Hard to get key in door lock
 

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.

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Matt

Re: Hard to get key in door lock
 

Probably just worn out, you may be able to swap sides, or steal the trunk one. You can also replace the worn out bits to make the lock new again

Re: Hard to get key in door lock
 

Do you know of any instructions available on this? I can google, but if you've got something useful and handy . . .

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

Re: Hard to get key in door lock
 

Don't use WD-40, use powdered graphite lube instead. Next would be to re-tumble the lock.

Re: Hard to get key in door lock
 

I hit my lock cylinders with graphite (down to 2, these days) every so often. It is the best option to keep them working smooth.

Re: Hard to get key in door lock
 

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...e-updated.html

here's the link for the repair manual thread, go to the last page to get the most recent link

Re: Hard to get key in door lock
 

I retumble those locks all the time.

I hate a car that has to have multiple fat keys

Re: Hard to get key in door lock
 

Too late. I already hit them with WD-40. I'll find some graphite for next time.

How do I learn to re-tumble the lock? Or, do I take it to someone?

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

Resources

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...oor-locks.html

http://www.skidmore.edu/~pdwyer/e/files/tsb/a03-068.pdf
(applies to far more cars than what's listed in the bulletin)



https://www.civicforums.com/forums/a...6&d=1501204706

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.civ...3a4d663aa4.jpg

Re: Hard to get key in door lock
 

And my opinion on the subject is too simply remove all the tumblers for the free fix.

Re: Hard to get key in door lock
 

Does that make the car unlockable?

Re: Hard to get key in door lock
 

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.

Re: Hard to get key in door lock
 

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

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

Re: Hard to get key in door lock
 

Got it. Will do.