99 Rear Hatch Lock "Frozen"

[99LTD]

99 Rear Hatch Lock "Frozen"

Noticed the other day when trying to unlock my car from the rear hatch that the lock is wont turn either way. The key goes in fine but feels like I have the wrong key when I turn it. Doesn't budge and I don't want to turn it too hard and risk breaking something.

I tried my spare key which is still brand new thinking maybe the grooves on my main key were becoming worn and it did the same thing.

This is a recent thing as I use the rear lock fairly often for both unlocking and rolling down rear window.

Anyone else ever run into this?

Thanks in advance. Great forum by the way. I'm not a frequent poster but definitely a frequent lurker.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I don't know of any good methods to free it up, but good call on not turning it too hard. Those rear license plate/lock surrounds are weak, often times, the portion of plastic holding the lock in place will break.

Good luck though.

 

[MyHigh]

It could very well be your key!
So the rear lock gets used maybe less then 5% of the time while the key is getting used every day. The ignition and driver door as well get used more often to boot. Go get a new key cut ( not a copy of your key in hand) and see if that helps, if not then it's time to dig a little deeper. But cheap and easy first.

 

[RPS99SHO]

When I bought mine the hatch lock was just about seized. A liberal soaking of WD40 freed it right up.

 

[pluton]

WD-40/PBBlaster/etc followed by a real lubricant like Triflow. Can't hurt.

 

[The Count]

Liquid graphite is the correct lubricant for lock cylinders. Try it, it works wonders.

 

[99LTD]

Liquid graphite is a great thought. Will give that a try.

I haven't used that stuff since I was a kid and put it on the wheels of my pinewood derby car in Boy Scouts. Thing won every race.

 

[99LTD]

$6 bottle of liquid graphite 'Lock-ease' from Amazon did the trick. Thanks all.

 

[thegipper]

A solution of 50% ATF (whatever cheap stuff you can find) and 50% acetone is the best penetrating oil you can buy (make yourself). If that doesn't free up anything frozen in there, nothing will...