My car's boot lock doesn't work!

jonj123

Hi guys,

Since I bought my car a couple of years back I haven't been able to lock/unlock the boot with the car key. When I put the key in the lock the lock doesn't turn. I can only lock/unlock from inside the car by pulling the lever up and down.

Is it possible that the boot has a different key which I don't have or is it more likely that the lock need replacing?

It's a Vauxhall Agila 56 reg.

Thanks

colino

That model, that year didn't have one.

jonj123

colino wrote: »

That model, that year didn't have one.

Sorry, I've updated the original post now.

motorguy

jonj123 wrote: »

Sorry, I've updated the original post now.

Most likely just seized. Buy a bottle of WD40 and use the red straw that comes with it to get the oil as deep into and around the lock as you can. Leave for 10 mins and repeat.

Put the key back in and jiggle it about.

Repeat with the oil. Jiggle again.

gilbert_and_sullivan

As above but use proper penetrating oil not smelly water dispersant.

jonj123

motorguy wrote: »

Most likely just seized. Buy a bottle of WD40 and use the red straw that comes with it to get the oil as deep into and around the lock as you can. Leave for 10 mins and repeat.

Put the key back in and jiggle it about.

Repeat with the oil. Jiggle again.

Thanks I previously tried this a couple of months back with WD40 but no luck. I haven't tried oil yet though so will give that a go too. If it still doesn't work does the lock need replacing?

gilbert_and_sullivan

Try Plus Gas or similar penetrating oil instead of accessory shop water repellant, if it doesn't work after a few days (it should) it will only take 10 minutes to remove the lock and immerse it in penetrating oil for a couple of days.

This seizing lock problem is found on many cars with central locking and as with yours remote boot releases, they never get used and no one ever thinks to lubricate them.

motorguy

gilbert_and_sullivan wrote: »

Try Plus Gas or similar penetrating oil instead of accessory shop water repellant, if it doesn't work after a few days (it should) it will only take 10 minutes to remove the lock and immerse it in penetrating oil for a couple of days.

This seizing lock problem is found on many cars with central locking and as with yours remote boot releases, they never get used and no one ever thinks to lubricate them.

Did your mum run off with a WD40 salesman or something?

You do know that WD40 IS a penetrating oil? Its ideal for this job as once it frees up the lock its water dispersant qualities help prevent seizing via rust because of water getting in.

Also ideal for this as it comes with an attachable straw which can be pushed right into the lock.

I've never had it fail me yet in situations like this and i've had quite a few, being a motor trader.

jonj123

Well, I spent 40 mins this morning squeezing WD40 into every orifice around the lock that was possible but the lock still doesn't turn. I might try immersing it in penetrating oil for a couple of days like suggested but if that doesn't work, is it possible that the lock is damages beyond repair and I need to purchase another lock?

Also could the lock have a different key that I don't have?

motorguy

jonj123 wrote: »

Well, I spent 40 mins this morning squeezing WD40 into every orifice around the lock that was possible but the lock still doesn't turn. I might try immersing it in penetrating oil for a couple of days like suggested but if that doesn't work, is it possible that the lock is damages beyond repair and I need to purchase another lock?

Also could the lock have a different key that I don't have?

And presumably INTO the lock itself where the key goes?

Keep jiggling the key around in it and try twisting a little - dont use too much force.

It is possible its not the right lock for the key - or possibly not the right bootlid - ie, somebody has had reason to replace the bootlid and got one a matching colour.

There would be a bit of stripping out of the lock to remove it from the bootlid but there should be a serial number on it which should relate to the key too, which you could check?

colino

Sorry, haven't had one of these so the bunged up boot lock might be the simple answer. Spray copious amounts of WD40 or whatever other maintenence spray you use in to the lock and along the key before pushing the key in and out until the neighbors think you are daft. A little used lock needs "jiggled" for the pins to start moving properly (you can make a surprisingly effective jiggler from a cordless toothbrush) and only when they all move and align will the lock move properly.
Not to put too much of a premature downer on it I did have a Suzuki Wagon R, which was the original Agila, with a similar fault and the dealer had the replacment part on the shelf at a surprisingly low price. Not a great sign and pointed to a very common fault.