[Elecraft] K3 macro/cw message key behavior

[Gary Slagel via Elecraft]

I've set up the K3 macro keys to set my output power to different levels based on if I'm using my amp or not.  I use 6 different macros on keys 1, 2 and 3 using both the tap and hold memory.
Recently I recorded a cw message on key 1 which overwrote the macro.  The manual says I can erase the cw message by hitting the 'rec' key, then recording the morse sequence '--..' and hitting 'rec' again.  I've tried that but looking that cw memory from the K3 utility program it still shows a '|' in that memory and it won't let me rewrite my macro into that key memory.  I write the macros into the keys using the K3 utility program.
Any suggestions on how to get my macro back into that key 1 memory?  Thanks for any help! Gary / KT0A