Door Locks
 

The guy I bought my SVX from said the keys used to work in the door locks, but now they don't. Regardless if they ever did work, whats the best way of getting this fixed. Right now the only way to unlock the car is with the keyless remote. It never was an issue until my battery went dead and I couldn't get into my car.

what's the problem?

Do they not turn at all not matter what...will work with major effort....turns but nothing happens?

This can happen when the keys become worn with use. But sometimes it can be just the opposite - the wafers in the lock could just be sticky because of not being used (due to the remote).

First thing to try is to spray plenty of WD40 or similar light penetrating lubricant into the keyholes. Then jiggle the keys around inside the lock for a good few minutes to make sure that everything is sliding nice and freely.

Phil.

Still stuck?
 

I agree with Phil, give it a good spray that should help (if you don't use the key regularly then it might be gummed up) but if yours is like mine (not gummed) then you could have a slightly different problem.

Short Answer: When it sticks, try turning in the opposite direction then back.

Long Answer:
My lock has a similar sticking operation (at this point I call it a feature). It's been getting slowly stickier over the years, but I attributed it to the keys wearing down - mine are.

I have key dust around the ignition hole and the operation in both the door and ignition sometimes stick; not a slow moving stick like it's gummed, but an actual firm stop and won't turn. I once sheared a key off (not in this car) by turning hard, it was amazingly easy seemed like it sheared like buttah - so I wouldn't reccommend forcing it.

The ignition has some play in it and doesn't always stick, but when it does I push in or pull out a tiny bit in the ignition and it's fine however the door lock requires a turn in the opposite direction first and then no binding.

My take is the little sliding wafers in the the lock are sensitive to a worn key so in/out as in my ignition (same goes for the door too) allows them to 'ride more better' down those key slopes. Why turning in the opposite direction should work when it won't go the other way - I don't know. I also don't know lots about the inside of locks.

I will try the wd40 today. I think that may be the answer, because the key still worlks in the trunk. Thanks for the help.
Andy

The door locks on my SVX were a little stiff as well. WD40 fixed that. The locks, when working properly, you should not be able to tell which way to turn to unlock the doors. They should turn that easily.

Ok I tried it, the drivers door lock wiggles back and forth a tiny bit, but the passengers lock doesn't move any. Should i keep trying?

yeah, keep working at it. Maybe even use penetrating fluid as well.

If they are that stuck, it may take some time for them to limber up. The only other thing you could do is take it to a lock smith and they will know what to do. :)

take the door apart and really get that lock mechanism with the WD40 mine kept seizing up on me..i know the fustration, at times, my key would get stuck in the lock

Kelli

Oil be dammed!
 

I had a key shear in the trunk, and had to pay serious call-out charge to a mobile locksmith.

He said all my locks were gummed up. He pumped what seemed like gallons of penetrating oil into the tumblers to free them up. WD40 would do fine, but a penetrating oil may dissolve more of the gunge that causes the problem.

Better not to force your key, if avoidable. The factory keys are made of brass, with chrome plate, which wears off. I had a number of steel keys cut, but I expect in time these will wear the brass tumblers more, wait and see.

Use about three times more penetrating oil than you think it needs, keep jiggling the key while doing so, the locks will free out.

Joe:)

Ok it still doesn't work. But only one of my keys works in the trunk, I assume thats because the other is worn? If so, how do i get keys cut to their proper un-worn original size?

You'll need to go to a Subaru dealer and give them your VIN.

The dealer SHOULD ask you for your registration as proof that the car is yours. Otherwise anyone could just break into your car with their very own key.

I just replaced both of my door locks.

Living in Buffalo, the salt just destroys the mechanism.

It took me a total of 15 minutes to do both locks.

See here

Less than $50 for the parts.

The only bad thing is you will have two different keys for the doors.:rolleyes:

Chris

Automotive locksmiths can reconfigure the tumblers in your new lock to match the original key. Solves the problem of different keys, and worth the trouble IMO.

Joe:)