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#1
11-01-2011, 07:15 AM
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Locks frozen shut - ideas on getting inside?
Went to use my 300D this morning and the driver side lock was frozen shut. Applied considerable torque to the key on either side and it simply wouldn't budge, and I didn't want to use pliers and bend the key/break something inside the lock mechanism. This happened to me last winter, but since my passenger manual lock has broken, I have no other way of getting in. I had no choice but to use the Intrepid for today.
Now since I'm blocking my dad's car in, he's probably going to end up using it, provided he can get in. To all you cold climate dwellers out there, what methods did you use to get in your car? De-icer spray inside the locks? Banging on the lock like a gorilla? Please throw me a bone. Thanks 
__________________
Never be ashamed to ask for help. 1985 300D 1987 300SDL 1970 Jaguar E-Type OTS 2002 Dodge Intrepid (Traded In) 2011 Ford Crown Victoria 
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#3
11-01-2011, 08:27 AM
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Being from ND we delt with this all the time. The match trick can work, or you can spray a little alcohol into the lock, they sell a small spray version just for this at most autoparts stores. We use to spray the mechanism good with wd40 to prevent it from happening in the first place.
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#4
11-01-2011, 08:30 AM
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putting tape on the lock mechanism before you go to bed works too. as does a garage, but heating the key with a lighter has worked for me before. it usually takes two or three insert, heat, insert, heat etc... NEVER force the key!!!! if it does not turn freely, remove and reheat!
ya know those spigot covers with the foam inside? we ought to market some with magnetic attachments to cover door handles... and windshields... mmm a frost free car... heaven.
__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread "as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do! My drivers: 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5Turbo 1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!  1987 300TD 1987 300TD 1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!
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#5
11-01-2011, 01:10 PM
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This was all very helpful. Dad was able to get inside the car. Thanks!
__________________
Never be ashamed to ask for help. 1985 300D 1987 300SDL 1970 Jaguar E-Type OTS 2002 Dodge Intrepid (Traded In) 2011 Ford Crown Victoria
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#6
11-01-2011, 02:07 PM
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The best reply that I have ever heard for this was to get one of those coffee stirrer-straws from McDonald's or any location that sells coffee. Flatten one end and insert it as far as it will go into the lock. Blow into the other end until your warm breath unfreezes the lock mechanism.
Cheap, easily doable, effective. Of course, the best solution is to prevent it in the first place, but since we are not all quite *that* perfect...
__________________
Mike Frederick 1986 300SDL, 240K+ miles 1985 300D KaliKar, 270K+ miles
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#7
11-01-2011, 02:37 PM
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Pair of pliers on the key, and a small butane torch to heat it up. Had to do it last week.
__________________
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
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