MALIBU QUESTION FOR THE EXPERTS! Compartment Locks. How Do They Work?

[69hurstolds]

Ok, I'm in need of some help from the Wagonistas.

Those pesky rear compartment locks that look like glovebox locks.

How are they supposed to work? It's not a matter of life or death, but I'm simply curious. Are they locked all the time when close? Do you always need a key to operate them? Can you yank the key out when open and not have to lock them?

I figured I might find some info in an owner's manual somewhere, but so far, haven't been able to find anything.

Help a fellow out?

 

[Longroof79]

Mike, there are a few wagon members that have the cubby doors. I hope they chime in. 🤔 I'm sure we'll get to the bottom of this dilemma.
I'll see if my owners manual has any information regarding how these locks function.

 

[86 Salon]

Those locks are designed to lock all of the time. The key can only be removed with the cylinder in the lock position. I don't remember what year, but we had to perform a recall on a few because the key was able to be removed with the cylinder in the unlocked position. Apparently, I have no idea how, but a child got stuck inside. Maybe they were sitting in the third seat and climbed in. The recall was on the B body wagons, but I think all wagons are supposed to work that way. You could probably remove the lock cylinder and remove the tumbler that won't allow the key to be removed in the unlocked position.

 

[Longroof79]

Those locks are designed to lock all of the time. The key can only be removed with the cylinder in the lock position. I don't remember what year, but we had to perform a recall on a few because the key was able to be removed with the cylinder in the unlocked position. Apparently, I have no idea how, but a child got stuck inside. Maybe they were sitting in the third seat and climbed in. The recall was on the B body wagons, but I think all wagons are supposed to work that way. You could probably remove the lock cylinder and remove the tumbler that won't allow the key to be removed in the unlocked position.

Thank you for your explanation. So these locks were meant to function this way as a safety measure. Interesting.

 

[69hurstolds]

Well, that's exactly how the ones I rekeyed work, so question was answered. Thank you. I just wanted to ensure it wasn't me having a senior moment. Once they turn from the inserted position, the tumblers are blocked, the key is captured and won't come out until the cubby lock is closed again. Bingo!

 

[Longroof79]

Well, that's exactly how the ones I rekeyed work, so question was answered. Thank you. I just wanted to ensure it wasn't me having a senior moment. Once they turn from the inserted position, the tumblers are blocked, the key is captured and won't come out until the cubby lock is closed again. Bingo!

That's exactly how you found them to operate. This confirms that you were right all along.
Thank you again, Mike.

 

[69hurstolds]

That's exactly how you found them to operate. This confirms that you were right all along.
Thank you again, Mike.

The locks confirmed it to me because they wouldn't operate any other way. I didn't have a say in it. 🙂

 

[abbey castro]

This is a stupid smarta-- answer. Why don't you try it out and see what happens!

 

[69hurstolds]

This is a stupid smarta-- answer. Why don't you try it out and see what happens!

I've already tried it a bunch of times. I was just getting a verification from those that have dealt with them in the wild that it was supposed to be that way. And it is.

 

[abbey castro]

I've already tried it a bunch of times. I was just getting a verification from those that have dealt with them in the wild that it was supposed to be that way. And it is.

"Well done my son, now go and sin no more!"