Key Stuck in Door
10-13-2021, 02:01 PM
#1
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Key Stuck in Door
I unlocked my driver side door wit the key but now the key is stuck in the cylinder in the horizontal position. Can not turn it vertical for removal. Any ideas?
10-13-2021, 03:32 PM
#2
Pro
Member Since: Jun 2018
Location: Louisville, Ky
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You've probably tried but operate the power locks and see if that helps.
Joe K
Joe K
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Art17 (02-13-2022)
10-13-2021, 03:46 PM
#3
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
I tried everything. The locking mechanism does not work. I am currently trying to get the damn door panel off but it is hung up on something in the door handle area. The FSM has a pretty poor description regarding removing it.
10-15-2021, 07:55 AM
#4
Burning Brakes
What usually works for me is placing my thumb next to the key on the lock cylinder and pulling the key with the other hand while applying slight pressure on the lock
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Art17 (02-13-2022)
10-15-2021, 09:10 AM
#5
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
Update: I think I figured out what was hanging up the panel....a screw hidden behind the slider ****. Apparently the slider can be popped off with a little prying. Given how brittle all the plastic is on these old cars I have asked a lock smith to take a look at it this afternoon before I break something.
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Art17 (02-13-2022)
10-15-2021, 10:07 AM
#6
Safety Car
Good Luck with your Locksmith! They are usually pretty good about things like this. While he is there make a new key for your Corvette and test to see that it works. On my C3 they used a door key and an Ignition key, I had my locksmith make them all the same key so It makes it easier for me.
A good thing to do every couple years is to Lubricate your tumblers with Graphite powder and they will continue working happily for years to come. Put that on the maintenance list and this problem should be the last one like it.
A good thing to do every couple years is to Lubricate your tumblers with Graphite powder and they will continue working happily for years to come. Put that on the maintenance list and this problem should be the last one like it.
10-15-2021, 10:59 AM
#8
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
I JUST WENT THROUGH THIS. Your door lock cylinder is coming apart. More specifically, the piece of tin that holds the tumbler springs down, has detached from the cylinder, and is caught in a groove in the ID of the cylinder housing. See pics and more details, HERE.
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Art17 (02-13-2022)
10-15-2021, 02:24 PM
#10
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
Probably....but you don't need a lock smith. If you're capable of removing that door panel you can get the handle out and then the cylinder and fix it, too.
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Art17 (02-13-2022)
10-15-2021, 02:28 PM
#11
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
I JUST WENT THROUGH THIS. Your door lock cylinder is coming apart. More specifically, the piece of tin that holds the tumbler springs down, has detached from the cylinder, and is caught in a groove in the ID of the cylinder housing. See pics and more details, HERE.
My lock is stuck with the rod at the 6 o'clock position (the unlocked position) so I will need to pop the clip off inside the car to remove the assembly I guess and then install the repaired lock in the 12 o'clock position as you show. Do the lock rod and door latch rod just push out of the mounting hole? The lock rod appears to have a nylon arrow point "like" tip. I have not put eyes on the door latch rod yet. Great post BYW. Very informative. My issue sounds exactly like yours. Did you replace or repair the lock?
Last edited by KJL; 10-15-2021 at 02:32 PM.
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Art17 (02-13-2022)
10-15-2021, 03:09 PM
#12
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
I got the panel off.... did you remove your power window bracket for more clearance?
My lock is stuck with the rod at the 6 o'clock position (the unlocked position) so I will need to pop the clip off inside the car to remove the assembly I guess and then install the repaired lock in the 12 o'clock position as you show. Do the lock rod and door latch rod just push out of the mounting hole? The lock rod appears to have a nylon arrow point "like" tip. I have not put eyes on the door latch rod yet. Great post BYW. Very informative. My issue sounds exactly like yours. Did you replace or repair the lock?
My lock is stuck with the rod at the 6 o'clock position (the unlocked position) so I will need to pop the clip off inside the car to remove the assembly I guess and then install the repaired lock in the 12 o'clock position as you show. Do the lock rod and door latch rod just push out of the mounting hole? The lock rod appears to have a nylon arrow point "like" tip. I have not put eyes on the door latch rod yet. Great post BYW. Very informative. My issue sounds exactly like yours. Did you replace or repair the lock?
