Front Door Latch Frozen Open

SeaPro

SeaPro

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Recently my doors have been freezing open. I unlock the car and the door latches on both frontside doors will not latch closed. I've uploaded a video showing the issue. I've tried using methanol, I've lubed them up neither seem to work. The only solution I've had luck with is heating the latch up with my butane pocket torch.

It's very cold here in Canada, I'm sure that's the issue. I'll rip the doors apart in spring and oil them up properly but in the mean time does anyone have any ideas or advice?

Any input is appreciated!

[video=youtube;2-xutCCrZL4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-xutCCrZL4[/video]
 
I'd guess the only way to find the problem is to take it apart

For what it's worth, closing the doors with the windows open does more damage to the window regulator than if it were closed, accelerating the common failure of the little plastic clips holding the window. Open one of the other windows if you're worried about the car locking itself with the keys inside

I've been working at a dealership for 3 years. I was always warned about keys getting locked in cars and told to leave a window open. It's never happened at work. One time, almost 2 years after starting there, it happened with my LS. I did leave a window open, so it was no problem, but I haven't been able to figure it out. It happened once, and only once. I don't think I could have unknowingly pushed the lock nub in the handle
 
The only solution is to move to a warmer climate. I NEVER have this problem :p :p :biggrin: :biggrin:
 
LSFrank said:
I'd guess the only way to find the problem is to take it apart

For what it's worth, closing the doors with the windows open does more damage to the window regulator than if it were closed, accelerating the common failure of the little plastic clips holding the window. Open one of the other windows if you're worried about the car locking itself with the keys inside

I've been working at a dealership for 3 years. I was always warned about keys getting locked in cars and told to leave a window open. It's never happened at work. One time, almost 2 years after starting there, it happened with my LS. I did leave a window open, so it was no problem, but I haven't been able to figure it out. It happened once, and only once. I don't think I could have unknowingly pushed the lock nub in the handle
Click to expand...

That's good advice! My driver side door lock is sticky and doesnt lock with the fob, so I'm in the habit of manually locking it every time I get out of the car. One time I was at the mall (in pouring rain) and somehow locked myself out of the car while it was running. I had been on the phone with my GF and the car's so quiet I guess I forgot. That's why I ALWAYS leave a window open, but in the future I will just use the rear window, thanks for the idea!

And I agree with you LS4me, that's probably my best option. I'm assuming there's a pin or latch mechanism that keeps the main latch down once it's in the closed position, maybe that's the issue. I'll have to tear is apart once the weather is good and see.
 
On my LS,when I had trouble with the unlock/lock mechanism, only on the driver door, I took it apart and saw that the latch wasn't lubed. I also saw that if I had known to remove the bottom right screw as you look at the door from the end, that I could've shot some WD40 or PB Blaster down thru that screwhole and then followed it with some white lithium grease spray and the problem would have also been solved.
HOWEVER,if a lot moisture has gotten in there and corrosion, you'll have to take it apart. But it's worth a try,right? Worked for me. don-ohio (:^)
 
SeaPro said:
Recently my doors have been freezing open.
Click to expand...

HAHAHA Welcome to my world. I've had the issue on ALL THREE LS's I've owned. Americans just don't understand how painful the LS is in Canadian Winters.

What I recommend: Spray inside the latch with Krown oil. Buy a can. Krown is rust proofing, and that stuff gets everywhere. One good hose of Krown, and those latches won't stick for a good while.

People here will say otherwise, but they aren't Canadians and their advice is for if you live in palm tree Florida. Or California. Or some northern state who thinks its cold when a snow flake hits the ground.
Dose that sh*t with Krown, get it in that door. Problem solved for a long while. 1 can should last you years.
 
I thought rust-proofing got hard,like it sets? Don't know this Krown oil but white lithium spray works pretty well here in fairly cold Ohio. Wonder where in the States we can check out this Krown oil? don-ohio (:^)
 
Thanks! I just tried to order a can,but it only ships in Canada. I'll check Ebay. Always looking for good products for lubing my cars and mopeds. don-ohio (:^)

Follow-up: Still can't locate it.
 
SeaPro said:
My driver side door lock is sticky and doesnt lock with the fob, so I'm in the habit of manually locking it every time I get out of the car.
Click to expand...

Even more reason to take it apart. Something may be binding or be unhooked. You may also have an excessive water leak
 
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