YM3000-Bad ignition switch ?

[auraaura]

All of a sudden--my key won't turn. No problems, ever, today I inserted the key and it won't move at all. Is my switch worn out? Could my key be worn out? I was going to take the switch out and maybe clean it or lubricate it but I can't figure how to get it out. Took off the access panel under steering wheel but can't figure out how to remove the switch mechanism. Anyone got any suggestions ??

 

[Smoody]

No idea why it doesn't turn, but to remove unscrew the bezel around the key hole, the switch will drop out under the dash.

 

[Car Doc]

My key is like that it works every time as long as I dont pull it out of the switch then I have to wiggle it up and down while turning it. hth

Once mine frees up it works every time again until I pull the key and btw spray oil is your friend spray some right in there. 30 years of rain and dirt must have some detrimental effects.

 

[auraaura]

Stuck at work until Sunday, will attack switch with WD40 then. If that doesn't work how do I grip the bezel, Smoody? The thing is slick chrome....

 

[winston1]

I'm not Smoody but I will butt in as usual. If yours is like mine the bezel has some small slots in it made for an adjustable spanner wrench. [ame]http://www.amazon.com/Small-Pin-Adjustable-Spanner-Wrench/dp/B003JPA1PM[/ame] I took mine off with a pair of channel locks. Left a mark or two but it worked. Probably could put some thin rubber under the jaws and avoid that.

 

[California]

If you're cheap like me: Curve jaw Channellocks - the size for working on sink drains - grip that bezel well and don't mark it up much.

I consider those an essential household tool because they are the only tool that can loosen a too-tight garden hose (or washing machine) coupler without damaging it.

On my YM186D I found the switch assembly installed upside down, and it occasionally needed lock fluid (graphite in solvent) to free it up. I turned it over so the cylinder pins are above the key slot and no more problem. I think water was pocketing in the pins.

 

[Pete Judd]

Easy to hot wire, now I wont share at my age, but cars were easy to do years ago, but diesel's are easy, only have to get it spinning and you can drive it anywhere.

 

[careyo63]

I just used a pair of needle nose pliers and held the Locking Nut in the Grooves/notches. Then reached under the dash and turned the switch and loosened it. Guarentee you it has never been removed and with no cratches on the switch or dash you can't tell that ever was. I was wireing my TS. and new it would be alot easier and the piece of mind to see the Terminals or connections and if they matched the Diagram. Which they did :thumbsup:

 

[auraaura]

OK.....channel lock pliers loosened the bezel with a minimum of scratching.
Took switch out, cleaned, lubed, still won't friggin' move. I guess it's time to start shopping for a replacement. Was building a fence, nail gun, compressor and Yanmar all quit on same day. Not a good day

 

[chriswheeler]

As I remember, the switch on my YM 3000 was fairly cheap. Mine failed about 3 years ago, just changed the switch. Fairly easy to do, just disconect the ground at the battery first to prevent arcs. Take the wires off one terminal at a time and place on the new ignition switch on the same terminal. Best to do one terminal at a time, wires get put on the right terminals that way. With mine, the internal switch failed in the start position, lock part was fine. Hoye has this part,
Chris