Apply the proper lubrication, and binding or sticking door lock cylinders and keys that are hard to insert or remove, in many cases, will be corrected. The recommended material for lubricating these components is Multi-Purpose Lubricant Superlube® GM P/N 12346241 or equivalent.

Penetrating lubricants such as GM P/N 1052949 and WD-40® are not recommended. These lubricants wash out the original lubrication and eventually evaporate, leaving little or no lubricating material. Refer to steps 2 through 5 below for proper methods of lubrication in order to use GM P/N 1052949 or WD-40® in order to unfreeze or loosen lock cylinder components.

Perform the following procedure in order to repair frozen lock cylinders due to cold weather:

1. Apply heat to the cylinder with a heat gun while being careful not to damage any painted surfaces.
2. Hold the door lock cylinder shutter open with a paper clip (or similar item).
3. Use compressed air and a blow gun attachment in order to force air into the cylinders.
4. Inject a small amount of lubricant into the cylinder while holding the shutter door open. Refer to the above recommendations.
5. Work the key into the cylinder several times and wipe any excess lubrication residue from the key.