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  #1  
Old 12-19-2009, 10:42 AM
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Cool Locks frozen inside and out??

The other day I went to pick up a friend to take her to the Airport. However when she went to get in, the passenger door wouldnt open. I tried to unlock it from the inside but the lock was just frozen in place and would not lift up. Same as the outside, it just wouldnt budge. The driver side doesent seem to have this problem only the passenger. I tried De-icer in the outside lock with no luck. Does anyone know why I cant get this unlcoked and if there is a fix, because its no fun having to load everyone through the driver side
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Old 12-19-2009, 11:27 AM
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Re: Locks frozen inside and out??

It sounds like the door lock actuator seized up. This is not all that uncommon. You'll need a new one for that door.
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  #3  
Old 12-19-2009, 12:52 PM
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Re: Locks frozen inside and out??

Or just pull it out completely and live without power locks. I had the same thing happen when I bought my car, I could only open the pass door by pulling upwards on the lock from the inside while someone opened the door from the outside.
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  #4  
Old 12-20-2009, 12:50 AM
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Re: Locks frozen inside and out??

Actually it warmed up a lil today and the lock just came up with ease. So that must mean its frozen right? Or could it still be an actuator problem? I mean the power lock works on the driver door but doesnt work for the passenger door, and i have no clue how to replace the actuator, I looked for it once but had no clue what I was looking at. I was going to take my panel off and lube everything with white lithium grease the next warm day, hopefully that can help. Any other suggestions appreciated!!
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  #5  
Old 12-20-2009, 08:27 AM
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Re: Locks frozen inside and out??

If it works in mild weather it indicates to me a frozen mechanical piece. Lock de-icer washes away the lubricant in the lock mechanism (tumblers). It is also pretty much confined to the key area. I suggest a little spray of rust check into the key slot. This will drive out the moisture and lubricate it.
The problem of the inside lock button not moving won't be affected by this. It should move even if the tumbler is frozen, so is a separate issue.

If you can get at the mechanism inside the door the first thing I'd do is pray all the mechanical bits with the rust check as well. Especially between pieces. It will work it's way in driving out the moisture and lubricating as it goes.
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  #6  
Old 12-20-2009, 09:17 AM
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Re: Locks frozen inside and out??

There's a little rubber boot on the actuator arm and when it gets old, small amounts of rain water can seep inside the motor box. It builds up gradually over time. When that water freezes it will stop the actuator from moving.

Even when it's not frozen, water in the actuator can cause intermittant problems. Sometimes the actuator can stop half way between open and closed, which jams the locks.

I've opened mine up a few times, drained it, and applied WD40. I've been thinking about drilling a little drain hole at the bottom. But I guess a better idea would be to find a replacement for the old rubber boot that seals properly.
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  #7  
Old 01-11-2010, 08:20 AM
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Re: Locks frozen inside and out??

I think I have this same problem. Right now I have removed the fuse so I now have the old 50's style door locks. I have to reach across to unlock pass door and leave it locked all the time. . So if I remove my drivers side panel ( that is the lock that is sticking )I should be able to clean the actuator or the solenoid and get it to work ???? Got any pictures of this .
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Old 01-11-2010, 08:28 AM
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Can't delet this

How do i delete it

Last edited by Conn SVX; 01-11-2010 at 08:33 AM.
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  #9  
Old 01-11-2010, 09:22 AM
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Re: Can't delet this

My locks freeze up all the time too. The driver door won't turn at all in the morning sometimes. I have to squirt a shot of WD40 or PB Blaster in the key hole about once a week. My power locks are also very intermittent. Will work for three days, then not for day. Wonder if one my actuators is bad too.
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