Frozen Door Locks

[Mussey1]

Does anyone else have this problem??

 

Every time there is even a light frost the locks freeze.

 

Think that in trying to get the door unlocked I may have broken the spring on the barrel i.e when I used to either lock or unlock the doors, as soon as I stopped putting presure on the key the barrel would kind of spring back to the 12 O'Clock position enabling the key to be removed.

 

Now I have to manually turn the key back to the 12 O'Clock postion, with the result that it can take a few tries to get the key out if it is not aligned correctly.

 

Can the springs be reconnected??, or am I talking a load of bull!!

 

Thanks.

 

Mussey1 :angry:

[Ivor_E_Tower]

I'm sure the spring can be re-installed if (1) it hasn't broken (it probably has) and (2) if the lock mechanism can be dismantled that far.

This is where remote locking comes into its own! No worries of the key not turning.

[Guest Paul L]

Yep, this is on my list titled 'How many problems can a car have?' as well as my secondary list titled 'What's wrong with the f*cking thing now?' My wife works nights at the local hospital and sometimes finishes at 2 a.m. Frozen locks are the bain of her life along with the busted central locking and knackered HRW!!!!!! :angry:

 

To overcome the frozen lock problem, she bought a nifty little gadget which is basically a thin electrode in a case with a battery. You extend the electrode which completes the circuit and stick it in the lock. Apparently, only takes a couple of seconds and works a treat.

 

Now for the mini-rant. Had my Galaxy three years and I can honestly say without a shadow of a doubt, I will NOT be buying another!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[Ivor_E_Tower]

Ah, but it appears that the car develops fault is left outside at night when it's damp!

Maybe the Galaxy ismn't fit to be sold in the UK unless you work days and garage it at night?

What are you going to get to replace it? Previa? Or will you risk something european?

[seatkid]

Looking at the TIS, the door locks look very similar to my Golf.

 

On the Golf, I bust a frozen lock trying to unlock it. When I came round to fix it, I discovered it was actually the latch mechanism that engages with the strike plate that froze - not the lock barrel. (the paddle on the end of the key barrel which operates the latch broke - fortunately this bit is replaceable)

 

On the Golf, (possibly Galaxy too), it was dead easy to remove a handle c/w lock barrel (one screw - no door trim needs to be removed) - If I had a persistent problem, I would remove the handle/barrel - spray the barrel and more importantly the internal latch liberally with WD40 (use that handy extension tube) to displace all the water inside it.

 

Alternatively maybe try removing the torx screw above the door latch and squirt some WD40 in there - any thoughts anyone?

 

Personally never had a problem with both my Alhambras even at -20 deg C. :lol:

 

Strange they didn't ask me for that survey though... :lol:

[seatkid]

do u mean

 

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN No.10/1996

Car and Light/Medium Commercial 16.09.1996

 

 

Section: 41

 

Model: Galaxy built up to and including 07.96, build code TD

 

Markets: All except Denmark and Finland

 

Subject: Doors will not close when the temperature is near or below freezing

 

Summary

 

The action of the detent pawl can be adversely affected by freezing moisture. This can then make the doors difficult or impossible to close. To rectify this concern, the locks should be blown out with compressed air and MOS2 oil sprayed liberally over all moving parts to dispel any remaining moisture. The door handles should be removed to allow better access and the detent pawl area should then be sprayed with lock grease.

 

Before installing the door handle, the door lock operating lever must be adjusted.

 

All door locks should be treated, even if the concern has only become evident on one door.

 

This bulletin supersedes TSB 10/1996 dated 15.03.1996. An extra protective cover is to be fitted over the door lock covers on the front doors. To do this the door lock and cover must be removed.

 

Mussey, on my golf the spring action went as you descibe it before the paddle finally broke. Must have been bent or something because fitting a new paddle fixed it.

[_dg]

I find that both front door locks freeze, but for some reason the boot lock does not - so I use this on cold mornings.