Motorcycle & Automobile Q & A Forum

Q: I have an older car, and do not have keyless entry. My driver’s door lock is getting harder and harder to work with the key. Do I need to replace it, or can I do something to make it work better?

A: There are two elements to the door’s locking mechanism: 1) the keyed tumbler system and 2) the actual mechanism that is engaged when the tumblers are engaged/disengaged. Your problem is most likely with the first. To fix it, blow compressed air (or use a can of air with the nozzle attached) into the slot where your key goes. This will dislodge and remove any debris. Now, stick the end of a tube of powdered graphite into the key slot and squeeze a puff or two into the lock. Now, insert the key and slide it in and out a few times – then turn the key several times to get the graphite throughout the lock. This service should be performed about every 6-months to a year, depending on how dirty your area is. If you need to fix the interior mechanism, you’ll need to remove the inside door panel and clean and lubricate as necessary for your specific locking mechanism. White lithium grease is excellent as a lubricant for this application.

Q: The rear door on my 2000 Honda Passport doesn’t open from the outside and the child lock is engaged on that door. Any ideas on how to open the door?

A: Almost surely, your door’s closing/locking mechanism is either stuck or broken. To open the door you’ll require a tool called a “Slim Jim.” These are at car dealers, locksmiths, and police departments. The tool slides down between the car’s window and the rubber seal and allows you to grab the lock and manually lift it. If you know someone with a Slim Jim, you can get a diagram of the interior of the door from the Internet and then use the tool to open it. Otherwise, you’ll have to take it to either a locksmith or a dealer. In the long run, the dealer will likely work out to be the best option – as the door’s mechanism will have to be either repaired or replaced.

Q: How do I jump start a car with another car or truck?

A: With the vehicle that has the good battery running at idle, attach the red (positive) cable of the jumper cables to the positive (+) terminal of the battery of the car or truck that has a good battery. Now attach that same cable to the positive (+) terminal of the car or truck with the bad battery. Now, attach the black (negative) cable to the negative (-) terminal of the car or truck with the good battery. Now attach that cable to a ground on the car or truck that is being jump started. IT IS NOT ADVISABLE TO CONNECT TO THE NEGATIVE TERMINAL OF THE DEAD VEHICLE’S

BATTERY. IF THE CONNECTION IS BAD YOU CAN DAMAGE THE GOOD VEHICLE’S

BATTERY – OR CAUSE OTHER UNWANTED DAMAGE. Wait about ten seconds, then attempt to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If you get a cranking sound, but it does not start, turn off the ignition key and wait 30-seconds while the failing battery gets a bit more charge. Now, try it again. Repeat if necessary, but not more than three times. If the dead vehicle doesn’t start, it might indicate a more serious problem that should be checked by a qualified mechanic. NOTE: Don’t be too confident of the red and black wires on batteries. Sometimes they are installed backwards. Always check for the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals by looking on the battery itself.