Key on Vector

[Canadian Lad]

I have a new 2006 vector Gt. Was at the dealers to get it serviced and was told not to use the key with the Yamaha attachment. (The one that folds up when you do not use it like a jacknife) Apparently the key holder can get stuck on the cowling when you start the engine and burn out your starter. Told me this is a 7 hour repair item and will not be covered by Yamaha even if the key comes like this from Yamaha. Yamaha is looking at something to replace this key holder with. When I got home I checked and sure enough if everything worked right and you were not aware of this it could happen. The dealer said he had 2 machines in the shop already this winter for this problem and to date Yamaha has not come good for the repairs. My dealer said he is eating the cost of the labour on the 2 he had and will until everyone that bought from him is notified of the problem by him. Problem with the other key is it is only a key and if you drop it in the snow
I think if you turn the key upside down so it won't fold down it should be OK but you have to remember to do this or else

 

[twomorestrokes]

I read about this style key in the 05 literature too, but my 2 keys are plain. I've never seen one.

 

[novarossi]

My dealer told me not to use the switchblade key. He told me it is a 1 off deal and if i lose it it cannot be replaced. He put a nice keychain tag on the spare so thats what I use.

 

[x2thez]

Ok maybe I am missing something here, but my dealer didnt tell me a thing about not using that key. I have used it for about 1700 miles without a single problem, I dont see how it would get caught on the cowling?????? Please explain.... PICS>>>>

 

[Canadian Lad]

Don't really try this but here is the way it could happen.
You put the key in the ignition in such a way that the plastic handle can fold down. Now with a gloved hand turn the switch to start and have the plastic on the key folded down. When you let go of the key it can jam without going to the on position (stay on start). The way the cowling is made makes this possible.
One solution is to make sure that if you use this key is to turn it upside down so it can't fold down. The chance of it happening is not great but then again it could spoil your day and cause a huge repair bill

 

[jruffell]

trust me it can happen, I was stranded in Quebec last weekend with a burnt up starter. The issue is there are no startes available in Canada to fix this issue. The dealer I took the sled to said he has replaced several this season due to the key fab issue. Now the dealer was nice enough to pull a starter off a sled on the show room floor and replace mine. Total cost was over 1k, which i have been told by Yamaha they will re-imburse me for the labor once I am back in the states. they contacted my local dealer and told them I would be bringing them the paper work for the cost and have them submit it. we shall see in the next couple of weeks.

 

[06rsvectorer]

good thing i use the reg key, i have the jack-knife style key and i looked at that and said thats too big, so im using the regular key

 

[Canadian Lad]

Got a notice from Yamaha today in the mail about thee key. They did not admit that it could burn out the starter but only that it would drain the battery. A good cop out I would say- admit no liability for their oversight. They should revamp the key fob and send every buyer a new one along with the truth that it can cause starter burn out. They do admit it can hold the swithch from returning all the way and to use it in the position that prevents it from folding down

 

[twomorestrokes]

At least they are notifying folks. I'm glad mine didn't come with one now.

 

[jruffell]

Well after my sled was fixed from the starter which included pulling the engine I had a chance to ride this past weekend. After 30 miles my engine died, stranded again!! Not sure yet what happened taking to dealer tomorrow. Sounds to me like I blew a barring on the crank. I would advise everyone to remove the key fab as not to go down the same path I am headed with only 400 miles on my 2006 Rage.