Hey guys, I have a very annoying probelm that I hope you all can help with. Out of nowhere I can't lock my driver side door. I can from the inside, but not with my key from the outside. When I stick the key in it won't budge. Now this is making me paranoid cause its a daily driver and I can't lock my car. If anyone has ever had this happen, or knows whats going on any help would be appreciated. Thanks.l

 

Hi !

had the same problem here.
One side i got fixed with a good dosis of WD40 in a keyhole. But I cannot get the other side going anymore.
I might take out the lock and lean and WD40 again.
If this doesn't work then I'll blame old worn out key.
This will be when I'll get a matching lock an keys (ignition lock+2 door locks matching with keys are only ~30$)
Anyway latest when you have the inside of door open to check for the lock you'll seee if anything is out of place.

 

in the mean time, hold in the push button before you shut the door with the plunger in the down position. You know like on japanese cars. That way you don't have to use your key to lock it from the outside.

 

^^^ i have to hold the button down to lock mine from the outside. Anyways pull the door panel and check if any of the window mechanics are tweaked, they've jammed mine up before, dont know how.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll try some good old WD40 later. If that doesnt do it I'll take the panel off.

 

Try some graphite in the keyhole and slowly work the key back and forth. If that doesn't work you'll have to pull the door panel and see if something is binding or if the linkage needs a good cleaning and re-lubing.

 

WD 40 is at best a temporary solution, it will collect dust and eventually gum up the lock. Graphite is the only thing you should use.

Does the key work on the passengers side? (then you could climb over until you have time to investigate)

Have you tried a different key?

Pull the door panel and work the mechanism by hand. Either something is binding or the lock is FUBAR.

No WD 40.

 

Not trying to start a pissing contest but I was a Locksmith for quite a few years and I would NOT recommend the use of graphite in any pin tumbler lock. If it does not loosten up with WD-40, you probably have a broken pin spring or frozen pin. A good locksmith canrepair it but it's probably cheaper to replace the locks.

 

Why don't you want to use graphite? I've always bee under the impression it was "good." And that WD was "bad."

Please expain as I am not now, nor have I ever been, a locksmith.

 

Graphite works it's way up into the upper pin chambers where it can pack up and inhibit the movement of the upper pins and springs. It's not too bad when used very sparingly but unfortunately most of the time it is over applied. I wish I had a dime for every lock that I had to disassembleto wash out the packed in graphite. It makes quite a mess. WD isn't great but it does work well to loosten up stuck pins and wash out any grit or grime that may have found it's way into the cylinder.I've been using PB Blaster for the last few years with good results.