C6 spare key will not open hatch
12-31-2009, 09:25 AM
#2
Le Mans Master
Does the key fit into the lock? Make sure you push it in all the way before you turn it because sometimes they can be very hard to turn. Maybe a good squirt of wd40 into the lock might help clean it out and free it up.
Good luck. Hopefully this will serve as a reminder to all to actually check your key to make sure A) you have the key with you and B) it works before you really need it!
Good luck. Hopefully this will serve as a reminder to all to actually check your key to make sure A) you have the key with you and B) it works before you really need it!
Last edited by vettedoogie; 12-31-2009 at 09:27 AM.
12-31-2009, 09:33 AM
#3
Racer
You really have to turn the key hard to get it to open the hatch. They can get dirt and stuff in them and are hard to open. You could try spraying WD40 into the lock.
You should always try your spare key every once in a while.
If that doesn't work, you could hook a jumper cable to the starter cable from under the car. That should give you enough power to open the car with the FOB.
You may have to jack the front up a little to get to the starter. Just hook up the positive lead to the thick positive cable on the starter and the negative lead to someplace on the engine block. This will supply power to the whole car.
Once you get to car open, you can fix the battery issue.
You should always try your spare key every once in a while.
If that doesn't work, you could hook a jumper cable to the starter cable from under the car. That should give you enough power to open the car with the FOB.
You may have to jack the front up a little to get to the starter. Just hook up the positive lead to the thick positive cable on the starter and the negative lead to someplace on the engine block. This will supply power to the whole car.
Once you get to car open, you can fix the battery issue.
12-31-2009, 09:57 AM
#4
Team Owner
You really have to turn the key hard to get it to open the hatch. They can get dirt and stuff in them and are hard to open. You could try spraying WD40 into the lock.
You should always try your spare key every once in a while.
If that doesn't work, you could hook a jumper cable to the starter cable from under the car. That should give you enough power to open the car with the FOB.
You may have to jack the front up a little to get to the starter. Just hook up the positive lead to the thick positive cable on the starter and the negative lead to someplace on the engine block. This will supply power to the whole car.
Once you get to car open, you can fix the battery issue.
You should always try your spare key every once in a while.
If that doesn't work, you could hook a jumper cable to the starter cable from under the car. That should give you enough power to open the car with the FOB.
You may have to jack the front up a little to get to the starter. Just hook up the positive lead to the thick positive cable on the starter and the negative lead to someplace on the engine block. This will supply power to the whole car.
Once you get to car open, you can fix the battery issue.
Listen to this man. Make sure you insert the key all the way in the slot in the trunk. Try it several times to make sure there are no obstructions or dirt and debris in or around the key slot. Try spraying some WD-40 or similar in the slot. Turn the key firmly to open the hatch (not to the point of it binding or possibly breaking off, but you will be surprised at the force required to actually open the hatch with the key.)It is possible that the cable has come off the latch release mechanism, if that is the case then no amount of effort will get it done. Follow the recommendations above to get power to the car via the starter. You can then get it, open the hood and work on opening hatch.
12-31-2009, 01:37 PM
#5
if the key does fit in the lock, make sure it is pushed in all the way.
then as you push down on the hatch (where the latch is) with the palm of your hand, turn the key.
sometimes the hatch is very tight when closed and by pushing down on the hatch your relieve the pressure and you will be able to turn the key in the lock to open the hatch
worth a try. my .02
then as you push down on the hatch (where the latch is) with the palm of your hand, turn the key.
sometimes the hatch is very tight when closed and by pushing down on the hatch your relieve the pressure and you will be able to turn the key in the lock to open the hatch
worth a try. my .02
Last edited by c54u; 12-31-2009 at 01:39 PM.
12-31-2009, 01:48 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
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if the key does fit in the lock, make sure it is pushed in all the way.
then as you push down on the hatch (where the latch is) with the palm of your hand, turn the key.
sometimes the hatch is very tight when closed and by pushing down on the hatch your relieve the pressure and you will be able to turn the key in the lock to open the hatch
worth a try. my .02
then as you push down on the hatch (where the latch is) with the palm of your hand, turn the key.
sometimes the hatch is very tight when closed and by pushing down on the hatch your relieve the pressure and you will be able to turn the key in the lock to open the hatch
worth a try. my .02
12-31-2009, 04:13 PM
#8
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Of course, you don't want to break off the key in the lock, and it may feel like that. But believe me: the first few times you use it, it DOES feel as if the key and lock are not made for each other. Be gentle but forceful. And use some kind of lubricant such as PB Blaster which might be even better than WD 40.
12-31-2009, 05:34 PM
#9
Race Director
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It is definitely a struggle to open with the key but after a couple of tries it usually works (with significant effort to turn).
12-31-2009, 06:12 PM
#11
Team Owner
Need more info as to whether the key will not turn, or turns and does nothing, or won't fit in the lock cylinder....
In the meantime, probably good to bring up this thread again:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...metal-key.html
In the meantime, probably good to bring up this thread again:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...metal-key.html
12-31-2009, 06:28 PM
#12
Instructor
Of course, you don't want to break off the key in the lock, and it may feel like that. But believe me: the first few times you use it, it DOES feel as if the key and lock are not made for each other. Be gentle but forceful. And use some kind of lubricant such as PB Blaster which might be even better than WD 40.
I have been told not use wd40 or other lubricants in a lock. Dirt and dust is retained and attracted.
I was told to use tube graphite or a graphite based spray. The spray distributes the graphite with a liquid that fully evaporates. Neither leaves a greasy or sticky residue.
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seth4774 (09-11-2019)
12-31-2009, 08:18 PM
#13
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
well, technically the graphite stuff probably is better, or at least used to be. I think today's quik drying silicone water dispersants that leave a film are ok. I used to use the graphite stuff exclusively, but it was a mess. It'd come off on the key repeatedly. You certainly didn't want to stick it in any pocket after using the key in the lock unless you wiped it first.
No matter what I use, I dry off the key many times after spraying anything in the lock...maybe that's just me.
No matter what I use, I dry off the key many times after spraying anything in the lock...maybe that's just me.
01-03-2010, 02:53 AM
#14
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well, technically the graphite stuff probably is better, or at least used to be. I think today's quik drying silicone water dispersants that leave a film are ok. I used to use the graphite stuff exclusively, but it was a mess. It'd come off on the key repeatedly. You certainly didn't want to stick it in any pocket after using the key in the lock unless you wiped it first.
No matter what I use, I dry off the key many times after spraying anything in the lock...maybe that's just me.
No matter what I use, I dry off the key many times after spraying anything in the lock...maybe that's just me.
01-03-2010, 05:29 AM
#15
I'm "Apache" a psycho dog
01-03-2010, 09:17 AM
#16
Le Mans Master
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I'm not a locksmith but a locksmith friend of mine says to NOT use graphite, it can build up and jam up the works. Liquid is the best lube.
01-03-2010, 09:54 AM
#17
Le Mans Master
Living in a very cold weather climate, WD40 is all I have ever used (since it was made available) as it disperses moisture in locks, preventing freeze-up, while also loosening stiff locks.
Before that it was 3-in-One oil!
It would be nice to hear from the OP if this helped!
Before that it was 3-in-One oil!
It would be nice to hear from the OP if this helped!
