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I own a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier two door and the issue i'm currently having is that when i wake up in the morning and it's cold and try to unlock the driverside door with my keychain electronic unlock, i hear the lock trying to disengage but the door doesn't unlock.  Sometimes it can take up to 5 minutes before the door actually unlocks.  My key also won't work at times.  I live in Toronto so it's pretty cold and the colder the weather, the longer it takes to unlock.  I've sprayed WD40 on both the hook on the car frame and the moving hinge in the door that engages with the hook, and the problem is fixed for maybe a day and then comes right back.  Does anyone know how to permanently fix this issue without taking the car to a garage?  Winter's coming and i don't know if i can handle this happening for another winter.  Thanks.  

please do check the manual, and try to use lubricating fluid, or use the oil while unlocking,
get checked internal functioning of door.  

if the door does not unlock...

i would check that the various linkages are working properly.. and that the inner handle is free to fully return to the stop... if the inner handle or the outer handle is pulled at all.. the door lock will not open...


when spraying the WD40 in..  i normally spray upward into the door lock in the door..   this may assist in oiling the lock.. but WD40 dries up...


there is also a door lock actuator .  but i am going to bet that your inner door handle return spring is broken.. and its not fully retracting...  or something is binding the door opening linkage...   when you describe the lock not working with the key also..  points me toward binding linkage on the inner or outer handle...

you might try this will somebody sitting in the car...  to see if the pushing the inner door opening handle allows the lock to work properly...     post what you find...

ACTUATOR KIT,R/D LK
Part Number:  25664288
Product Notes:
[Rear Door Lock Actuator Kit]; Elec S/D Lk (AU3); Left hand; May require the removal of gear and conn; when servicing an actr that is w/out such content
Per Vehicle: 1; Years: 2002-2005

door lock actuator...  

I have encountered frozen locks before but I wasn't trying to use electronic keychains. I usually had some success with antifreez and lubricants. In cases where this did not do the trick, I had to deal with it in the morning with hot water which was a pain. If there is excessive gunk or grime anywhere in the mechanism, it will make it more prone to sticking. I would recommend a thorough cleaning of all parts and a lubricant with antifreeze qualities.


Chris -
Click here to see my review of products that provide windshield de-iceing.