Hi folks:
I just thought I would share this with you.

My car's driver-side lock stopped responding to key after behaving wierd for 6 months or so. During those 6 months tried everything including, WD-40, silicone spray, liquid wrench, lithium grease, brake cleaner, graphite lock spray etc etc.. you name it.

Also got a 15 bucks new key from dealer. Nothing worked. Not even an improvement. The key would go in but not twist. All other mechanism of locking were good. So I was sure that it was the lock cylinder.

Took the lock-assembly out and decided to take it apart to get to the cylinder. A very easy job. There is a small pin ( looks like one in the watch strap) that needs to be removed by using a small nail an tiny hammer. Once thats out, the cylinder can be removed easily by putting the key in the keyhole and pushing the cylinder out from other side.

I saw one of the square tooth on the cylinder was not fully retracted when the key was in and that was the tooth that would have prevented the twist of the cylinder, so pulled it out with a small plier and there was a small brass spring under it which was bent and out of shape. Pulled the spring out, slide it over a eye glass repair screw driver and manipulated till it was straight.( you can find such springs at locksmiths place too). Replaced the spring in its place, put back the metal tooth, cleaned the whole lock cylinder with engine degreaser, then brake cleaner.
Refitted the whole thing in reverse sequence and BINGO it works like a new one. Also lubricated with graphite lock spray.

Total cost $0.00
Total time 40 minutes
Job satisfaction......... PRICELESS.


In summary-- if your lock is not working and its for sure the cylinder mechanism, its worth fixing it yourself or a locksmith.
I am sure a locksmith would charge you about 20 bucks for such a job( afetr you have removed the lock assembly from the door). Its still better than getting a new lock with a different key for 90 bucks. or an old one from junk yard for 40-50 bucks and again with different key.

Hope this helps some folks.


MVK

__________________
One penny saved is three penny earned.

1985 300D Turbo 179,000miles