Interchangeability of Ignition Switch - T500?

MikeH1A · Post by **MikeH1A** » Tue May 11, 2010 3:34 pm

Hi Guys,

I have what appears to be a short or cutting out of power at the ignition switch (where the key is placed). This has happened a couple of times and resulted in an immediate loss of all power to systems. However, after wiggling the wires that attach to the switch unit, the power came back and the old girl roared away again.

I have another T500 switch with appropriate keys but I am not sure exactly which model T500 it came off. Can I just plug it in to my 71 T500R and expect it to deliver or were the units specific to certain models? Is there any risk to trying it out?

Many thanks for any advice.

Mike

parksie · Post by **parksie** » Tue May 11, 2010 3:56 pm

I think ALL t500 ignition switches were the same. The GT500 is different

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Tue May 11, 2010 4:14 pm

Nope not so Parksie, the first Cobras and Titans had four position ignition switches and the sockets were larger on those versions of switch as well.
If yours has the smaller socket Mike you are good to go with a swap on the models using that type of three position switch.

TLRam1 · Post by **TLRam1** » Tue May 11, 2010 4:23 pm

Spray a little lube or WD40 inside and work the switch, fixed mine.

parksie · Post by **parksie** » Tue May 11, 2010 4:50 pm

I havn't come across a T500 with a 4 position switch yet.
Ya learn something every day

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Tue May 11, 2010 4:54 pm

The reason they had a four position switch is because there is no light 'on/off' switch on the left handlebar control for those years of T500. There is only a high and low beam and indicator switch L|R on that side.
So it has these four /off/on/on with lights/park/ for the switch.

MikeH1A · Post by **MikeH1A** » Thu May 13, 2010 4:23 am

Great, thanks for that. Next question ... how do I actually take the old ignition out of its place?

Post by **Suzsmokeyallan** » Thu May 13, 2010 6:19 am

You lost me there now Mike, do you mean how to remove it from the frame???

MikeH1A · Post by **MikeH1A** » Fri May 14, 2010 12:27 am

Yep. Allan, I just wanted to check - so I don't dive in with my usual ham-fisted approach. I've learned that hammers are only good for certain jobs

TLRam1 · Post by **TLRam1** » Fri May 14, 2010 9:34 am

Unscrew the chrome ring around where the key goes and the switch pops out the backside.

If you try any spray lube, silicone is what I used I think, I believe there was a small hole I could spray the lube into and switching the key on & off cleaned it up where it works fine.