key stuck in driver's side door after locking... won't return to upright position, can't pull out, no second key, top is closed....

[Jinster]

Hey guys... I have a situation pretty much as described in the title.

 

The car is a MY97 which I have had for close to 20 years. There is no central remote locking. I've been using the tumbler the whole time.

 

Today, I parked the car, locked it, and the key wouldn't return to the 12 o'clock "upright position". It's stuck at a 45 angle (2 o'clock as I am RHD, equivalent to 10 o'clock position for a LHD car). It can still go horizontal, but just not back to upright... so the result is I can't remove it from the door.

 

I don't have a second key anymore (moved house too many times.... must have lost them along the way).... and the top is closed....

 

Any suggestions on how to get in the car?

 

Or better yet, any suggestions on how to remove the key? WD40?

[Ike84]

9 hours ago, Jinster said:

Hey guys... I have a situation pretty much as described in the title.

 

The car is a MY97 which I have had for close to 20 years. There is no central remote locking. I've been using the tumbler the whole time.

 

Today, I parked the car, locked it, and the key wouldn't return to the 12 o'clock "upright position". It's stuck at a 45 angle (2 o'clock as I am RHD, equivalent to 10 o'clock position for a LHD car). It can still go horizontal, but just not back to upright... so the result is I can't remove it from the door.

 

I don't have a second key anymore (moved house too many times.... must have lost them along the way).... and the top is closed....

 

Any suggestions on how to get in the car?

 

Or better yet, any suggestions on how to remove the key? WD40?

WD40 specialist dry lube - its a ptfe (goretex) based spray.  you can usually find it at walmart.  I had issues with my door ad ignition tumblers but that fixed it right up.  you may want to squirt some carb cleaner (dont get it on the paint) to loosen up any gunk inside first).

[JFP in PA]

1 hour ago, Ike84 said:

WD40 specialist dry lube - its a ptfe (goretex) based spray.  you can usually find it at walmart.  I had issues with my door ad ignition tumblers but that fixed it right up.  you may want to squirt some carb cleaner (dont get it on the paint) to loosen up any gunk inside first).

 

PTFE is Teflon, not Gore-Tex.

[Jinster]

JFP, you are still around the forum after all these years?

 

Ike84, no dice with the lubrication I am afraid.

 

I did find a second key after rummaging through the whole house. I haven't touched that key for 15 years. I was able to get in via the passenger side door.

 

I opened up the door panel on the driver side and unmounted the door lock mechanism. But whatever is connecting it to the key tumbler isn't releasing so I am stuck at that step for the moment....

[JFP in PA]

11 hours ago, Jinster said:

JFP, you are still around the forum after all these years?

 

The rumor's of my death have been greatly exaggerated..................😉

[Silver_TT]

yep, still here kicking a$$ and taking names

[DBJoe996]

The threaded rod that extends from the door lock mechanism and door latch assembly snaps into the black plastic connector on the door latch side.  There is a small collar that you need to slide back on the black plastic piece, then the threaded rod unsnaps from the connector piece.

Edited March 19, 2021 by DBJoe996