2002 Corolla door lock

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mrsteveo - 30 Dec 2007 16:26 GMT

So I guess the key cylinder lock dealy on the outside of the car on
the drivers side is whacked. I'm not sure what happened or why but it
doesn't work. I got irritated one day and tried to turn the key as
hard to the right as possible and I think that sealed the deal with it
not working.

So I am wondering...

Looks like I can buy the lock cylinder off eBay and maybe replace
myself. Anyone know how hard it might be for someone whose generally
not handy?

Would it be best to take it to the dealer?

If I take it to the dealer, should I buy the lock cylinder off eBay
and let them install that and just pay labor or would it be best or
recommended that they get an OEM lock cylinder and pay for that and
labor?

Also, what about my current key? Could the dealer order a lock/
cylinder thing that would match my existing key, or am I going to need
to carry two keys around, one for ignition, and the other for the
drivers side lock?

I'd love advice.

Thanks in advance,

Steve

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Ph@Boy - 30 Dec 2007 16:56 GMT

> So I guess the key cylinder lock dealy on the outside of the car on
> the drivers side is whacked. I'm not sure what happened or why but it
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
>
> Steve

You may be able to have the cylinder repaired by a locksmith. They can
usually key the cylinder to match. Call around your local area to find
someone knowledgeable, competent, and reasonably priced (compare).

If a cylinder is difficult to turn it is possible to lubricate it using
powdered graphite lock lubricant. You can usually find this at most auto
parts stores and it's not very expensive. Don't use anything liquid
petroleum based (oils, WD40, ect.) since that will usually attract dirt
and grime. Some silicone products are safe, but won't last as long as
the graphite IMHO.

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Ray O - 30 Dec 2007 17:01 GMT

>> So I guess the key cylinder lock dealy on the outside of the car on
>> the drivers side is whacked. I'm not sure what happened or why but it
[quoted text clipped - 36 lines]
> and grime. Some silicone products are safe, but won't last as long as the
> graphite IMHO.

It's nice to know that we give the same advice!

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Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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Ph@Boy - 30 Dec 2007 17:49 GMT

>>> So I guess the key cylinder lock dealy on the outside of the car on
>>> the drivers side is whacked. I'm not sure what happened or why but it
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
>
> It's nice to know that we give the same advice!

Scary!

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Ray O - 30 Dec 2007 16:58 GMT

> So I guess the key cylinder lock dealy on the outside of the car on
> the drivers side is whacked. I'm not sure what happened or why but it
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
>
> Steve

When you say that the lock cylinder is "not working," what exactly is not
working? Does the key not turn in the cylinder or is it difficult to turn,
or does turning the key have no effect?

The lock cylinder mechanisms are pretty durable and rarely fail unless they
have been tampered with or got water inside. The pins (tumblers) in the
cylinders may wear but they it shouldn't be too worn in a 5 year old car
unless you use a aftermarket key that is harder than the OEM key. I doubt
if the lock cylinder is bad.

First, get some Lock-Ease aerosol lock lubricant and give a shot in the lock
cylinder. Do not use WD-40 or other lubricant in your lock.

If the key turns in the lock but nothing happens, one of the rod connectors
in the door probably broke or got disconnected. You can remove the inner
door panel and hook the rod connector back up (they just snap together).

If you provide more detail in what is happening, I can steer you in the
right direction.

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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mrsteveo - 30 Dec 2007 18:17 GMT

> > So I guess the key cylinder lock dealy on the outside of the car on
> > the drivers side is whacked. I'm not sure what happened or why but it
[quoted text clipped - 49 lines]
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)

When I put the key in the lock and turn to the right, it should
unlock. It doesn't free wheel at all. It's just tough to turn. When
I do try to turn the key to unlock the door, I can see the lock
mechanism through the window try to move 'up' to the unlock spot so I
think the rod connector is probably fine.

