below 32F, door locks froze - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Big J · #1 12-06-2005, 03:04 PM

I have an '81 240D. This morning I when I tried to unlock my door, the locks were literally frozen. I went in and got warm water and poured over the lock and was able to unlock the door. By the time I got to the train station, my lock had frozen again. I had to sit there and blow into the kyehole and finally got my key to work.

Can I use a can of compressed air to blow out the locks to keep them from freezing?

boneheaddoctor · #2 12-06-2005, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big J

I have an '81 240D. This morning I when I tried to unlock my door, the locks were literally frozen. I went in and got warm water and poured over the lock and was able to unlock the door. By the time I got to the train station, my lock had frozen again. I had to sit there and blow into the kyehole and finally got my key to work.

Can I use a can of compressed air to blow out the locks to keep them from freezing?

try a hair dryer if you are close enough for a extension cord...

andmoon · #3 12-06-2005, 03:45 PM

They sell a spray can just for unfreezing frozen door locks.

Jarod · #4 12-06-2005, 03:55 PM

let me get this straight, you poured water into the lock, and it froze up, ok... what do you think happens to that water once it gets into the lock??? it just magically dissapears?? no, the best thing to do would carry some rubbing alcohol and a (bic perhaps) lighter, try spraying some of the isopropol alcohol into the lock, if that doesn't help, then take your bic lighter, and heat up the key (not the bow, just the metal where the cuts are) then insert into lock, and apply a small amount of turning pressure (like you'd normally use to turn the key)
EDIT: andmoon is correct there is isopropol alcohol and a few other ingredients used for the stuff, and propellant, you can get the stuff at your local locksmith

tenknots · #5 12-06-2005, 03:56 PM

The little spray cans are available at auto parts stores and Wal-Marts. They contain glycol (alcohol) that won't freeze.

andmoon · #6 12-06-2005, 04:08 PM

Of course I never cough up cash for a deicer...I get a lighter and heat my key.

#7 12-06-2005, 05:06 PM

I just put in a keyless entry and avoided the whole thing. My ket hasn't been in the door lock in years.

TheDon · #8 12-06-2005, 05:12 PM

craig.. will the keyless entry solve my problem. my vacuume for the locks is perfect no leaks but the mechanical lock itself isnt working right.. could i just avoid the problem with a keyless entry

rg2098 · #9 12-06-2005, 05:27 PM

Ok, seriously. Go to the nearest walgreens, CVS, auto parts store, etc.. and pick up a $2 can of lock de-icer. The usually have a tip that fits right in the lock and contains alcohol and white grease to melt and displace the water. Spray it in and have no worries from the rest of winter. One hell of a lot cheaper and easier then keyless entry, or heating the key everytime.

#10 12-06-2005, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

craig.. will the keyless entry solve my problem. my vacuume for the locks is perfect no leaks but the mechanical lock itself isnt working right.. could i just avoid the problem with a keyless entry

Sure, if you want to buy/install the system. I like having it installed regardless of frozen locks. Basically, it adds an electric actuator to the drivers door lock and the rest of the locks take care of themselves with the vacuum system. I think mine cost a couple of hundred dollars installed.

Diesel Giant · #11 12-06-2005, 07:41 PM

I am getting weird image of you bending over and doing mouth to mouth on your car handle>

tnarg · #12 12-06-2005, 09:23 PM

... see that? Now don't get it stuck to the door handle!

I keep electrical tape over the keyholes for the winter... no more "mouth-to-mouth"

boneheaddoctor · #13 12-06-2005, 09:30 PM

Oh come on we all know the best way to thaw a lock is warming it with your tounge.......

someone please try this and have a friend take a photo. For the record.

Big J · #14 12-07-2005, 06:55 AM

Thanks for all the advice and yes, I did get a couple of looks while on my knee blowing into my door lock.

BHD - I thought better than to touch my lips or tongue to the door handle. I got the image from the movie Christmas Story were the kid's tongue gets stuck to the flag pole. No Thanks!

This is the first time they froze on me. Living in Atlanta, GA, we don't get too much freezing weather here. I'll stop on the way home and look for some lock de-icer.

boneheaddoctor · #15 12-07-2005, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big J

Thanks for all the advice and yes, I did get a couple of looks while on my knee blowing into my door lock.

BHD - I thought better than to touch my lips or tongue to the door handle. I got the image from the movie Christmas Story were the kid's tongue gets stuck to the flag pole. No Thanks!

This is the first time they froze on me. Living in Atlanta, GA, we don't get too much freezing weather here. I'll stop on the way home and look for some lock de-icer.

darn.

..I was hoping to see a picture of someone with their tounge or lips stuck to their benz.....