Trunk key hole problem

[jayno20]

In my 2000 Chrysler Sebring the key hole in the trunk has stopped working. The key will go in, but it wont turn to pop the trunk. Anyone have any idea's how to fix it without buying a new one?

 

[CBDFrontier06]

It's been my experience that when the locks get really dry inside, the key stops going in as far as it needs to to trip all the tumblers. What I normally do is saturate the key with graphite lubricant (or a lite oil of some kind) and move it in and out of the lock until everything inside gets coated. The key should go all the way in after that. If not, they cylinder may need to be disassembled to find the tumbler problem.

The only other idea I have is that the teeth on the key have become worn, and don't activate all the tumblers like it did when it was new. If you have a spare key that you rarely use, try it to see if there's any difference.

 

[jayno20]

yeah i've tried spares with no luck... i tried some deep creep on there do u think i should try something graphite related instead?

 

[moribundman]

The trunk lid lock on my Audi got really sticky to the point that turning the key became difficult after 8 years. I removed the lock from the inside (a few screws had to come out while the vacuum actuator linkage simply could be pulled off the lock) and rinsed it with spray elctronics cleaner (safe for plastic). Then I lubed the lock with graphite powder and it's been smooth like new for the past two years. Twice a year I squirt a bit graphite powder in the keyhole.

 

[jayno20]

so ur saying i should take it out of the car completely and clean it out and try to lube it up with something?

 

[moribundman]

Take off the trunk lid liner and take a look how the lock is attached. It's probably not difficult to remove. Once it's out, you can conveniently clean it, or if it's broken, you can replace it.