Can't turn key in doors!

[Foolish]

So, I remember reading somewhere about someone with keyless entry on their car who discovered that their door locks no longer worked with the key. I seem to recall that they let their lock cylinders go unused for so long that they just rusted up, or something, and no longer turned.

Yesterday, I thought of this, and decided to try the key in the door of Dru's P5. As I'm sure you've guessed by now, it didn't turn. In fact, neither door will open with the key, and the hatch is stuck, too! If our keyless remotes or the car's battery were to die, we'd be hosed!

So, any idea how to free them up?

Would the dealership fix it under warranty? We're still under warranty until the end of this month, I suppose we could try to use it for the first time! (dunno)

 

[macklum]

with the tube ,spray some WD-40 in first ,then work the key in and out ,you will have to do this a couple of times ,this will free up the tumblers in the lock and allow you to turn the lock ,Once you have the lock freed up use some white lithium grease in a spray and small tube to lube the lock well . after that everytime you wash the car spray some lithium grease in the lock to keep everything working smoothly

 

[Foolish]

That was more or less what I had in mind to do. I'll need to pick up some sprayable white lithium.

 

[shane02pro5]

Good point I haven't used mine in almost 5 years. I guess I better check em out!

 

[Foolish]

You might be unpleasantly surprised! Better to find out like I did, though, vs. finding out when the battery does die, and you can't even pop the hood 'cause the doors don't open!

 

[LilPixieMama75]

Ooh...I should check all of mine. I know the driver's door works, but I never thought about the hatch. I should check it.

 

[Korea]

I thought I had this problem too, I thought my door locks were frozen from when I cleaned the car. But I just found out that I wasn't putting the key in far enough. But I do lube up the tumblers and such with some Selex Lube from the dealership I work at. Works good as new

 

[Flagship]

Spray some brake cleaner in there, insert and remove the key several times, get some powdered graphite and put some in the tumbler, insert and remove the key several times, then you'll be happy.

-Frank

 

[Keno1542]

ill have to check mine, i had graphite grease in mind though, thats what i use on all the door locks in our house.

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

OK, this made me go & check mine too, LOL. They all still work, cool.

 

[Foolish]

I posted in part so that people would check theirs!

Sometimes, the best I can hope for is to serve as a warning to others!

 

[Flagship]

ill have to check mine, i had graphite grease in mind though, thats what i use on all the door locks in our house.

I'd personally not use the grease. Tumblers can be pretty sensitive. You don't want grease in the springs.

 

[orlandomsp]

I'd personally not use the grease. Tumblers can be pretty sensitive. You don't want grease in the springs.

+1 Powdered graphite is the way to go.

 

[P-Funk!]

x2 for powdered graphite. Everyone! Go do it now - it will help keep your locks from freezing as well...

 

[Diehonda]

Good point I haven't used mine in almost 5 years. I guess I better check em out!

X2.

May need to get some 3in1 out and give it a good squirt.

 

[whitemp5seattle]

our doors have keyholes?!

I haven't used a key in the keyhole on the hatch or doors since...forever? I should go try this out!

 

[bazooka joe]

Spray some brake cleaner in there, insert and remove the key several times, get some powdered graphite and put some in the tumbler, insert and remove the key several times, then you'll be happy.

-Frank

(iagree) graphite FTW!! won't atract any gunk like grease!

 

[Rivman]

X2.

May need to get some 3in1 out and give it a good squirt.

3in1 is oil, and oil attracts dirt, and it will gum up the tumblers !
WD40, Brake Cleaner, or Silicone spray followed by dry graphite lube ! (thumb)