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Randomly won't unlock

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Old May 4, 2020 | 03:40 PM
  #1  
khiz's Avatar
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From: Mississauga
Randomly won't unlock

From time to time my locks don't work. Neither the driver or passenger locks work. I get locked out.
I noticed when that happens i can't turn the key much. Again this will happen once every 2-3 weeks. Any Ideas???
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Old May 4, 2020 | 04:23 PM
  #2  
DaveW's Avatar
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From: Bath, OH
Originally Posted by khiz
From time to time my locks don't work. Neither the driver or passenger locks work. I get locked out.
I noticed when that happens i can't turn the key much. Again this will happen once every 2-3 weeks. Any Ideas???
I'm guessing the lock mechanisms are gummy and the spring-loaded pins stick and don't follow the key profile. If that's the case it would likely be worse when the car is cold. Have you tried lubing the locks through the keyhole with a light lubricant? IMO, that might help.

From the internet:
"When the right key slides into a pin-and-tumbler lock, the pointed teeth and notches on the blade of the key allow the spring-loaded pins to move up and down until they line up with a track called the shear line. When the pins align with the shear line, the cylinder can turn and the lock will open."

Last edited by DaveW; May 5, 2020 at 09:15 AM. Reason: added last paragraph
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Old May 5, 2020 | 05:07 AM
  #3  
khiz's Avatar
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come to think of it you might be on to something. From what i can remember this usually happens on the colder days. I will give this a try. any suggestions on the type of lube to be using?
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Old May 5, 2020 | 07:05 AM
  #4  
DaveW's Avatar
Racecar - Formula 2000
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From: Bath, OH
Originally Posted by khiz
come to think of it you might be on to something. From what i can remember this usually happens on the colder days. I will give this a try. any suggestions on the type of lube to be using?
Auto parts and hardware stores have small spray cans of lock lubricant (some with graphite) made specifically for that purpose. Also, WD40 is very thin and might be good to dissolve the varnish.

Last edited by DaveW; May 5, 2020 at 07:42 AM.
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