Can't manually unlock my door

Gageraid · **Posted:** Sat Jan 11, 2014 6:47 pm

When manually using my key (sticking it in the chamber), it won't unlock! The weird thing is that I can manually lock it though.
I'm guessing something is stuck.
The power locks and buttons on the fob work fine...
Any tips or suggestions?

Gageraid · **Posted:** Sun Jan 12, 2014 9:58 pm

Bump. Also tried my spare key with the same results. I guess it's the key chamber.

jrich58 · **Joined:** Wed May 22, 2013 11:54 am **Posts:** 32

Gageraid wrote:

Bump. Also tried my spare key with the same results. I guess it's the key chamber.

I would say its probably the lock cylinder, maybe try putting some powder graphite in the door lock. Normally available in a small tube that you can insert in the lock and squeeze the tube. It doesn't take much, that should free up the mechanism.

Gageraid · **Posted:** Tue Jan 14, 2014 5:37 pm

jrich58 wrote:

Gageraid wrote:

Bump. Also tried my spare key with the same results. I guess it's the key chamber.

I would say its probably the lock cylinder, maybe try putting some powder graphite in the door lock. Normally available in a small tube that you can insert in the lock and squeeze the tube. It doesn't take much, that should free up the mechanism.

Thanks, I'll look into it.
Door I need to take off my door panel?

jrich58 · **Joined:** Wed May 22, 2013 11:54 am **Posts:** 32

You shouldn't have to remove anything. Just insert the end of the tube into the cylinder like it was a key and squeeze the tube. Did this on an rx7 I used to have, worked great.

Gageraid · **Posted:** Tue Jan 14, 2014 9:49 pm

Okay I'll give it a shot this weekend most likely.

Scar0 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 15, 2014 1:34 am

Edit: never mind. I miss read the issue. :oops:

huntb · **Posted:** Wed Jan 15, 2014 10:56 am

Just use the remote... I don't think I have ever manually locked or unlocked mine

khalilw · **Joined:** Fri Sep 30, 2011 10:37 am **Posts:** 81

huntb wrote:

Just use the remote... I don't think I have ever manually locked or unlocked mine

Bad idea, what if your jeep's battery dies completely? Or if you leave your doors locked and close the hood after taking out the battery (doing a battery swap).

What if your key gets wet ? or your key battery dies? You won't turn on the Jeep but at least you can get inside.

Gageraid · **Posted:** Wed Jan 15, 2014 1:30 pm

huntb wrote:

Just use the remote... I don't think I have ever manually locked or unlocked mine

I hate using the key fob. I don't like lighting up the whole world when I want to get into my vehicle. Especially annoying if I just want to grab something out of it real quick.
I wouldn't be surprised if it helps kill the battery, too.
Up until this point, I would manually unlock my doors 95 percent of the time.

John3:17 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 15, 2014 1:32 pm

I'd suggest an alcohol based deicer spray in the lock first to remove any moisture or ice. Then give it a couple of hours to dry then add the graphite.

Gageraid · **Posted:** Wed Jan 15, 2014 1:33 pm

Okay. I'm guessing it had something to do with the cold, because the first time it happened was on a skiing trip.

John3:17 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 15, 2014 1:55 pm

Moisture getting in the locks used to be a lot more prevalent on older vehicles. I think Wally World may still carry the lock deicer spray. If not the local auto parts should.

Gageraid · **Posted:** Wed Jan 15, 2014 2:28 pm

John3:17 wrote:

Moisture getting in the locks used to be a lot more prevalent on older vehicles. I think Wally World may still carry the lock deicer spray. If not the local auto parts should.

Pretty sure they sell it at the ShopRite I work at.

Gageraid · **Posted:** Mon Jan 20, 2014 7:13 pm

Tried the deicer. That didn't fix the problem.
Graphite next?

lfhoward · **Posted:** Mon Jan 20, 2014 7:21 pm

Bummer! Yeah, I'd try graphite next. I'd also try my spare key if I had one, just to rule out a worn out key as the problem.

Gageraid · **Posted:** Mon Jan 20, 2014 7:24 pm

lfhoward wrote:

Bummer! Yeah, I'd try graphite next. I'd also try my spare key if I had one, just to rule out a worn out key as the problem.

Tried the spare already.
Really thought it was going to be a bent key issue.
Seems so strange to me that I can STILL lock it manually, just not unlock it. Really pissing me off. I hope the graphite will fix it. Next step would be taking the door off or going to the stupid dealer.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Mon Jan 20, 2014 7:28 pm

I wonder if a locksmith could fix it for a lot less than the dealer.

Gageraid · **Posted:** Mon Jan 20, 2014 7:31 pm

lfhoward wrote:

I wonder if a locksmith could fix it for a lot less than the dealer.

I'll try the graphite and taking the door panel off before I make any expensive calls.

lfhoward · **Posted:** Mon Jan 20, 2014 7:34 pm

I would do the same too. Maybe the locking rod is somehow off its track (the one from the lock cylinder, not the one from the locking motor/actuator). If so, it would be a free and easy fix for you. Fingers crossed!

Can't manually unlock my door

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