When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
ExteriorPost your issues with Exterior parts here!
Exterior covers Body, Doors, Locks, Physical Removal/install lights, Hoods, fenders, etc.
For Fundamentally Electrical issues, post on Electrical
I've got (my daughter has) a 2004 Civic LX coupe. The key is very difficult to get into the driver's side door lock. If you wiggle the key this way, then that way, and once more, it might go in. You might have to back off and start again.
Both keys have this problem. Passenger side is fine. Is it possible to swap them?
I don't think it's a lubrication issue - I sprayed wd40 in there and it made no difference at all.
"Marge, anyone could miss Canada! All tucked away down there."
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 9,629
Likes: 1,282
From: Barrie, ON Canada
Rep Power: 221
Re: Hard to get key in door lock
I don't unfortunately, there's a stickied thread in the 7th gen section where you can download the factory repair manual, you would find instrutions on how to take it all apart there. Another member who is more knowledgeable on how to do this may comment
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 517
Re: Hard to get key in door lock
You have to get the lock cylinder out of the door first.....
then you have to find a variety of Hondas sidewinder tumblers (wafers) to replace the worn out tumblers with...The lock may have about 10 individual tumblers in it of varying 'sizes'.
I DIY this but I have the complete replacement tumbler kit to work with....If you can find the tumblers it's not difficult to swap them one by one.
Call your local locksmiths and ask if they have tumblers for Honda Sidewinder locks, then call your Honda dealer and ask the same......ask prices too but explain you already have the lock out of the door and will carry the lock in (if that's what you will be doing), bet locksmith will be sensible and dealer outrageous
You have to get the lock cylinder out of the door first.....
Thank you. That's great information. I will probably take the lock out of the door and deliver it to a locksmith. I can't imagine the expense is too high.
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 517
Re: Hard to get key in door lock
Originally Posted by mwrohde
Does that make the car unlockable?
no, that makes it so just about any key can open it........but unless you install a flashing arrow sign pointing at it, nobody would know
Originally Posted by mwrohde
Thank you. That's great information. I will probably take the lock out of the door and deliver it to a locksmith. I can't imagine the expense is too high.
PHONE first!
In my (kinda small) town the locksmith shop sends them to me because they have not purchased the tumblers and equipment to do our sidewinder key cutting and programming
