GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Both front door locks are working on-again, off-again. Sometimes the key wont turn. Sometimes it isn't even possible to fully insert the key.

I'm not sure what the problems is. Has anyone had a similar problem?

I've used lubricant and de-icer. And it's seems to help but the problem keeps coming back.

My first though was that it was because of the cold weather. Some water might have gotten into the lock and frozen.

But there seems to be something blocking the key from entering fully into the lock. And when the lock does work, there seems to be something impeeding proper function. It's not smooth. It sounds like it's grinding a little, but it feels like there's something rubbery getting in the way.

Any thought?

Is it worth it to replace the locks?

Is it complicated to do this repair?

Cheers

The way I found to deal with this problem (has happened at least once on every car I've ever owned):

Water gets in there, removes all the lubricant and corrodes the tumblers. Makes things difficult... lock de-icer is just a temporary fix.

Step 1: Park the car somewhere heated or at least 10C.
Step 2: Once it's warmed up, spray brake cleaner into the slot for the key.
Step 3: Insert the key in and out, turn it both ways, spray with brake clean again, wipe off the key and repeat until it's easy and effortless.
Step 4: Let the brake clean dry. 10 minutes is usually more then enough.
Step 5: Get a can of aerosol spray Graphite (no wd40 or silicone carp).
Step 6: Shake the rattle can of Graphite lots... more than that, it's important to make sure it's well mixed!
Step 7: Spray the Graphite into the key slot, insert key in and out, turn both ways several times, repeat!
Step 8: Repeat with all other key locks, you can even do the ignition column.

Step 9: You may need to lubricate the linkages inside the door where the striker enters the latch. But that only happened on my old '76 Datsun pickup... so I doubt it's going to be a problem.

Welcome to GenVibe BTW!!!

Things you will need: