Frozen out of my truck

South Carolina doesn't get snow much, so I'm all new to this.

We left to go out of town over Christmas, so my truck sat for 5 days. This morning I go to get in it and the key won't go in. I don't have any keyless entry so I heated up the key and it took about 5 minutes to get the door open...Now only 2 of the doors are frozen shut.

Anyone know a better way to fix it?

 

you can get some "de-icer" aerosol spray that works pretty good. i have used it to thaw frozen locks

 

Thanks! I'll look for it

 

this is partially why I love AZ, this is from my Android phone just moments ago

 

i think its acetone or ethenol, rubbing alcohol should also work

 

NOT ACETONE DON'T USE ACETONE! Acetone is the active ingredient in nail polish remover and is used in paint thinner, I think it will damage the finish on your truck.

 

In CT we get some bad ice storms and long cold snaps, not as bad as some parts of the country but still cold and wet. I have never had a lock freeze on me! Is there a reason for water to be getting into your locks? Seems like you should be looking to prevent it freezing not just find the best way to thaw it, but like I said it never happened to me so I don't really know.

 

Don't keep it in the glovebox!!!

 

Well I think I might grab a keyless entry before I go out there.... And 4x4.. Haha

I'll look into it, thanks.

 

Common problem with all vechicles, Back Colorado, we just did not lock the doors, lived in a very rural area, I know might be viable in an urban setting.

 

hair dryer. .....seriously.

 

It rained the night before and then snowed so it just had water on the truck.

 

try gettin some liquid graphite and puttin it in the lock hole too. i done that to mine and its never frozen.itll also lubricate the lock and help it work alot better. had to use it on my undercover tonneua a few times and the locks work better than new. doors are a different story. weve been gettin winter weather here and so far my doors werent stuck shut. i usually clean off as much of the snow as possible so everything can dry out before nightfall. that seems to help me just fine.

 

That might be my new signature quote! hahahaha

 

If your ever stuck pee on your lock. I know it is not the best thing to think about or even want to do but Men....pee on your lock...warm liquid..... and your key....it will work.....

 

the WD in WD-40 means "water displacement". a light shot of that in the lock works wonders for keeping the mechanisims unfroze. one little spritz from the can with the red straw inserted will do the trick.

Don't forget to lube the door seals, so when you do get a cold morning and try to peel the door open,,you dont peel chunks of door seal off with it,,thus having a water leak later in the year.

$6 AGS DE-2 Door Ease Lube Stick

http://www.amazon.com/AGS-Door-Ease-Lube-Stick/dp/B000FW7UBA
stuff I use for lubeing the door seals. apply liberally.

 

Mod is spot on ---- WATER DISPLACEMENT! WD40 will do the trick.

Personally I use White Lithium Grease, a little on the key and work the mechanism a few times. Part of my winter prep routine. Also grease the latches and hinges. You only need a light coat to displace whatever moisture gets in there. It's not always leaking in, cold and then warming will create condensation on metal, or maybe the frost just melts, result is the same.

Been using can of silicon spray on my rubber seals, but I need to check on the "Door Ease Lube Stick." Have to be careful with the silicon spray or it gets a little messy. Thanks Mod.

I'm in Alaska, 7 to 8 months of winter is the reason.

 

Come to Lousy-ana. Bone chilling 74 degrees right now.