trunk lock

[jiho]

My "original" trunk lock gave out a couple of years ago. It stuck open, so it was easy to replace. But the Autozone replacement didn't last long before it stuck open. And now the replacement for the replacement is stuck closed.

Both "original" door locks continue to work fine, never had to replace either one, and I haven't treated the trunk lock any different from the door locks. Why am I having so much trouble with it? Anyone else experience this kind of annoyance?

 

[jeremyandthemonte]

Is your trunk seal in good condition? I think water could get in there and make things stick

 

[Texas82GP]

Maybe go with a good used OE lock or a better quality replacement lock. If you want to have the trunk lock re-keyed to match the doors then you will want to stick with a lock of the same series as your door locks. Look on your door lock key (if you have an original) and look at the letter stamped in the key.

I agree with Jeremy, are you getting moisture in the lock? In dry climates graphite is a good lubricant for locks but down here in the humid south it doesn't work well. I use spray white lithium grease to lube my lock cylinders.

Not sure what your car is so I'm not sure if this is right but you can still get a Delco lock. Might be China though. A good used one rekeyed and fixed up by a good lock smith might be better.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trunk-Lock-...ash=item5d642f2ade:g:E8YAAOSwO~hXIhQX&vxp=mtr

 

[jiho]

They all look identical, including AC Delco, so not much to choose. Looks like one of those deals where the same outfit in China supplies them all.

I thought at first there must be water getting in there, but the trunk lock really hasn't been exposed more than the door locks.

But this isn't an issue that people are having generally? (Why I posted in General Discussion. 😀)

It's an '83 Malibu sedan.

 

[pontiacgp]

are you talking about the lock or the latch?

 

[jiho]

I assume it's the lock cylinder, because that's what's been getting stuck. But I can't actually say for sure, because this time it's stuck closed and I haven't gone in yet to get it open through the trunk from behind the rear seat. However, I did lube the latch the first time I replaced the cylinder.

 

[pontiacgp]

what lubricants have you tried to free it up?

 

[jiho]

WD40, White Lithium Grease. It ain' budgin'. Key won't turn even a little.

This is starting to sound like one of those "computer psychologist" programs. When do I get the question about my mother? 😀

 

[ssn696]

I don't suppose pushing down on the trunk lid while turning the key would make any difference?

 

[565bbchevy]

I just had my Regal trunk lock key get stuck in the lock and I had to keep pulling on it and it finally came out, I figured the tumbler was defective so I instantly thought it is just time to but some replacement locks and then I figured just for the heck of it to spray some WD-40 in there not having to high of hopes I used the key to hold the flap open and gave it a couple squirts and then put the key in and to my surprise it now pulls in and out like the lock was new.