Can't get the key into the ignition

Mutt the Hoople · Post by **Mutt the Hoople** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 4:37 pm

I just purchased new Buddy scooter yesterday, rode around town, did a bit of shopping and everything was perfectly fine. I go out this morning to run some errands and the key will not go into the ignition. I had no problems whatsoever yesterday. I feel like a fool for asking but what could be going on? It's a beautiful day and I want to ride. Has this issue happened with anyone here?

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 6:00 pm

The key socket might be a little gummed up, such that it didn't spring back into position when you took the key out. WD-40 might help with that. The socket is a somewhat complicated mechanism, because it serves three distinct functions: turning the engine on/off, releasing the seat, and locking the steering column. Gently jiggling the key a little as you try to insert it might help.

Mutt the Hoople · Post by **Mutt the Hoople** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 6:58 pm

Thanks. I'll try that. As I said, yesterday it was fine and today I can only get my key partially in.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Sun Feb 26, 2012 7:14 pm

I had it happen a couple times as mine sat on the sales floor for a while before I got it.

Be patient and wiggle, even try flipping the key around. a lot of times it'll go. some graphite lubricant might help too.

Mutt the Hoople · Post by **Mutt the Hoople** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 5:10 am

Thanks for the tips. I'd wanted a scooter for years. I finally got one as sort of a 50th birthday present for myself. I live in the city and thought it would be a practical mode of transportation for erands and to save gas. I decided to use my car only when necessary. I knew it would be fun but had no idea just HOW FUN!!! Wow. I was also surprised how quickly you can get around town! And no time wasted trying to find parking places. I just want to deal with the key/ignition issue because all I wanna do is scoot

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 2:43 pm

That's what happens, Mutt. The gas savings sometimes goes down because you just 'have to' run an errand all the way across town.

Mutt the Hoople · Post by **Mutt the Hoople** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 2:53 pm

LOL er... Woof woof.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 7:22 pm

50cc Pamplona? Don't you mean 150cc?

heatherkay · Post by **heatherkay** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 7:33 pm

I don't know what Mutt meant, but the Lil Buddy Internationals are 50cc

http://genuinescooters.com/lil_internat.html#Pamplona

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Mon Feb 27, 2012 11:07 pm

My mistake. Thanks, heatherkay. Mutt, you should call your dealer, if you haven't already. Roadside assistance should even take care of the tow, if it's required.

easy · Post by **easy** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 12:13 am

wiggle handle bars sometimes steering lock hangs up

Mutt the Hoople · Post by **Mutt the Hoople** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 1:38 am

My scooter is the Buddy Little International Pamplona so it is indeed a 50cc. I got the key/ignition issue solved but because it was in the wrong position when it got stuck my battery is now dead. The dealer I purchased it from is closed on Mondays but I sure they will have me going tomorrow. I can't wait. Today would have been perfect but tomorrow will be nice too.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Tue Feb 28, 2012 2:59 pm

if your battery died you just need to kickstart it @ 100x and it will fire right up. if it's new that won't be too big of a deal.

The 4-strokes argue a bit more, but I've started mine on a couple of cold mornings where it didn't have the amps to turn over, and then wore down after a couple of attempts. It can be frustrating but I really love having the kickstart as an option.