Have you tried removing the central locking fuse? Once this has been done any electrical gremlins holding the door shut should be removed. It might not work, but at least it would eliminate one possible fault.
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Well, thanks for the input.
First, just to say, Dynamic, I couldn't believe it when I went out this morning (fully-clothed, not clad in attractive nightwear, I hasten to add) armed with ancient and not-easily-located can of WD40, sprayed liberally, and it actually worked!!!! So, so far, no climbing in boots and out of windows today! You will forever be a hero in my eyes, DD ;) Can't believe it was so simple, and am worried this is only a temporary fix?
So, David Lacey, thanks for your suggestion - interesting that you've had similar problems with all Astras of the same age. It definitely has deadlocking, and I'll bear in mind your 'fix kit' idea if it happens again.
Wally, thanks also - although, due to aforementioned technical inability, removing the fuse is something I'd have no idea about - would unfortunately have to be an outside job for me. Again, I will bear this in mind if problem recurs.
For now, am just grateful I managed to get in this morning - but will have WD40 can permanently with me for the foreseeable future, just in case.
Thanks again,
HF
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HF, glad the WD40 worked. Had a similar problem on my Alfa 75 a couple of weeeks ago, difference being that I couldn't lock the car. Quick call to my local Alfaman, he suggested 3 in 1 oil rather than WD40 as effect of WD40 soon wears off. Anyway, no problems since
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>>and I'll bear in mind your 'fix kit' idea if it happens again.
It might not work next time. You're better getting it fixed properly now, who knows when it might happen next ?
After an accident when you need to get out of the car quickly ?
Offspring sick and you need to get in it quickly ?
Best get it sorted - or, if you have the option, don't use the deadlocking.
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It might not work next time. You're better getting it fixed properly now, who knows when it might happen next ?
Yes, that's what I'm worried about, M. Any idea of expenses/time involved here, or am I being lazy and should try looking at Vauxhall sites?
Best get it sorted - or, if you have the option, don't use the deadlocking.
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You mean by removing the fuse, as Wally said?
Alfafan - thanks for your idea - it seems I need to find a permannt solution though.
HF
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can of WD40, sprayed liberally, and it actually worked!!!! am worried this is only a temporary fix?
There is a thread somewhere in here that mentions the best course of action to take with door locks. If I get a spare moment later, I'll search it out for you.
WD40 will only be a temp fix as it will eventually dry/wash out the lock and you'll be back to square one. If you don't want to deadlock the car in case it happens again, just turn the key 45 degrees to the left and back to the vertical position. That way if you have to enter by the boot, at least you can lift the buttons and get in the conventional way afterwards. Turning the key 90 degrees to the left activates the deadlocks.
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There is a thread somewhere in here that mentions the best course of action to take with door locks.
The whole thread is here:
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?f=4&t=84...3
Cyd's post on best course of action is here:
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=8483&m...e
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Thanks, DD.
In the meantime I'll definitely try the 45 degree locking, at least no danger of being trapped inside that way.
HF
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Have you tried removing the central locking fuse?
That won't work. Once the deadlocks are activated, the only way to disengage them is to unlock the doors via the drivers door lock. Otherwise if the battery went flat, it would make the thieves job a lot simpler. Mind you saying that, it's easy to defeat the deadlocks on Vauxhalls of that era if you don't mind damaging the doors, or door handles!
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Is a 1991 car a bit early for deadlocking??
Yes, but HF's car is a '92 mk3 Astra.
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HF -
Sounds to me like you've got road salt/grimy water in the door locks to the point where they've jammed! I had the same on my K-plate Cavalier, remedy was to swap driver and passenger lock barrels. (Not an easy job, unfortunately, but the passenger lock barrel was much less worn as nobody ever locked or unlocked the car with it!)
WD40 won't be a permanent solution, so for the time being I would only *lock* the doors, not *deadlock* them, i.e. Insert key at 12 o'clock position, turn left ONLY to 11 o'clock position so doors lock, return key to 12 o'clock position and remove key. I'd imagine you've been inserting the key at 12 o'clock, turning it left to 9 o'clock then removing it.
More help to follow...
Dave TD.
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