Access
Apr 9, 2018 | 04:04 PM
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Access
My corvette has sat idle in my garage for a long period of time. I am unable to unlock or open the door. Can you offer any advice?
Apr 9, 2018 | 04:55 PM
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 10,445
Likes: 4,403
From: Northern VA
"Ask Tadge" Producer
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RWAndersen
My corvette has sat idle in my garage for a long period of time. I am unable to unlock or open the door. Can you offer any advice?
What year car? This post will get moved accordingly.
Apr 9, 2018 | 05:03 PM
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Access
Quote:
what year car? This post will get moved accordingly.
1985
Apr 9, 2018 | 05:35 PM
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 1,325
From: LeClaire Iowa
Read your question. Not enough info. Do you have the key and it won't unlock or have you lost the key and are unable to unlock it?
Apr 9, 2018 | 05:52 PM
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Access
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Whaleman
Read your question. Not enough info. Do you have the key and it won't unlock or have you lost the key and are unable to unlock it?
I have the key and it won't unlock.
Apr 9, 2018 | 06:11 PM
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
Dry graphite lube is typically recommended for maintenance but that might not cut it this time. Might have to use something like WD-40. Sometimes you need to wiggle the key to get it in the correct tumbler position to unlock. Not sure why this happens, it just doesn't line up right every time. Also don't put a tool on the key to help turn it, you might break the key off. Last resort - I bet a mobile locksmith could get in quickly.
Last edited by DGXR; Apr 9, 2018 at 06:13 PM .
Apr 9, 2018 | 06:16 PM
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 7,706
Likes: 485
From: Everett WA
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
but gosh don't spray too much of it in there just a 1-second squirt in both door locks, let sit for a hour and then give it a try.
Apr 9, 2018 | 06:28 PM
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RWAndersen
I have the key and it won't unlock.
both sides? Drivers side, turn all the way right to unlock
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Apr 10, 2018 | 07:48 AM
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RWAndersen
I have the key and it won't unlock.
I find it hard to believe neither side will unlock with the key.
But I'll play along, you are aware there are 2 keys, one is ignition key and one is door key. Do you have a door and ignition key?
Last edited by bac22; Apr 10, 2018 at 07:48 AM .
Apr 10, 2018 | 09:23 AM
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bac22
I find it hard to believe neither side will unlock with the key.
But I'll play along, you are aware there are 2 keys, one is ignition key and one is door key. Do you have a door and ignition key?
I've had the car for 30 years, pretty sure I know the key difference. But thanks for playing along.
Apr 10, 2018 | 12:17 PM
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
If the key will not work on either door, call the locksmith.
Apr 10, 2018 | 08:45 PM
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,772
Likes: 177
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Quote:
Originally Posted by
RWAndersen
I've had the car for 30 years, pretty sure I know the key difference. But thanks for playing along.
Just joining the forum, and with only 4 posts you should understand why that question was asked.
Don't be such a douche when someone points out something that so many new C4 owners don't know.
It was a legitimate question, and I have to agree with bac22.
It is very hard to believe that your key just suddenly won't work on both doors at the same time.
Apr 11, 2018 | 09:44 PM
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Call AAA they will get it open in seconds & probably tell you whats wrong with it to boot.