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MG MGF Technical - Frozen Boot Lock

Does anyone have any tips on how to stip the boot lock from freezing up in the current icy weather?
I often get a problem when the key won't turn, and yesterday the key wouldn't even go in!

I have tried greasing and WD40-ing but this doesn't seem to work very well.

Thanks
Duncan

Have you tried the old trick of warming the key with a cigarette lighter or match? Also,IIRC there is a product called Hot Key on the market that is basically a battery operated/heated probe that slips into the key hole.HTH
Bob (aka The Blue Max)

I had exactly the same problem yesterday morning - finally managed to get the lock to unlock by using a combination of a lock de-icer and warming the key with a match. Then, with the boot lid open, I dribbled "3-in-1 Oil" into the lock until it started to drip out of the lock into the boot.

This morning, no problem at all - key straight in and turned, boot open.
M.J. Tait

Did any of you already dry the lock from below to get water and moisture out ?
I would use a hairdryer.
Then check the small 'flap' blade in the lock cover whether it sits flush to the surface.

If not flush cause of any dents to the cover, then water drips usually inside.
Dieter K.

Make sure it's well oiled
David Clelland

In an emergency use the old trick and pee on the lock. Readily available, cheaper than lock lube and needs no batteries. Some sexes may have trouble hitting the lock!
JohnP

I'll think of you when I get my car out of the garage!
Lyndy

....but i'll keep the peeing on the lock in mind?!!?
Lyndy

Hot water from the kettle poured onto the lock (with the key out) unfreezes it immediately. Then try some (read lots of) WD40 to remove the moisture. Seemed to work for me last winter, I only remember having to do it a couple of times in all.
R J Tuohy

Thanks everyone, I tried puttig WD40 into the lock by spraying it on the key, also by part inserting the key and sraying the lock with to boot open so that it dribbles in (Didn't have any oil handy)- it seems to have done the trick.

Thanks again
Duncan

Hot water (from any source) is never a good option since it will freeze up even more the next day....
Bram

If nothing available, just run the car for ten minutes.
Ddraig

>Hot water (from any source) is never a good option since it will freeze up even more the next day.... <

Bram, the hot water is to melt the frozen moisture in the lock, it should not add to it or make any difference to the amount of freeze the next day. Moisture in the lock is usually from condensation from the atmosphere as opposed to external water finding its way in I would guess. However, I recommended using WD40 to disperse the moisture after thawing out with hot water. I did this on Saturday morning and it hasn't frozen since, nor do I expect it to.

The washer jets did though! Next purchase will be heated washer jets.......
R J Tuohy

R,
try removing the one way valve that is uner the bonnet, this should cause you a little delay before the water gets to the screen, but it should stop water freezing in the jets

Will
Will Munns

Good idea Will, should have thought of that one. Too late however, my heated jets will, providence and MG-Rover permitting, arrive tomorrow morning at the local dealers.

Incidentally, it may be of interest that the MGOC price for this kit for members (more for non members) is exactly the same as the local dealer retail. Do I detect a whiff of rip-off here?

Ron
Ron Tuohy

This thread was discussed between 05/01/2003 and 07/01/2003

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