is two numbers. The dealer needs the A or B and the two numbers.
He can then cut you a new key.

[Jess Tolbirt]

i think some one may have modified the switch and cover lock...try any other key you have and see if it will turn on the switch,,like a master key or your car key...

[WamegoRob]

The 1st is to remove the the chrome cover from the ignition switch. Then remove the two star screws that hold the switch to the engine mount plate. The code is on the bottom of the die cast part of the switch.

The 2nd way is the easiest. Open the gas cap and get the code from the bottom of the gas cap. This will be the same number that is on the bottom of the ignition switch. It will probably be something like 8ECAxx or 8ECBxx where xx is two numbers. The dealer needs the A or B and the two numbers.
He can then cut you a new key.

Thanks!  This is good info to know.

[..]

IF

I remember correctly a Honda dealer can look up your key from the VIN#

Do not get a key and take it home. Take the bike to the dealer so you can try the key there.

Went to Dreyer Honda (oldest Honda dealer in the country) and they told me they cannot look it up by the VIN. What I found is that there are two easy ways to find your key code.

The 1st is to remove the the chrome cover from the ignition switch. Then remove the two star screws that hold the switch to the engine mount plate. The code is on the bottom of the die cast part of the switch.

The 2nd way is the easiest. Open the gas cap and get the code from the bottom of the gas cap. This will be the same number that is on the bottom of the ignition switch. It will probably be something like 8ECAxx or 8ECBxx where xx is two numbers. The dealer needs the A or B and the two numbers.
He can then cut you a new key.

 

[salty1]

Indybobm thanks for doing the research, good stuff. Let us know how it all turns out! 

[John Schmidt]

Out of curiosity I looked under the gas cap and there isn't any numbers there even close to what my numbered key has. Nothing that looks like the 8ECAxx or 8ECBxx either. Things that make you go hmmmm.....

[Willow]

Out of curiosity I looked under the gas cap and there isn't any numbers there even close to what my numbered key has. Nothing that looks like the 8ECAxx or 8ECBxx either. Things that make you go hmmmm.....

There are two numbers under there.  The one on the underside of the actual cap, directly where the tip of the key would point if it passed through, is the one that matters.  The one on the hinge doesn't.

The low order three characters of the one on the cap match the number imprinted on my key.

[Lyn-Del]

You can also take the worn key to a LOCKSMITH, not just a place with a key machine, and they can cut you a new key by reading the old one.  I don't mean making a duplicate, but cutting a key as if they had the code number.

And many locksmiths can cut keys cheaper and more accurately than a lot of dealers can. 

If you end up replacing the ignition, you can have a key made with one side cut for the ignition and one for the gas cap.  One key to carry, and if you mark it well, you'll soon be able to use it without thinking which side is which.

[alph]

Time for my Stupid Question of the Day. When the ignition is turned on, should you be able to remove the key? Just noticed that I can and am not sure if it is correct.

is that a bad thing?  often when i'm getting gas i would like to be able to leave the cycle in the "on" position, kill the engine with the kill switch, then be able to open the fuel cap, that way i don't have to restart my GPS, miss a song on the radio, etc.....  but you have to remove the key from the ignition switch to open the gas cap.....

[MacDragon]

Time for my Stupid Question of the Day. When the ignition is turned on, should you be able to remove the key? Just noticed that I can and am not sure if it is correct.

is that a bad thing?  often when i'm getting gas i would like to be able to leave the cycle in the "on" position, kill the engine with the kill switch, then be able to open the fuel cap, that way i don't have to restart my GPS, miss a song on the radio, etc.....  but you have to remove the key from the ignition switch to open the gas cap.....

Not if you have a second key on you...

[HayHauler]

Right Mac.  I always keep a key in my wallet.  I need my Credit Card anyways at the pump, so I just use that key.  AND, if you lock your keys in the trunk, you don't have to call a locksmith.  Don't ask how I know...    

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Willow]

  often when i'm getting gas i would like to be able to leave the cycle in the "on" position, kill the engine with the kill switch, then be able to open the fuel cap, that way i don't have to restart my GPS, miss a song on the radio, etc.....  but you have to remove the key from the ignition switch to open the gas cap.....

Turn the key counter-clockwise to the accessory position.  You should then be able to remove the key to unlock the gas cap while listening to your tunes.

Hasn't your GPS a battery backup?

[John Schmidt]

Out of curiosity I looked under the gas cap and there isn't any numbers there even close to what my numbered key has. Nothing that looks like the 8ECAxx or 8ECBxx either. Things that make you go hmmmm.....

There are two numbers under there.  The one on the underside of the actual cap, directly where the tip of the key would point if it passed through, is the one that matters.  The one on the hinge doesn't.

The low order three characters of the one on the cap match the number imprinted on my key.

Aha...give that man another sardine. Right again.    Plus, this time I used a magnifying glass for which I got enough smartass remarks from my wife....   

[WamegoRob]

Turn the key counter-clockwise to the accessory position.  You should then be able to remove the key to unlock the gas cap while listening to your tunes.

Thanks a lot Willow...I just broke my key off trying to find the 'accessory' position 

[Willow]

Thanks a lot Willow...I just broke my key off trying to find the 'accessory' position 

Oops!   ???  Alph rides an Interstate.   

[Red Diamond]

  often when i'm getting gas i would like to be able to leave the cycle in the "on" position, kill the engine with the kill switch, then be able to open the fuel cap, that way i don't have to restart my GPS, miss a song on the radio, etc.....  but you have to remove the key from the ignition switch to open the gas cap.....

Turn the key counter-clockwise to the accessory position.  You should then be able to remove the key to unlock the gas cap while listening to your tunes.

Hasn't your GPS a battery backup?

Thanks Willow, made me go to the garage to try that counter clockwise trick. My key wouldn't come out in any position. '99 I/S, code was there, though barely visible.

[alph]

Thanks a lot Willow...I just broke my key off trying to find the 'accessory' position 

Oops!   ???  Alph rides an Interstate.   

i'll have to go out and try that myself.  thanks for the info.

[wiggydotcom]

  often when i'm getting gas i would like to be able to leave the cycle in the "on" position, kill the engine with the kill switch, then be able to open the fuel cap, that way i don't have to restart my GPS, miss a song on the radio, etc.....  but you have to remove the key from the ignition switch to open the gas cap.....

Turn the key counter-clockwise to the accessory position.  You should then be able to remove the key to unlock the gas cap while listening to your tunes.

Hmmmm. On my I/S, I found the accessory position, but the key wouldn't come out when turned to it. Oh well.