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Hyundai Accent Car Lock Problem


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maidmarcia
Novice

Nov 17, 2008, 8:18 PM

Post #1 of 3 (4286 views)
Hyundai Accent Car Lock Problem Sign In

Hi!

I have a 2003 two door Hyundai Accent.

Today when I went out to use my car, the key wouldn't insert fully into the lock on the drivers side.
I didn't want to exert pressure and break the key off in the lock, so I unlocked the door on the passenger side.

I went to a meeting that lasted about 3 hrs, and when I returned to my car to unlock it, neither the passenger nor the driver door would unlock.

I had to unlock the trunk and get my sister to crawl into through the trunk and unlock both doors.

The key simply will not insert all the way into the door locks.

It works to turn on the car, but not the door locks.

The locks were working fine yesterday.

This are the only changes I can think of:

-Winter rust-proof coating

-Oil change

-Temperature at minus zero levels.


Could the weather have affected the locks?
If so, why did the passenger lock work initially, and then stop working after a couple hours?
Are my locks freezing?
If so, why didn't they freeze last winter when I had the car?

Note: I have manual locks. No power lock system, no remote entry.

Thanks for any ideas/help!


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Nov 17, 2008, 9:02 PM

Post #2 of 3 (4280 views)
Re: Hyundai Accent Car Lock Problem Sign In

Hmmm!

My guess is something was put into the locks that is too gummy or can freeze with the colder weather. I think I would try to heat the key (carefully) and slowly see if it will begin to work in the lock. Stop before you get stuck if that works and try some "lock de-icer" and follow up with water displacing spray exactly like WD-40 which should displace moisture to help prevent it from happening again.

By chance - was a car wash also involved around the time this happened?

Try to get the car to an above freezing area (garage if you can) and get them both working but don't force them and avoid breaking a key. Good luck.......

T



maidmarcia
Novice

Nov 17, 2008, 9:10 PM

Post #3 of 3 (4276 views)
Re: Hyundai Accent Car Lock Problem Sign In

Hmmm...I took it for a car wash about a week and a half ago, but I don't think that would have a big effect, would it?

I was thinking that maybe when they coated the car something got into the locks and like you said, that's what gunked it up. It's just weird that the one lock was working okay and then got stuck after a couple hours.

I will definitely try what you suggested though, and I'll let you know how it all turns out!

Thanks for the advice!






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