Last edited by KJL; 10-15-2021 at 03:11 PM.
10-15-2021, 07:06 PM
#13
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
I replaced my lock, ONLY b/c I had a pair "in stock" from a part-out that I did. The old one was reparable and I've kept it. Really, all that needs to happen is press that piece of tin back down against the springs, then re-stake the aluminum cylinder around the tin, to hold the tin down.
10-15-2021, 07:11 PM
#14
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
The latch rod came off the handle when I did mine. IDK if you could snake it out, still attached to the handle. Flip that little black retainer UP, then the rod will pop out sideways from the handle.
For the lock rod, IIRC, you can flip the yellow retainer UP, then slip the lock rod out of the lock arm. I slipped a 90* pick up in there, pulled the "E" clip off the lock and pulled the lock arm off of the lock cylinder....the pulled the handle out. However, you do MAY not need to do that. If the lock were working correctly, you could turn it to point the arm up, IIRC, and then "roll" the handle assy up and out of the door. If you can't rotate it in a favorable direction, you'll have to do like I did and slip the E clip off. You'll be able to find it in the bottom of the door w/a magnet.
For the lock rod, IIRC, you can flip the yellow retainer UP, then slip the lock rod out of the lock arm. I slipped a 90* pick up in there, pulled the "E" clip off the lock and pulled the lock arm off of the lock cylinder....the pulled the handle out. However, you do MAY not need to do that. If the lock were working correctly, you could turn it to point the arm up, IIRC, and then "roll" the handle assy up and out of the door. If you can't rotate it in a favorable direction, you'll have to do like I did and slip the E clip off. You'll be able to find it in the bottom of the door w/a magnet.
10-15-2021, 08:23 PM
#15
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
The latch rod came off the handle when I did mine. IDK if you could snake it out, still attached to the handle. Flip that little black retainer UP, then the rod will pop out sideways from the handle.
For the lock rod, IIRC, you can flip the yellow retainer UP, then slip the lock rod out of the lock arm. I slipped a 90* pick up in there, pulled the "E" clip off the lock and pulled the lock arm off of the lock cylinder....the pulled the handle out. However, you do MAY not need to do that. If the lock were working correctly, you could turn it to point the arm up, IIRC, and then "roll" the handle assy up and out of the door. If you can't rotate it in a favorable direction, you'll have to do like I did and slip the E clip off. You'll be able to find it in the bottom of the door w/a magnet.
For the lock rod, IIRC, you can flip the yellow retainer UP, then slip the lock rod out of the lock arm. I slipped a 90* pick up in there, pulled the "E" clip off the lock and pulled the lock arm off of the lock cylinder....the pulled the handle out. However, you do MAY not need to do that. If the lock were working correctly, you could turn it to point the arm up, IIRC, and then "roll" the handle assy up and out of the door. If you can't rotate it in a favorable direction, you'll have to do like I did and slip the E clip off. You'll be able to find it in the bottom of the door w/a magnet.
10-15-2021, 09:42 PM
#16
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
You shouldn't have to use a borescope. In the pic that you posted above; You see that green wire that runs to the lock switch? Right beyond that is the black plastic clip that holds the door release rod into the door handle arm. Using a small screw driver, pry/flip that black thing UP, snapping it off of the release arm, then swiveling it up and out of the way of the rod. It stays put in the door handle arm, and the rod will now slid sideways, out of the door handle arm, and that black clip.
10-16-2021, 06:54 PM
#17
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
You shouldn't have to use a borescope. In the pic that you posted above; You see that green wire that runs to the lock switch? Right beyond that is the black plastic clip that holds the door release rod into the door handle arm. Using a small screw driver, pry/flip that black thing UP, snapping it off of the release arm, then swiveling it up and out of the way of the rod. It stays put in the door handle arm, and the rod will now slid sideways, out of the door handle arm, and that black clip.
10-16-2021, 09:17 PM
#18
Instructor
10-16-2021, 09:26 PM
#19
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
No. WD40 is not going to fix it. Did you READ the link that I posted? 
10-17-2021, 08:38 PM
#20
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
