Jammed door lock!

[BlueRidge06]

I think someone tried to break into my Ridgeline! My keyhole is jammed, I can only stick my key in about 1/4" into the keyhole. I haven't taken it to the dealer yet, but I am anticipating it not being under warranty (2006, just passed 50k miles).

I'm good with step-by-step picture instructions and I'm sure I could get the parts I needed from H&A. Anyone have any idea how complicated this might be? Suggestions?

[hiPSI]

Do you know what jammed your lock? Do you use the key in the lock often? I would try some WD-40 or something first.
It is easy to remove the lock itself. After removing the insiide door panel the lock removal is simple. If WD-40 does not free it up or if there is something broken off inside depending on what it is a locksmith might be cheaper than buying a new lock cylinder.

[Jack]

Don't know if this will work, but I had a key break off in another car I owned. Short of calling a locksmith or going to a dealer because the car was old, I used my black and decker shop vac. Taped the end of the hose over the key hole using good old duct tape, turned it on, and when it reached full suck I heard the key piece fly down the hose.

Give it a try ya never know.

[BlueRidge06]

I don't know what jammed the lock...it's possible something got stuck in it, but it felt like pieces are loose in the lock itself. I don't know if that's even possible but I just know my key hit something hard and twisting the key in different directions didn't get it pass the obstacle! =(

Do I spray WD-40 into the lock itself? I know the last time I used it would've been last summer when I used it to close all my windows...that's really the only time I stick the key in the lock...I'm just nervous that my key's battery will die and I will have no way of getting into my car unless I use my other remote key!!! yikes!

[RustyH]

Never use WD-40 on locks. Go to your local hardware store and get some lock graphite and try that. I don't know that it will solve your particular problem, but only use DRY graphite on any lock...otherwise you're just asking for trouble down the road.

[hiPSI]

Originally Posted by RustyH

Never use WD-40 on locks. Go to your local hardware store and get some lock graphite and try that. I don't know that it will solve your particular problem, but only use DRY graphite on any lock...otherwise you're just asking for trouble down the road.

Ok Rusty, what trouble down the road? I agree dry graphite should be used to lubricate locks, but what about for cleaning locks? My recommendation for WD-40 is if anything (mud, dirt, spider, wood, etc) is clogging the tumblers dry graphite would only exacerbate the problem. WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant. Before you can lubricate, you must get whatever is stuck or jammed moving. Penetrating oil is another option but WD-40 works well in hinge, lock and bolt situations where the mechanism is initially stuck.