Rep Power: 0

I have a 2008 Honda Civic DX. All of the locks are the manual kind (no fob), so require a key to enter the lock.

My trunk lock will no longer take a key (any of the three keys for that matter) - the key just goes into the slot maybe 3/8" and then stops. No amount of wiggling seems to get it in (though perhaps 1 out of a hundred attempts will work). I have lubricated with graphite and WD40, but no help. I have no idea what is physically blocking the key from sliding in.

It is a pain to always open the trunk using the lever by the driver seat, but at least that is still an option.

I had the exactly same problem with my driver door lock some years back, and had to have it replaced. Is this a common Honda failure?

Any suggestions for a fix here, or do I need yet again another lock replacement? At least this cylinder is more easily accessible (not hidden behind door panels).

 
Rep Power: 222

Replace the cylinder, you can set the tumblers to your key before you install it in the trunk

 
Rep Power: 367

isn't some water getting in and freezing inside?

 
Rep Power: 0

No, there is no issue of freezing, most of the time. It is a mechanical blockage of some sort.

 
Rep Power: 0

Well, my eventual solution to this problem was to get a new trunk lock cylinder from Honda (for about $55CAD), which came with its own keys, and install it myself. Rather than spend several hundred dollars on rekeying all the locks, I now carry two keys - one for the ignition, and one for the trunk.

That is the second lock which has failed on this car, and that is disappointing. A locksmith told me that these Honda type keys have a penchant for failing, as they get a bit worn down with use, and that then affects the lock cylinders. Thus my ignition key is now the little used grey valet key, which works fine for that purpose.

The locksmith also told me NEVER to use WD40 and graphite - that just makes a glue, in his opinion.

 
Rep Power: 0

How and where? I’m having the same problem and can’t tell if it’s something broken or the previous owner had a different cylinder since the car came with two keys. The trunk still opens but not through the key

 
Rep Power: 222

.... You buy a new lock cylinder

 
Rep Power: 0

I fixed this in under an hour. You need a 10mm socket, couple flathead screwdrivers, some sandpaper, lubricant, and some pliers or 7 inch vice grips. Also helps to have small picking/punching tools about 2-3mm diameter to push out stuck wafers.

Remove the 10mm bolt with a socket, pry out the ring clip remove the latch mechanism. Rotate the key cylinder counter clockwise 45 degrees and it pulls out.

*get into a safe controlled location so you don't lose parts, next steps..

Remove the chrome cylinder cap, use pliers or vice grips to lightly pinch and turn off..

remove the retaining cap..

now, carefully punch down the tumbler wafers with a small tool as you remove the cylinder.

after the tumbler cylinders out, carefully remove the wafers and watchout for small springs. do this in a small controlled location. try to do it individually and once you finish one set tape them in place move to the next set, continue.... Now once you get them all working again after sanding them and removing hard corners, install and see if it works.. You'll likely have to remove some waffers all together or sand the tops down because key wear ect. I removed 3 of mine, no big deal. I've also fixed the ignition wafers, had that issue too. Remember to give them a healthy spray of lubricant, a light one like wd40 before installing back in the car. If I have to do this again I'll make a video.