I cannot turn the key to the left and lock the door from the outside
at all. If I turn the key clockwise to unlock, it's resistant. Last
night out of irritation (yes, bad me..) I cranked the key as hard as I
could clockwise only to be very confident now SOMETHING inside that
tumbler is likely bent.

So that's the story. Unfortunately, I've already done what you
suggested not too; used WD-40 last night and that did not help. I
could get some Lock Ease if you think that'd work but at this point, I
think..

I went on vacation a few weeks ago, came home. Lock had a tough time
moving key clockwise to unlock but then sometimes would work great.
Makes me think my gf/kids while I was on vacation, used a wrong key or
tried to force something and bent something inside the tumbler causing
it to sometimes work and sometimes not.

At this point, it dones't work at all.

When I turn key clockwise, I can see it want to move the lock upwards
but no matter how hard I try... it won't do it. I do think the
tumbler is toast probably but willing to try lock ease if you think I
should.

Assuming that doesn't do it, any other suggestion(s)?

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Ray O - 30 Dec 2007 19:02 GMT

>> > So I guess the key cylinder lock dealy on the outside of the car on
>> > the drivers side is whacked. I'm not sure what happened or why but it
[quoted text clipped - 86 lines]
>
> Assuming that doesn't do it, any other suggestion(s)?

You didn't mention whether you are using the original key or a duplicate.
If you are using a duplicate, try the original.

If the temps are near or below freezing, you may have ice in the lock.

Get the Lock-Ease aerosol. It comes with a small snorkel tube that you
attach to the nozzle. Insert the snorkel into the key opening and spray
until the stuff pours out of the opening. Insert the key and gently work it
back and forth to see if it frees up.

If the Lock-Ease doesn't work, you can remove the lock cylinder and take it
to a locksmith along with the key to have it repaired.

Too remove the lock cylinder, you will have to remove the inner door panel,
pop the lock rod off, remove the C-shaped spring clip that secures the
cylinder to the door, and pull the cylinder our from the outside of the
door.

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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doncee - 31 Dec 2007 05:00 GMT

>> Assuming that doesn't do it, any other suggestion(s)?
>
> You didn't mention whether you are using the original key or a
> duplicate. If you are using a duplicate, try the original.
> If the temps are near or below freezing, you may have ice in the lock.

Get the Lock-Ease aerosol. It comes with a small snorkel tube
that you attach to the nozzle. Insert the snorkel into the key
opening and spray until the stuff pours out of the opening.
Insert the key and gently work it back and forth to see if it
frees up.

If the Lock-Ease doesn't work, you can remove the lock cylinder
and take it to a locksmith along with the key to have it
repaired.

Too remove the lock cylinder, you will have to remove the inner
door panel, pop the lock rod off, remove the C-shaped spring clip
that secures the cylinder to the door, and pull the cylinder our
from the outside of the door.

Be very careful not to drop or lose the above mentioned C clip.
You WILL NOT be able to find a replacement without special
ordering of it thru dealership at about $10 or else plan a trip
to your local wrecking yard. Been there, done that!!
dc

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Ray O - 31 Dec 2007 05:37 GMT

>>> Assuming that doesn't do it, any other suggestion(s)?
>>
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
> to your local wrecking yard. Been there, done that!!
> dc

Good point! Those spring C clips have a tendency to fly when released. I
would make sure the door is mostly closed when releasing it!

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Ray O
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Ph@Boy - 31 Dec 2007 14:08 GMT

>>> So I guess the key cylinder lock dealy on the outside of the car on
>>> the drivers side is whacked. I'm not sure what happened or why but it
[quoted text clipped - 72 lines]
>
> Assuming that doesn't do it, any other suggestion(s)?

You might want to try some brake / contact cleaner to spray out the
cylinder, it might remove most of the WD40, then either blow out with
compressed air or wait a period of time to let it dry out, then use the
powdered graphite.

It might be worth a shot to try before taking it to either the dealer or
locksmith, at least it's cheaper.

Like Ray mentioned earlier, it might come down to untrimming the door
and investigating what is causing the problem.

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