Central Locking Problem

danjo-xx

Mazda Demio:

Apart from the recent cold spell my central locking (manual system) is often
a bit stiff when trying to turn the key to open/close it. During the cold snap it I couldn't turn the key at all even after putting some hot water/wd on the lock.

Last few days it has worked on and off with the key but not yesterday or today.

Sometimes the key seems to turn a quarter but without and feeling of anything happening.

I'm inclined to think that the door lock barrell itself is banjaxed...what do ye think:(

thewintermute

I would dip the key in oil, (motor oil, olive oil, whatever) and insert it in the lock, repeat a few times. Should free it up a bit.Forcing the key around in the barrel will only cause damage to the components and end up costing you money in the long run.

dr.fuzzenstein

When in doubt: WD40

danjo-xx

thewintermute wrote: »

I would dip the key in oil, (motor oil, olive oil, whatever) and insert it in the lock, repeat a few times. Should free it up a bit.Forcing the key around in the barrel will only cause damage to the components and end up costing you money in the long run.

Will give that a shot tomorrow, thanks.

When in doubt: WD40

as said in my OP have allready tried that.

listermint

You may have already caused some component damage to system. with forceful opening. The only sure fire way to tell is to remove door cards and have a good look at everything WD40 and turning the key tells you nothing about whats going on behind the panel.

CJhaughey

If water gets into the lock then it will start to corrode and cause stiff barrel movement.
Pouring hot water onto the lock will only fix it in the very short term, you really need to clean the barrel out and relubricate it with a dry lube like graphite.
If your lock is frozen in the future heating the key with a lighter before putting it in the lock can melt the ice and allow it to turn.

danjo-xx

I got the WD-40 out again and this time I pumped it into the lock, wriggled the key a few times and hey pressto - all sorted.:)

dr.fuzzenstein

danjo-xx

too true.