For some reason, my drivers door lock mechanism is playing up a little on my 05 WRX. It isn't isn't a problem most of the time as I use the remote to open the car. However, as my car only came with 1 key + transponder, I have had a spare key cut. In fact, I have had 3 spare keys cut! Timpsons have been trying their best to get a key that will open my door, but both shops have struggled so far.

When I had the last key cut, I thought I would see if it would at least start the car. To my surprise, it did, no problem at all. So I tried my original Subaru key in the door lock. Turns out this key also feels 'sticky' in the lock. It will open the lock after carefully applying a bit of pressure and wiggling left and and right until all the internals line up. Every timpsons key will not open the door at all but as said, will start the car first time without issue.

Will some graphite powder help losen the lock up a little or do I have to get the lock rebuilt?

 

Poke the key in slightly so the little flap is open and give it a squirt of WD40 and a wiggle to get it in there, it's only because it's never used it's gone stiff and probably oxidised a bit inside.

 

I heard the WD40 is not good for locks though, hence why I was going to try some graphite powder?

 

^ always used wd40 , no issues no far.

 

Just soaked the lock in spray grease and it now works perfectly.

Don't know why I didn't think of that before!

Had to turn the key a a good 50 times but both the Subaru and Timpsons key now work great.

 

Well there must be a hundred or so locks and padlocks that i've sprayed with WD40 and i'm yet to have a problem.