This morning was the coldest day yet in Washington state. It was about 25 degrees F when I went get in my 1979 240D and go to work this morning. Went to unlock the passenger side door (drivers side does not work with key) and it would not unlock. I suspected it was frozen as this is a new problem and the first time it has been this cold since I purchased the car. I ran up to my apt. and grabbed a pitcher of hot water and slowly poured it over the lock, re-inserted the key and the lock worked. Good because I was already 5 minutes late for work.

Is there water in my door handle/lock assembly?
Is it just frozen condensation?
Has anybody else experienced this problem?
Suggestions on a fix to this problem? Lube?


Thanks in advance for all responses...

Up here in Canada, we have to spray a lube into the key hole and door mechanism,, wd 40 or graphite,, and never wash your car after Nov,,,,,the weather strip will freeze to the door frame then we have to put ski wax on the rubber

You can buy lock de-icer spray. I just keep a small butane torch handy to heat the key in winter.

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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

1.WD40 Evaporates and leaves a Tarry Goo.
2.Graphite is an Abrasive.

Mercedes Lock Cylinder Grease part # 001 989 26 51 10

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'84 300SD sold
124.128