thanks bunches.
Hi Tom!
>
> >
>> the door locks on my '02 legacy wagon froze up last week - the
>> solenoids tried, but couldn't move, and it took about an hour to get
>> the last one open.
>>
>> is there a recommended way to lubricate them?
>
> Wait for a warm day. Rinse the lock cylinders with a little methanol
> (use a syringe or dispense bottle to direct the alcohol into the
> lock), and allow a few minutes for it to evaporate. Repeat a couple > times.
>
> Methanol has this _thing_ for water, and the above procedure will dry
> the lock cylinders out nicely.
>
> ***DISCLAIMER*** Methanol is toxic; don't get it on your skin, don't
> drink it, don't sniff the vapors. Yadda, Yadda, Yadda . . . :-)
>
> You might also try a hot air gun, or even a hair dryer.
>
> Once you are convinced that any water is gone, use powdered graphite
> to lubricate the assembly.
>
> FWIW, the problem might not be limited to the lock cylinder; there is
> a bunch of hardware inside of the door that could cause issues if it
> were to get wet and then freeze. Probably worth the effort to pull the
> door trim and have a look around. A little methanol and/or hot air
> will work to dry these components as well. Everything aside from the
> lock cylinder, and maybe the solenoid it's self, uses a white
> lithium-based grease as a lubricant.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> ByeBye! S.
> Steve Jernigan KG0MB
> Laboratory Manager
> Microelectronics Research
> University of Colorado
> (719) 262-3101