Gummed up center console lock

[lord_glum]

Any ideas on how to get this thing off? I have tried the paper clip in the side and push method, but this thing has about 5 gallons of soda in it from the PO. I couldn't even turn the knob with it unlocked. So any ideas how to get this thing off w/o snapping the top?

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[sweetk30]

i just had some 3-4 year old dryed soda on a metal item.

i tryed orenge glo house cleaner just cause it was close and easy to reatch.

that stuff took it all off super fast n easy i was totaly surprised.

mabye soak it in some of that and see.

 

[Fordum]

What ever you do, do NOT use an oil based substance to loosen it. Oil does not dissolve sugar, and that is what is holding the lock.
Oil will, however prevent water based solvents from getting to the sugar.

If you know its soda based trouble, warm or hot water works better than just about anything.

 

[Minnesota]

If you happen to have a clothes steamer in the house, I bet that would work.

I was using one to loosen all the gunk outta the door panels and it inadvertently flushed out my power lock switches and made them function again.

The one I had was pumping out some serious heat and steam.

 

[lord_glum]

Thanks for the advice. I have some orange stuff laying around that I used to clean it up before; I will shoot some more in it.

My other question is how do you actually get the thing off? I saw online somewhere to shove a paper clip in near the bottom. My problem is I have the clip, i see the slot but nothing happens when its in there.

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[kd7kmp]

I'm reviving this old thread as I am having the same issue. I can't get the latch out. I've tried the methods I've read about here and elsewhere online, but nothing happens. Any help would be appreciated.

Kevin

 

[dhcomp]

The paper clip in the side thing is the correct apporach. Get a complete pick set, http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-pick-and-hook-set-93958.html

It is challenging, but do-able. Take the lid off the console, so you can work on it on the bench.

Other than that, no more suggestions, i did it a long while ago. It sucked, but am very glad my key lock works again.

 

[kd7kmp]

Does the key need to be in the lock for it to come apart? I've spent a good bit of time rinsing the thing under hot water and then spraying it out with WD40 in an attempt to get all the gunk out.

I can now get the cylinder to pop out about 1/16th of an inch, but no further. I'll keep working at it.

Thanks.

Kevin