'98 Exploder driver side lock stuck!

[timthetortoise]

Well, that's basically all I can say about it. I can put the key in, but can't turn the key. Pretty sure stuck tumblers would cause this. Any tips on how I can get them... unstuck?

 

[Joe Dirt]

I believe it could also be a bad power lock actuator. Guys?

 

[gijoecam]

Not an actuator issue... It's the tumblers. Due to lack of use (thanks to remote keyless entry) the tumblers corrode in place. A shot of WD-40 and some gentle massaging should free it up. if not, time for a new tumbler.

-Joe

 

[timthetortoise]

Awesome. Thanks a lot

 

[rocket22]

make sure you have a spare key!

So if you break the key off you have a spare. Sounds stupid, but you never know.

 

[corkey]

swollen lockers,,,,

spray it with wd-40 alright , than turn it repeatedly back and forth until it starts to work, than make sure you get some graphite powder to put in it,, wd -40 will soak up water, and when it does it will get more corroded than it was,, or get some lock deicer with lubricant, than spray that in afterwards,

 

[gijoecam]

spray it with wd-40 alright , than turn it repeatedly back and forth until it starts to work, than make sure you get some graphite powder to put in it,, wd -40 will soak up water, and when it does it will get more corroded than it was,, or get some lock deicer with lubricant, than spray that in afterwards,

Ummm, how? I thought WD-40 was hygrophobic, not hygroscopic like brake fluid. From the WD-40 web site:

CLEANS: WD-40 gets under dirt, grime and grease to clean. It also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of labels, tape, stickers, and excess bonding material.
DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because WD-40 displaces moisture, it quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.
PENETRATES: WD-40 loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts.
LUBRICATES: WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and hold firmly to all moving parts.
PROTECTS: WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements.

If it displaces moisture, how can it absorb moisture at the same time?

 

[Glen4X4]

I spray chain lubricant in my door locks occasionally so hopefully this doesn't happen.

 

[timthetortoise]

WD-40 loosened 'em right up. Beautiful. Now I won't have to use the remote entry and feel like a ****** with the alarm arm/disarm sound every time

 

[WTF?BSM!]

For what it is worth...

I have had this problem on numerous occasions and I have come to the healthy conclusion that WD-40 is effective as an interim fix. It does lubricate and displace any water that might reach the tumbler, however it may attract dust which will probably get you right back where you started. The tumbler is very intricate for obvious reasons, and the slightest bit of debris can (will) cause this condition.
I have the best luck with simply douching the hell out of the tumbler with some electrical contact cleaner (available at most electrical supply stores) (I use "BLUE SHOWER"... pricey but good.) These products are terrific at loosening any grime, cutting grease, vaporizes corrosion! etc. and they leave virtually no residue. You might want to have a paper towel handy & close to the lock when you do this. If this has never been accomplished on your vehicle before - you might be horrified when you see what exits through the key port.
After wiping up the aftermath I highly recommend lubricating the lock's tumbler with some graphite (Thanks Corkey!) This is the preferred lubricant for any lock assembly because it lubricates the tumbler assembly, will not eventually evaporate like silicone based lubricants (WD-40) and will not attract any dust. Exercise the lock with the key then make sure you wipe the key clean as well as the door's finish around the key port. I think performing this annually would be an acceptable interval. Good luck friends.