Repairing that old Keyed Ignition
Written by Mike Wichter 12.28.2008
Now we need to remove the bottom section of the ignition where the contacts are. There are 3-4 plastic tabs that hold the bottom area on. you will need to coordinate a prying and pulling action to remove it from the pin section from the switch.
On the bottom there some small small cut outs, next to it is one of the tabs. I found it easier to pry on the bottom to push the plastic housing away form the tab while pulling on the wires to the opposite side to get it out at an angle.
Once you have removed the bottom section you will see 2 pieces. 1 is a plastic piece with 2 2-pointed copper nubs that are attached to springs. This is the part that turns with the key itself. those nubs contact the pin section and allow for power to be applied to the Trike's ignition and starter relay. You need to take some mid level grade emery cloth sand paper(200+ grit is what I recommend) and hose the connections down the sand the corrosion away so it's nice and shinny and copper looking again.
*make note on how it sat in the housing prior to removing it as it must go back the same way. some keys don't let you install it but 1 way, and others will let it be installed any way but will not work if not placed back to original location.
View of entire switch dissembled and cleaned and ready for install
Before you put it back together your going to need to go to the auto parts store (unless you already have some) and purchase a very small tube of dielectric grease. You will need to lube the bottom of the key area, and both metal contact areas and the pin areas. Also if you need to solder some wires back on, before assembly is the time to take care of that.
When assembling it, start with installing the key section first. reason is the white plastic piece with the 2 spring copper dubs has to fit on the end of the keyed section. If you install the key first then turn it over, you can just drop it on and then push the pin section in. and it's done.
Hope this helps some of you.
Mike