door lock is extremely stiff to open

[One Awesome Inch]

My driver's side door lock is extremely stiff to open. I can get it open some days, but mostly not. The key just won't turn. I am guessing warm weather makes it easier.

I definitely have to fix this though. I am tired of going thru the passenger side door.

Is it likely just a matter of greasing the linkage or do I have to go the junk yard and buy a new door lock assembly?

 

[Almost There]

My driver's side door lock is extremely stiff to open. I can get it open some days, but mostly not. The key just won't turn. I am guessing warm weather makes it easier.

I definitely have to fix this though. I am tired of going thru the passenger side door.

Is it likely just a matter of greasing the linkage or do I have to go the junk yard and buy a new door lock assembly?

The auto parts store will have some Lock Ease which is a graphite product. That will work if it's in the lock itself which is what it sounds like. It's gotten moisture in there and it's icing up.

Do NOT try using WD 40 on it.

If it's the latch assembly at the edge of the door that's stiffened up from gunk, apply PB Blaster.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

Its not ice in the lock as its not cold enough here.

What is PB Blaster?

 

[Almost There]

Its not ice in the lock as its not cold enough here.

What is PB Blaster?

Here's the PB Blaster

http://reviews.canadiantire.ca/9045/0381510P/no-pb-blaster-reviews/reviews.htm

Try some graphite in the lock anyways although if it's been acting up from the day you got the van, it might be that the lock is worn and they gave you the spare key which won't be worn to the same pattern.

 

[highdesertranger]

you can see if it's the lock or the mechanism by disconnecting the rod at the lock and see what happens. graphite is best for locks. pb blaster is kind like wd-40 on steroids. highdesertranger

 

[ccbreder]

As above. The first thing to do is to lubricate the lock cylinder. It may take a bit of working the key as the lock has not been lubricated in a while.

 

[66788]

Do NOT use graphite in a wafer type vehicle lock. Use LockShot by Strattec, or TriFlow. WD40 is better than graphite but tends to collect debris. The use of graphite in a wafer lock will form a thick mud when exposed to moisture and/or other lubricants.

66788
Certified Automotive Locksmith

 

[Almost There]

Do NOT use graphite in a wafer type vehicle lock.    Use LockShot by Strattec, or TriFlow.   WD40 is better than graphite but tends to collect debris.   The use of graphite in a wafer lock will form a thick mud when exposed to moisture and/or other lubricants.

66788
Certified Automotive Locksmith

Ok, gotta ask, what's a wafer type vehicle lock and how would we know we have one?

 

[TravelDerby]

  If you have power locks you can do what I did on my old van. Disconnect the cylinder and manual locks altogether and just use the key fob.  I can still open the rear doors with the key if I have to, but the added security of not having functioning manual locks was appealing for some of the places I park. Scumbags can spend all day popping the cylinder or pulling on the lock, the door still won't open.

 

[LeeRevell]

If the goblin steals your battery........ what then?

 

[Spirituallifetime]

The best lube for door latches is lithium grease available at all auto parts stores in a spray can. Last longer than WD-40 or PB Blaster. Remove the door panel clean and lube all moving parts.

 

[66788]

Ok, gotta ask, what's a wafer type vehicle lock and how would we know we have one?

There are basically 2 types of automotive lock designs in use today.   The pin tumbler mechanism consists of a bottom pin, a top pin, and a spring.  This type of mechanism is just like a Kwikset front door lock.

The second and most common type is the wafer tumbler mechanism.   It consists of a flat plate that is actuated by the key to ride to a preset height that forms a sheer line allowing the lock to turn to perform its functions.   Almost all automotive locks from about 1990 on are a variant of this type.   The reason they use this design is that it is the most durable design for harsh environments.   Even the laser cut "sidewinder" type locks, such as Lexus, Mercedes, Honda, Volvo, and the new Ford models are basically a wafer lock.

 

[LeeRevell]

Wiki on the Wafer Lock:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wafer_tumbler_lock

Wiki on the Pin Tumbler Lock:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pin_tumbler_lock

 

[ccbreder]

I am not familiar with PB Blaster. But warning on WD-40, it is mostly a solvent. Useful to free up a tight,corroded connection. But do not use WD-40 as lubricant, especially in a lock. I would like the reference condemning graphite. Graphite is a mineral and does not form gum with moisture. Every lock smith I know recommends only graphite as lubricant in a lock. They warn against using any form of grease. There is a special wax lubricant made for the striker plates on vehicle doors.

 

[66788]

You have the reference, my experience as a Certified Automotive Locksmith.

Here is a post from KeyPro.com, a board for registered automotive locksmiths:

Posted Today, 12:01 AM

mandmautolock, on 26 Jan 2015 - 8:24 PM, said:

I got the "pleasure" to work on a 2006 Honda Accord, key won't turn ignition switch, the owner learned from google that graphite will help to fix the problem, oh boy, you could not put a needle inside of the cylinder that's how pack was the graphite inside, took me 2 hours to clean all the parts of the graphite, also I learned that graphite short out the key buzer sensor and key won't turn to off position unless the door was closed, fortunately I had an old switch with the buzer replaced and job done,
========================================================================
Response: I have done that too many times. Now if I run into a lock that is packed with graphite, they get a new lock, or have someone else do the job.
========================================================================


Additionally, Strattec (Formerly Briggs and Stratton Corp) is an OEM supplier of locks for all American vehicles. They manufacture and recommend "Lock Shot" as the preferred lubricant for all modern vehicle locks. Lock Shot is a synthetic grease that is water resistant and temperature regulated.

I would say every locksmith you know is incompetent for making such a statement.

 

[MikeRuth]

If the goblin steals your battery........   what then?

"Please proof read it's a disapearing skill these days"


So is reading the post before asking the question. 

I qoute travel derby "I can still open the rear doors with the key if I have to"

Sorry I just had to poke at ya

Mike R

 

[ccbreder]

Certified Automotive Locksmith. I apologize to your sensibilities, there is no need to insult anomalously. I thought we were talking about door locks, not ignition locks. I also don't know how Lock-ease could plug a lock solid with graphite. They must have used a different product.

 

[GotSmart]

If a little is good, use the whole tube.

I have seen people use things for purposes that they were never intended for.

I call it OZARK ENGINEERING.