why do these locks freeze so easily?!

[92SVXLS-LDC]

okay, so twice now, i have not been able to go anywhere because my locks are frozen... its not even that i cant get my key in, it just wont turn once i do get it in... my last 2 cars had heated locks, and my first car NEVER froze... why has this happened twice.... ohh, by the way, 10-15 degrees, so below freezing but not insanely cold by any means.... i've resorted to taking expensives out of my car and leaving it unlocked

[kuoh]

It has been reported that more often than not, it is the power lock solenoid which has been water damaged and rusted or frozen in place, preventing you from turning the lock. The lock cylinder is usually fine, unless your key has worn so much that it no longer mates well with the tumblers.

KuoH

[Earthworm]

How often do you wash your car?

[92SVXLS-LDC]

i try to keep it clean, but havent washed it lately in fear of it freezing worse... i actually have the power lock solenoid sitting in my garage so i wouldnt be able to say thats the culprit....(previous owner mistakingly took it out thinking it was bad... i concluded that he thought the P/W lock button was a door lock button and was malfunctioning....(actually his wifes car so i'll give him a little break))

[Earthworm]

I knew it wasn't the power lock as mine will freeze if I go wash my car and leave it "dry" outside overnight. I don't have power locks (Canadian model).

[n00b on demand]

Originally Posted by Earthworm

I knew it wasn't the power lock as mine will freeze if I go wash my car and leave it "dry" outside overnight. I don't have power locks (Canadian model).

If i get a car wash and let it "dry" outside overnight in cold weather my locks freeze too. You should spray a whole little can of de-ice for locks in there and it should be as good as new. That goes for anyone with frozen locks.

[kuoh]

That's to be expected, as high pressure water will find its way into the smallest of cracks. If your lock is freezing internally without the aid of high pressure water, then there may be a moisture penetration problem that needs to be dealt with.

One thing I should mention is that when it's really cold, my locks will not turn either, but not due to freezing. I almost always use the remote to unlock the car since new back in 93, so the keys are worn enough from being in the ignition that they don't always turn the door and trunk locks when it's really really cold. It feels like a frozen lock, but if I stand there like a dummy and jiggle the keys long enough, it eventually turns. If you have a key that is less worn than the others, you might want to try it.

KuoH

[92SVXLS-LDC]

i wish i had a remote, i'm working on that one.. and yea, it is frozen internally, i dont think its a bad key, mostly cause i threw windshield wiper fluid on the lock with my key kinda opening it and it thankfully unfroze it once.... i'll just buy an aftermarket remote start/ alarm

[SVX-FF]

It sounds like your locks need to be cleaned internally. When we have chilly weather like this any type of old grease, dirt, and water mixture turns to, well concrete. If you remove the lock mechanism from the door and clean and regrease you should have no problems. My locks have never frozen when I had her outside in zero weather.

Steve

[intelisevil]

Originally Posted by 92SVXLS-LDC

i wish i had a remote, i'm working on that one..

www.KeylessRide.com makes a small one button remote that works very well with our alarm system. Programs just like the stock one.