I seem to be cursed with doorlocks that freeze each time we have a thaw/freeze cycle. Any one have any experience whith this?

Jason

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46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver

Mine do that...

It seems like the lock is letting moisture in more easily than a normal car lock does. Maybe it just needs new seals or some waterproof lubrication or something..

What I do is carry a propane torch around with me so I can quickly thaw out the lock before getting in. But that gets a little old.

In a pinch, a cup of hot tap water poured over the lock will get you in, but its not a complete solution, because it keeps the lock wet, so it will just refreeze again.

Chemical deicers are slow, but work as well.

I'm not sure what could be done to truly prevent the problem. If anyone has any experience, I'd love to hear it. St. Louis has this annoying habit of raining for 36 hours, and then dropping below freezing and holding there for two weeks. Its like its trying to cause trouble by getting everything completely soaked, and then freezing everyone's doors and locks shut. Just snow isn't a problem, its this wet-then-cold business that drives me nuts.

peace,
sam

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"That f***in' biodiesel is makin' me hungry."

1982 300TD Astral Silver w/ 250k (BIO BNZ)
2001 Aprilia SR50 Corsa Red w/ 5.5k (>100 MPG)

I asked the same question a few weeks ago and really didn't get much response. Currently testing a bit of lighter fluid applied via the key. It hasn't gotten cold or wet enough to verify if it works or not though. As far as thawing a frozen lock, if I can get one door of one car open, I can use the cigarette lighter of that car to open the rest of them.

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Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE

My slightly messy solution is to dip my key in ATF and then lock and unlock the doors a few times, every six weeks or so until spring. Sometimes the lock will be stiff in the morning after a rain/freeze cycle, but I haven't been stuck yet. Works wonders on my mailbox lock, too. I'd be hesitant to try it in newer cars with power locks or alarm systems, though.

Sam, you're not kidding about St Louis weather patterns; the other day I was finally able to lock my TDI for the first time in over a week...

Tom
'82 300D 317k
'96 Passat TDI 177k with freshly damaged roof courtesy of flying shingles

Mine hasn't been locked since December. I am sure no one will take it.

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Tom Engel
***********
83 240 230K Manual (8/2003)
83 300D 265K (3/2004)
Just a Driver!

They'd have to have to have that secret "touch" to get the diesel started...(I.E. waiting for glow and cranking more than a gasoline.)

Its sometimes interesting how many people don't know....

When we lived in Germany we used to be able to buy "Lock Thaw". It was a little bottle with a tip that would fit into the door lock. The contents were essentially alchohol. Put the tip in, squeeze the bottle, wait a few seconds, and the locks would open. I am sure you could concoct your own solution in a little bottle and do the same thing.

Mike

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Mike

'80 300D
'84 300D
'85 300D
'87 300D

once I get my lock working, I just spray some lithium grease from a can in there, it coats the lock so the water won't freeze the mechanism... works for me...

Thanks for the ideas, I will see what I can come up with along the same lines as, Atf/sprayable lithum grease , with some sort of injection system.... after I get the thing working. Not worried about some one taking the car, Just the tools, and personal items I seem to all ways want aboard, in case of an unintended mechanical failure. Heck I would get getter fuel economy if I could just leave the junk home, but it is for peace of mind.
Thanks for the solutions,
Jason

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46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver

is what i have been using. the trunk in particular on blondie is tough to turn but with enough "work" it loosesn up. i have transferred tools and such out opf blondies trunk and it the van so i can get at them.

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currently
[1981 300 td tdidi 165500 dark brown/palamino-Brownie-mine-3k miles of ownership
1983 240d 162+++ Anthricite grey w/ henna red interior and hella lights-wifes car-Red

the above two cars are for sale
and can be seen on the cars for sale thread here. pix also available.


240d-144+ Manilla Yellow w/ palmino interior-greasecar kit-Blondie-the college kids car

23" gt 21 speed still on original tires-still got the nubs
21" khs tandem