Door freezing open.

Howard · 23 Nov 2015 at 08:33

Morning all,

First frosty weekday morning here, and my driver's door froze open. Not closed. Open. That is, the latch wouldn't actually 'latch' on the striker so the door would just bounce back open again. It happened last year and I thought I'd sorted it, but alas.

Pouring warm water on both the exterior door handle and the actual latch mechanism on the edge of the door appeared to unfreeze whatever was sticking, but it'd be nice not to have to do this every morning.

What can I spray in there to stop it from happening?

Would silicone or PTFE spray be a good water/frost repellent?

Ford :rolleyes:

Thanks!

rodenal · 23 Nov 2015 at 08:44

I'm absolutely no expert but would expect any kind of grease to help - would imagine it would need to be enough to physically sit on the mechanism rather than a light spray that will just run off again.

Orionaut · 23 Nov 2015 at 08:52

rodenal said:
I'm absolutely no expert but would expect any kind of grease to help - would imagine it would need to be enough to physically sit on the mechanism rather than a light spray that will just run off again.

The trouble with the hot water trick is that you risk wetting the mechanism further. It is the ice that acts as a glue.

WD40 etc doesn't help because it lubricates the lock as such. It helps because it disperses the water that is already there.

Unfortunately, while a further application of heavier grease might help. Most of the mechanism will be inaccessible (even if you removed the door card!)

The best thing would be to spray with WD40 was well as you can before leaving the car in a warm dry place to dry out thoroughly. Unfortunately few people have access to this sort of parking.

Howard · 23 Nov 2015 at 09:16

Thanks - I presume WD40 is rather temporary though? I'd like to stop it happening (if indeed this won't) - is there anything either permanent or semi-permanent that I can spray in periodically to stop this from happening? I've been using white grease but seemingly this doesn't work!

mjt · 23 Nov 2015 at 09:30

My Leon uses to do this in arctic conditions. I found a kettle of hot water and/or slamming it until it clicked back did the trick. Perhaps not recommended on a car that's in good condition

Third Opinion · 23 Nov 2015 at 10:37

I use to get locked in on my Alfa GTV, couldn't get out until the cockpit fully heated up lol.

WD40 use to solve it. Sprayed the lock every month or so. As a water repellent I guess it leaves nothing to freeze.

Armageus · 23 Nov 2015 at 10:58

Howard said:
Would silicone or PTFE spray be a good water/frost repellent?

Yes, would be worth trying some silicone spray lubricant (or even some silicone grease), as it should be longer lasting and is naturally water resistant.

Something like (although other brands are available

):
http://wd40specialist.com/products/silicone-lubricant/

Be worth trying to dry the mechanism and associated area first, with a hair dryer or hot air gun (on a low setting), just in case there is anywhere where the water is sitting.

Finglonga · 23 Nov 2015 at 12:32

I had the same problem years ago and from experience I know using water will make things worse, you are just making everything wetter and more likely to freeze. WD40 to clear the water out, (the WD stands for water dispersant) it may need a hair dryer to make sure it is totally dry, then grease the locks properly.