As the title reads so what to do but get some hot water ,pour -insert key repeat.My guess is all you guys from up north are laughing right about now with a southern boys dilema but hey it begs an answer ,is their any tricks short of a can of carb fluid and a cigerette lighter for next time its an issue.

Just plain WD-40. WD = water displacement. Will drive out water and also keep things lubed up.

I've heard to use graphite only on locks as it won't attract dirt, but I've been using WD-40 for years with no issue.

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617 swapped Toyota Pickup, 22-24 MPG, 50k miles on swap

It happens on occasion I've always used a lighter on the key put it in wiggle maybe takes 2 or 3 times but it will open after that it should be fine. Yeah I got a chuckle.

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92 e300d2.5t
01 e320
05 cdi
85 chev c10

Hold the key with a vice grips, heat up with a cigarette lighter, stick in lock, turn.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I used a match to heat the key the first night. The nights after that, I didn't lock the door. That was fifty years ago. I'm not sure my method works anymore.

Copied from this thread Door lock keeps freezing up...

"I have the same problem on my driver's door but not passenger door. Problem is a broken o-ring in the driver's door lock tumbler which keeps water out. A few things you can do:

1. Replace the o-ring (may not be easy to find the right size)

2. Replace the lock with one with a good o-ring

3. Install key less entry

4. Install a bra made from bicycle inner tube

I have done 3 and 4 and both work great in icing conditions but not 1 and 2 yet.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

Once open, lube it liberally and keep it lubed.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Be careful not to force it. There is a plastic piece which links the tumbler to a connecting rod and that can crack. This happened on my passenger side on a cold day when the locks were frozen. Gentle is that way to approach it.

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85 300D 75K Anthracite Grey 0-60 in 13 seconds **For Sale**
84 300D 333K Black (The Velveteen Rabbit) 0-60 in 14 seconds
00 Toyota Sienna 208K (Sold)
15 Subaru Outback 43K
11 Subaru Outback 67K
98 Ford Taurus 100K (Gertie - Was Grandma's - drove it to church and shopping - really) Daughter's car now.
30 Model A Ford 2 Door Sedan (Sold) 0-60 in . . . Never reached 60

Unless the lube can keep water out, it's not gonna work.

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked

My suggestion is to go to an auto parts store and get an aerosol lock deicer. These are sold in little tubes with pointy nozzles that fit right into the lock. You can carry one in your pocket. The liquid they dispense is isopropyl alcohol, which will deice and dewater the mechanism, and then evaporate without a mess.

Victor Lock De-Icer and lubricant 00502-V - Read Reviews on Victor #00502-V

Keyless entry makes any old car modern. well worth the <$20 in parts. I never use the key to get in or lock the car anymore. I keep another ignition key hidden/locked in the car.

Keyless is the bomb! Click to play video

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85 300D turbo pristine w 157k when purchased 161K now
83 300 D turbo 297K runs great. SOLD!
83 240D 4 spd manual- parted out then junked