ignition swtich install - what am I doing wrong?

[rabitoblanco]

Edited to hopefully be a bit more helpful: Please see photo in post below, and disregard this one.

The ignition lock got jammed in Park on my 83 GS450L. I bought a replacement part for fleabay, only later realizing that the it is for '80-'82 model years. But upon placing it next to the original 83 450L lock cylinder, everything seems to be exactly the same size, and it fits directly in the same way. Except I'm not sure if there was quite as much exposed surface circled in photo below.
When I put the original back in, though, there is the same amount of exposure of that surface (rectangular shiny bit @the front of the lock cylinder).
More to the point, I'm not seeing any lights/ response after hooking up the electrics and turning the key. Is this because there are different electrics, (with exactly the same plug/ physical pattern)? Or am I doing something wrong?

Thanks for responses already given, and those coming!

[rabitoblanco]

this shot is taken from the front, and you can see the shiny bit that is visible but shouldn't be!
Anyone?

[rabitoblanco]

anyone??? I'm still stuck!

So took the thing back out, put the original piece in, and same problem. I just can't figure out what is going on!!
All elec. connections seem fine. Battery is charged and connected. I know I must me missing something obvious.

[tkent02]

What makes you think it's not correct?

[rudy]

The rectangular connector is sticking out? I'm not sure I understand what's wrong. How did you get to this point? You had to replace the ignition switch, right? Did you replace it with one from the same model and year, or just one that physically fit? The electrical connections mate up, but your electricals don't work now?

[rudy]

Are you talking about the bolt for the steering lock? Does it really matter if you can see it? If all you want is for it not to visually stick out, just put a little black paint on it.

[rabitoblanco]

a bit more info...

Thanks so much for responses. I've tried to clarify further below:

Yes, I did get here by having just replaced the ign. lock cylinder. (Bc/ the thing had got stuck in Park)

If you see this attached photo, that is the contact point I was talking about. As I was looking at my '80 GS450E, it seems some of that does in fact show, and it doesn't really seem to contact anything. In the initial post, I had thought that was the case. (And hence thought that was my problem).

Firstly, does the fit seem reasonable-- should it show quite that much?

Secondly, the replacement part is from an '80 and not an '83 as I'd originally thought. The electrics fit directly and look the same, as does the physical ignition lock cylinder itself. Everything bolts together just as expected, but in the end, not response on turning the key.

[rabitoblanco]

The steering lock, btw, is aligned properly and functional.

[Suzuki_Don]

If your electrics are not working then you need to ascertain if the switch is faulty or there is a problem with the rest of the bikes wiring/components.

Remove the electrical plug that goes into the ignition switch and jumper the red wire to the orange wire and you should then have ignition lights. Report back and tell us the results.

The other option is the use a multimeter across the terminals of the switch in turn (there are four wires) with it unplugged and switching the ignition switch you should see the meter go from open circuit (O/C) to short circuit (S/C).

[rabitoblanco]

If your electrics are not working then you need to ascertain if the switch is faulty or there is a problem with the rest of the bikes wiring/components.(S/C).

Hopefully I can get out to her tomorrow and I'll try out your suggested tests.

As for the general situation, bike was running without any electric issues until physical jam of key in Park position, so there is a strong chance all electrics are still fully functional.

[rabitoblanco]

Got it!

Big thanks to Don, (and also everyone else that commented), I got it.
After hooking up the ammeter I realized the circuit was fine so it had to be something else. Hooked up the meter to the battery, and realized it had completely died. I was sure it was fine because I had disconnected it when I'd gotten my problem, but it seems because I hadn't taken it out, the wire had fallen on the terminal, and thereby drained the battery.

Recharge, and I've got lights! Thanks again.


Also, FYI-- the $20 Chinesebrand ebay lock cylinder for 80-82 bikes will also fit an 83 gs450. I know it's aftermarket and really quite crap, but for a $140 price difference on a bike I'm not planning on keeping that was a no-brainer

Cheers,
ridwan