Help! Door won't close/latch in cold temps and/or key won't unlock door in cold temps

SunnyC · 11-23-2007, 06:39 PM

1997 318IS 2 door Coupe with central locking system

Just wondering if anyone has door opening and closing problems in the cold.

Main problems in the cold (0 degrees and below):

1. Drivers side door lock doesn't turn to unlock when I put the key in (lock de-icer is not the problem). So i open the passenger door and the central locking system unlocks my driver door. Somebody told me it's the actuator on the drivers side..

2. Sometimes after the door is unlocked then I open it, it wont close. Meaning the latch doesn't close so I've had to drive home with one arm holding the door closed and the other steering.

3. Once in a while as well, after opening the door, getting out of the car and trying to close the door again, the latch will be in the wrong position somehow (I think in the closed position) and will bang off of the finger attached to the pillar where it's supposed to latch.

Is this all actuator related? If not, what the heck else can it be?

Please help!

Thanks!

vadim321go · 11-23-2007, 10:33 PM

i have the same problem, time to spray some wd40 in ur locks

btw its not actuater or anythign related, there is just not enough lubrication for everything to work smooothly...wd40 everything

(the locks, the latch, anything that has to do with the locking mechanism)

mpower1226 · 11-23-2007, 11:31 PM

The better way would be, take off the lock mechenism as a whole from the door and dip it in the oil container for at least half an hour. then assemble it back.

And no you dont use wd40 as it tends to strip out whatever kind of grease that is on the lock now.

vadim321go · 11-24-2007, 11:01 AM

ok so what is the best thing to put into that lock? i have some of that rust spray..its pretty oily as well

ecuconnection · 11-24-2007, 11:42 AM

I had the same problem and it was quickly solved with White Lithium Grease(spray)

vadim321go · 11-24-2007, 01:05 PM

i wanted to spray some triflow but cudnt find any around, none at partssource or CT or any other store. i know CT has the white lithium grease

vadim321go · 11-24-2007, 03:53 PM

alright to so i squirted some white lithium grease in all the locks and hinges, when it gets colder i guess we will see if it worked or not