Car door lock problem

BigDee2

Hi,

I'm having problems with the driver's door on my Carina E just recently (don't know if its due to the sudden cold weather).

I insert the key into the lock and turns from 12 o'clock position to about 1 o'clock position and nothing happens.

Turning the key anticlockwise would normally unlock the door and disable the alarm but I can't move it past the 12 o'clock position.

The key goes in as far as it can, as I checked with the passenger door.

The only way we can get in/out the car now is by using the one and only remote which we can't afford to lose. We are happy to use the key all the time for access to the car.

I have put in some WD40 in the drivers door lock but this has not helped.

Can anyone advise as to what the problem is and how I can put this right?

Thanks a lot.

rev_henry

Have you tried spraying some de icer into the lock? Might be an idea to get a new remote programmed, as a spare, although these things can be hideously expensive so may not justify the cost, you'd have to look into it.

BigDee2

No I haven't, perhaps I should try that, thanks. But this lock has been playing up for a few days and when I looked at it today, the weather was mild-ish (not frosty). How comes the passenger side lock was OK?

Like your suggestion of getting another remote. Any recommendations where I can get an extra one (apart from dealer - expensive, no doubt) ?

Thanks

anewman

Try asking on Toyota forums. There may be a cheaper method of copying the key than going to a dealers.

BigDee2

I'll try that. Thanks a lot.

ozvaldinho

WD40 and boiling water are really bad for car door locks, they wash out the grease from behind the pins and the locks seize up or freeze. Cover your key with vaseline and push it in and wiggle it about. Has worked for me the last few years.

BigDee2

Hi ozvaldinho,

Thanks for the tip, it worked !!! :j

Once the key is in the lock, it does not turn easily either way but....by lifting the key, whilst inserted, it turns both ways relatively easily.

At least I got the knack of what I ought to do next time as well as use vaseline.

I just need to think about getting another spare remote fob.

Nice one. Thanks a lot.