Key wouldn't turn in ignition - used WD-40 - next steps?

saferider1 · 01-25-2013, 08:41 PM

I have a 2012 Taotao ATM150-A Evo 150cc bike. Brand new, first test ride was 2 days ago.

Still working out the bugs. Today after fueling up, the key would insert but wouldn't turn in the ignition. Couldn't turn to the start position or to lock the handle bars.

Played with the key for a few minutes then got on scootdawg via a google search on my phone. Lube was recommended. Fortunately, Lowes does that trinket marketing by placing stuff they think you need along the aisles. The other day, I saw a 3 oz can of WD-40 and thought, hey, that should be in my toolkit on my bike. So I had some WD-40 with me!

So with a squirt of WD-40 in the lock, something freed up, and I was able to start and roll.

Here's my question. Did I screw things up by using WD-40 instead of graphite? Can I still squirt some graphite in there? What do you guys recommend as the next steps in preventative care?

Guest_1 · 01-25-2013, 08:43 PM

i think you should be ok
but watch ill be 100% wrong

scootnwinn · 01-26-2013, 10:48 AM

Don't put the graphite in until you have cleaned out the lock well with a solvent. It might be better to do it now than when it fails in the future...

**inuyasha** · 01-26-2013, 10:59 AM

Hi
Get and spray some corrosion x in the keyhole, it will clean and protect
http://www.corrosionx.com/corrosionx.html
http://www.corrosionx.com/
Take care and ride safely
Yours Hank

teddy554 · 01-26-2013, 12:25 PM

I always have used wd-40 in my ignition and gas cap and i have had no issues

terrilee · 01-26-2013, 12:27 PM

ok i may be wrong here but
wd_40 fights water , correct?
and corresion x is like 10 x's better, correct?

**inuyasha** · 01-26-2013, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrilee

ok i may be wrong here but
wd_40 fights water , correct?
and corresion x is like 10 x's better, correct?

Hi Terri
Its much more then that WD 40 doesnt even come close
http://www.corrosionx.com/marine.html
http://www.corrosionx.com/electronics.html
Take care and ride safely dear friend
Yours Hank

terrilee · 01-26-2013, 12:34 PM

see i gain knowledge all the time

scootnwinn · 01-26-2013, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teddy554

I always have used wd-40 in my ignition and gas cap and i have had no issues

It's not an issue in climates that do not support the blowing of fine dry sand. Out here anything with wd-40 (or any oily substance) on it immediately becomes an oily dirtball. You don't want that in your lock. It may not be an issue as long as fine dust in the air isn't an issue

carasdad · 01-26-2013, 01:08 PM

Anytime a key does not work in these Chinese scoots...rotate the key 180 degrees and try it that way..upside down so to speak. I have found on MANY customer scoots that when the keys are cut...they DO NOT wire brush the key to remove any burs as they do when you get a duplicate house or car key made. The scoot keys typically arrive with rough edges and 'flashing' on them from the cutting process makes them not always work properly...

01-26-2013, 10:59 AM	#4
inuyasha Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: West Haven CT Posts: 1,165	Hi Get and spray some corrosion x in the keyhole, it will clean and protect http://www.corrosionx.com/corrosionx.html http://www.corrosionx.com/ Take care and ride safely Yours Hank __________________ "4wheels move the body 2 wheels move the soul" Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. Douglas MacArthur Last edited by inuyasha; 01-26-2013 at 11:06 AM.
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01-26-2013, 12:27 PM	#6
terrilee Join Date: May 2011 Location: jeannette, pa STEELER COUNTRY Posts: 123	ok i may be wrong here but wd_40 fights water , correct? and corresion x is like 10 x's better, correct? __________________ 2008 Shanghai Schenke Motorcycle Company LTD model # SL-15021B added extra turn signals, brake lights on the trunk saddle bags and a windshield 67 mph top speed ALL STOCK verified by PSP "Hillary in 2016"
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01-26-2013, 12:34 PM	#8
terrilee Join Date: May 2011 Location: jeannette, pa STEELER COUNTRY Posts: 123	see i gain knowledge all the time __________________ 2008 Shanghai Schenke Motorcycle Company LTD model # SL-15021B added extra turn signals, brake lights on the trunk saddle bags and a windshield 67 mph top speed ALL STOCK verified by PSP "Hillary in 2016"
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01-25-2013, 08:43 PM	#2
Guest_1 Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 60	i think you should be ok but watch ill be 100% wrong
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01-26-2013, 01:08 PM	#10
carasdad Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: South Haven Michigan Posts: 225	Anytime a key does not work in these Chinese scoots...rotate the key 180 degrees and try it that way..upside down so to speak. I have found on MANY customer scoots that when the keys are cut...they DO NOT wire brush the key to remove any burs as they do when you get a duplicate house or car key made. The scoot keys typically arrive with rough edges and 'flashing' on them from the cutting process makes them not always work properly...
	0