Here's a fun new problem...

[wytbishop]

So last weekend I washed my car before taking over to a friend's to do some work. the next day the temperature dropped...like REALLY dropped. It's been in the -30 to -40C range all week. So the problem is that the latch mechanisms in the doors were still wet and they are now frozen solid. I cannot get my doors open. I can't get the hatch open either because the lock cylinder is not functional. The car is equipped with an aftermarket remove door lock system, and I know the door is unlocked but when I lift the handle there is no feeling of the latch mechanism releasing.

I don't have a heated space to move it to and I would rather not pay to tow it somewhere. It could be several days before the weather warms up enough to thaw it out.

Any ideas?

[lowflyinmx3]

is it the same on both sides? you don't feel anything when you lift up on the passenger door either? I would say put de-icer in the locks but you said it was already unlocked. Don't feel too bad tho, i just had to use a torch to heat up my door knob to get into my house.lol

[94drumx3]

can you get in thru the trunk? if you can, move it inside a garage and set heaters all around.
or pray for a really warm day. thats the best i've got

[wytbishop]

Same on both sides. it feels like the handle isn't connected to anything inside the door. Hatch lock was damaged during a breakin attempt so no way I can get in back there either.

My worst fear is that the linkage came apart in the door when the latch wouldn't give. I don't know what I'd do then.

[Mooneggs]

so it sounds like you have tried torching the locks? it sounds like you are correct with water getting down inside the door and freezing the linkage...

worse case scenario... you can remove the fender and door to get inside... I know it sounds crazy but I did that one time since I didn't want to pay somebody to unlock my car with the keys inside

[Custommx3]

Put some WD40 in the keyhole.... the petroleum in the WD40 will keep it from freezing up so much

[wytbishop]

The key is never used to luck and unlock the car. The car is equipped with remote door locks which act directly on the linkage. Unlocking the doors in not the problem. I didn't think there would be enough moisture in the actual latch mechanism to cause this problem.

The removing the door through the fender idea is plausible though. That Mooeggs guy is handy.

[jamesmx3]

pour warm water on it, if its frozen then it'll melt be quick though, so it doesnt freeze that too! just an idea if its not the linkage

[wytbishop]

I'm gonna try getting some brake clean in there I think. I hope that the alcohol content of the solvent will melt things.

Does any body have a spare door latch sitting around that they can take a picture of for me. I need to see exactly how the linkage acts on it to allow it to open.

[Raven95150]

Here are a few ideas:

Have you tried actually pulling out on the door? The latch could be open and the door just frozen shut.

Try a slim jim/coathanger/something similar to push/pull on the linkages inside the door.

Try and get the window to move down a little bit or carefully use something to wedge the top of the door out, then use a slim jim/coathanger to pull on the inside door handle.

Since the hatch lock is already messed up, you could drill it out or break it apart to get the hatch open.

[ElectricEnergy]

Come on guys, you live in Canada and you cant get into a frozen car?

First off, avoid brake cleaner. I'm pretty sure it eats through paint.

It sounds like your door isn't even latched, its just frozen on. Push really hard on the edges of the door. Don't pull on them, just push them into the side of the car. Work your way around the entire door frame. You should feel/hear the ice crunching.

After you've done that a bunch, you should be able to get it open. This worked on my car last winter... YMMV though.

[atlantamx3]

Agree with the idea that the doors may be frozen shut.

Warn Door seals will retain moisture and freeze themselves to the door frame... thus, preventing you from opening the door.

it sucks.

[wytbishop]

Well I'm not new to winter. I've experienced the frozen weatherstripping many a time. This is not like that. I first attempted to pull the door open then, with a flat screwdriver and a rag to pry the door open. It's firmly latched and not moving. I could probably wedge the top of the door open as it moved a few millimeters when I was prying. I may try to reach the hatch release lever and see if I can get in that way.

Last resort will be to have it towed to my brother in laws heated garage.

Thanks for all your ideas guys.

[jason5151]

It sounds like you actual lock mecanism that secures to the latch is not moving even after pushing your unlock button,the mechanical- electrical latch is not unlocking thus keeping you from getting in your car because the locking mechanism is frozen!
once you thaw your car make sure you lubricate the whole linkage to prevent this from happening in the future!

[SuperK]

I have a handle and a door that shows the door linkage....

I can send you a picture that might help guide you to fix the problem on your own if you'd like
My old truck's door used to freeze shut, not the latch mechanism, the whole door. that was kinda fun, trying to get into that...