lock freeze

[PA DETAILER]

BH has a 02 cavalier. no PW/PD. non winter driver, so it sat outside all winter. starting driving this week. two mornings in a row i get, "the door locks are froze" so i shoot lock de icer in, and finally they open. same thing this morning. so i get them unlocked and shoot lock graphite in them. i had a vehicle years ago that did this in the winter. any tips? or keep working the graphite in? i think you will be adding keyless entry...
i also lubed the latches.

[JaredPointer]

Add an alarm system and get them to add power door locks. I don't know if times have changed or not, but it used to be as simple as putting an actuator in each door you wanted power locks on.

[blk45]

Sorry I can't be any help JK. I'm not sure that graphite has any anti-freezing capabilities, but that's what I use for normal lock lubrication. We don't have issues like that in FL. Not to rub it in!

Edit: Looks like WD-40 has yet another use. How to Prevent Freezing of Car Door Locks | eHow.com Makes sense if you think about it.

[blk45]

Originally Posted by JaredPointer

Add an alarm system and get them to add power door locks. I don't know if times have changed or not, but it used to be as simple as putting an actuator in each door you wanted power locks on.

Agreed. It should still be the same method.

[9D4E420]

I use Justice Bros. 80 spray lubricant in my locks when I do my winter detail. It works as it penetrates the metal. Last 3 mornings it was in the single digits plus I washed my car yesterday and no frozen locks. You'll be able to find it at a local town parts store. I have never seen it in a chain store.

[Jeremy]

I have heard heating your key with a lighter works but I can't verify that lol,it doesn't get cold here

[Big Leegr]

I've heard of more than a few people having the WD40 "gum up" the lock in extreme cold. May not apply to your area, but I use a liquid graphite spray in mine. Works most of the time, but every so often if we get a rain followed by a quick freeze, I still get frozen locks. (Car is 15 years old, though, so that may have something to do with it as well.)

[PA DETAILER]

yep. WD40 contains WATER. not a cure all as some people think.

[blk45]

Originally Posted by JK RUBICON

yep. WD40 contains WATER. not a cure all as some people think.

Are you sure about that? WD stands for water displacement. How can it displace itself?


Formulation
WD-40's main ingredients, according to U.S. Material Safety Data Sheet information, are:

50%: Stoddard solvent (i.e., mineral spirits -- primarily hexane, somewhat similar to kerosene)
25%: Liquified petroleum gas (presumably as a propellant; carbon dioxide is now used instead to reduce WD-40's considerable flammability)
15+%: Mineral oil (light lubricating oil)
10-%: Inert ingredients
The German version of the mandatory EU safety sheet lists the following safety relevant ingredients:

60-80%: Heavy Naphtha (petroleum product), hydrogen treated
1-5%: Carbon dioxide
It further lists flammability and effects to the human skin when repeatedly exposed to WD-40 as risks when using WD-40. Nitrile rubber gloves and safety glasses should be used. Water is unsuitable for extinguishing burning WD-40.

There is a popular urban legend that the key ingredient in WD-40 is fish oil.[2]

[tuscarora dave]

Originally Posted by 9D4E420

I use Justice Bros. 80 spray lubricant in my locks when I do my winter detail. It works as it penetrates the metal. Last 3 mornings it was in the single digits plus I washed my car yesterday and no frozen locks. You'll be able to find it at a local town parts store. I have never seen it in a chain store.

JB 80 is the most amazing spray lube I have ever used. WD 40 also will displace the moisture in the lock and no moisture no freeze. JB 80 is a lube but it also displaces moisture.

[tuscarora dave]

Originally Posted by blk45

Are you sure about that? WD stands for water displacement. How can it displace itself?


Formulation
WD-40's main ingredients, according to U.S. Material Safety Data Sheet information, are:

50%: Stoddard solvent (i.e., mineral spirits -- primarily hexane, somewhat similar to kerosene)
25%: Liquified petroleum gas (presumably as a propellant; carbon dioxide is now used instead to reduce WD-40's considerable flammability)
15+%: Mineral oil (light lubricating oil)
10-%: Inert ingredients

.
The German version of the mandatory EU safety sheet lists the following safety relevant ingredients:

60-80%: Heavy Naphtha (petroleum product), hydrogen treated
1-5%: Carbon dioxide
It further lists flammability and effects to the human skin when repeatedly exposed to WD-40 as risks when using WD-40. Nitrile rubber gloves and safety glasses should be used. Water is unsuitable for extinguishing burning WD-40.

There is a popular urban legend that the key ingredient in WD-40 is fish oil.[2]

From what I read it stands for water displacer perfected on the 40th try. there is no water in WD-40

[PA DETAILER]

got some bad info on the wd-40.
i think it's a case of sitting all winter plus the locks not being used. they should work in after some use.

[JohnHenry]

WD-40 has saved me many times... electrical problems on a boat, etc. Use it all the time.

But, from experience "de-gumming" handguns (USMC and PD) I can tell you that WD-40 does not do well in an enclosed space over the long term. Wouldn't recommend it in car door locks.

[blk45]

Originally Posted by JohnHenry

WD-40 has saved me many times... electrical problems on a boat, etc. Use it all the time.

But, from experience "de-gumming" handguns (USMC and PD) I can tell you that WD-40 does not do well in an enclosed space over the long term. Wouldn't recommend it in car door locks.

Thanks for sharing the info JH. As mentioned, I use liquid graphite, but I don't have the "freezing" problem here in FL!