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Frozen Locks

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Old 12-14-2004, 12:22 PM
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Frozen Locks

Typical Canadian winter, all the locks on the maxima were frozen this morning. After persuasion with some hot water (dad did it) one lock started working. I know hot water is a bad idea, because it will freeze. But because the trunk and the drivers side door is still frozen how can I fix the problem? Thanks

edit; I googled it and found a response, heat the key with a lighter and then wd-40 the lock? sound right?

what whys have you found the best?
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Old 12-14-2004, 12:27 PM
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Are you asking how to fix something that's frozen in the winter? Funny how that happens huh? Just push that b!tch in until it gives. Or don't drive your car until spring time.

Seriously though, there are some key chains I've seen that come with a tool that heats up when you push a button and you put it in the keyhole. I'm sorry I don't remember where I've seen one, but I'm sure any gadget store would have it.
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Old 12-14-2004, 12:48 PM
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http://www.usahardware.com/inet/shop...arjan/v500.htm
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Old 12-14-2004, 12:58 PM
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use the hot water to thaw them out..then spray wd-40 in there to displace the moisture in there. once that's done use some graphite lock lube or something like that to keep it from sticking.

the lock deicer works instead of the hot water..but you need to spray wd-40 to remove any moisture in there.
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Old 12-14-2004, 01:05 PM
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the graphite stuff works great, i use it on my doors at the house, for some reason one door starts to stick in the cold... the graphite stuff stops it from happening... silky smooth after using it
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Old 12-14-2004, 01:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Half_Lunatic
Typical Canadian winter, all the locks on the maxima were frozen this morning. After persuasion with some hot water (dad did it) one lock started working. I know hot water is a bad idea, because it will freeze. But because the trunk and the drivers side door is still frozen how can I fix the problem? Thanks

edit; I googled it and found a response, heat the key with a lighter and then wd-40 the lock? sound right?

what whys have you found the best?
just shave the handles off. then you wont have that problem
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Old 12-14-2004, 02:43 PM
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How about unlocking them with the remote instead of the key?

I've done the hot key with the lighter on previous vehicles. Works pretty well. But for god's sake don't force it as mentioned above. I've known guys who had their key break off in the lock.

And the graphite works well to keep it working smoothly.
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Old 12-14-2004, 05:26 PM
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how about heavy gear oil or ATF fluid to prevent freezing locks?
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Old 12-14-2004, 05:35 PM
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Cup your hands breathe really hard into the lock
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Old 12-15-2004, 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by euromaxima
just shave the handles off. then you wont have that problem
lol, nice car, looks smooth without the door handles. About the suggestions for the remote open, my maxima didn't come with it. But I am thinking about getting one installed.
Thanks for the tips... hopefully it helped out other fellow frozen canadian and neighboring citizens.
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