Jump to content

Key Won't Work In Doors...

ktuimala

By ktuimala
in Ask A GM Technician

Recommended Posts

ktuimala Enthusiast

ktuimala

Posted
Posted

I just bought a 2003 Yukon XL from a good family friend. Everything worked during the test drive and inspection. However, this morning I found that my keys do not work in any of the doors nor does either of the key remotes unlock the doors. When using the remotes the dash flashes and I hear a click, but the doors won't open.

 

I had to call a local garage to come unlock the door with a wire rod. When he got the rod in the door, he tried to hit the unlock button, but it did not work. Once he got the lock flipped the alarm went off and we had to put the key in the ignition and start the Yukon to get it to stop.

 

Following the repairman unlock the remotes will occasionally lock the car, but won't unlock it at all. Occasionally the automatic unlock button quits functioning on the door. Even more strange is that both of my door locks refuse to turn.

 

How can this happen overnight? Seems electronic to me? Have any ideas? I have to leave my key in the ignition to ensure the doors don't lock!! It is very aggravating and unsafe.

pwall Senior Enthusiast

pwall

Posted
Posted

Welcome to GM-Trucks.com!

 

The key locks in the door could just be seezed. That happened to my '02....a little WD-40 freed them up.

And regarding the remote, is it possible that the battery in the remote is on it's way out.

it does sound kinda weird given that it worked yesterday, but you just never know.

ktuimala Enthusiast

ktuimala

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for the tip.

 

I have sprayed WD-40 in both locks for the third time today. I have also been jiggling the key in the locks, but it quite literally will not budge. Perhaps they are just that seized.

 

Both remotes cause the parking lights to flash and the dash to flash when the lock button is pressed on either remote. I can hear a click coming from somewhere under the hood/dash when the unlock or lock button is pressed on either remote.

 

I figure it could still be the batteries, but both remotes, lights flashing on dash? Anyway I will go dig out a battery that I know is working and give it a try.

 

Thanks.

ktuimala Enthusiast

ktuimala

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I found a new 2032 battery. Replaced the battery in one of the remotes. I still get the same results.

 

It is almost like the truck doesn't recognize them anymore. However, it has to recognize them if the dash lights up and parking lights blink when I push the lock and unlock buttons.

green 788 Enthusiast

green 788

Posted
Posted

It sounds like your key is messed up... is it an original key? Are there any other keys you can try?

 

Does this year model have the computerized ignition key or not?

 

Just because it's working the ignition, that doesn't mean it doesn't have a defect that's keeping it from working the door locks.

 

It's possible that one of the door locks is jammed, possibly from using a bad key... and the solenoid is sticking, thereby explaining why the keyless remotes aren't doing what they're supposed to... in other words, when you press the lock/unlock, the system is detecting a stuck solenoid (because the lock mechanism is stuck) and it's therefore not moving any of the locks.

 

I assume you've contacted your friend to ask if this rascal has done anything like this before? :thumbs:

ktuimala Enthusiast

ktuimala

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I am convinced the locks are seized now, but I will check with someone who knows what they are doing in these matters about the keys not working for the lock due to a defect.

 

I also just discovered that the remotes are part of a valet starter package that the original owner installed. It is a model 562T. This might explain a few things since the previous owner let the battery run dead.

 

Anyone know anything about problems that could occur from a valet remote starter after a battery runs dead?

 

Also, previous and original owner state no issues with remote, but they did admit rarely if at all using the keys to get into the vehicle.

green 788 Enthusiast

green 788

Posted
Posted

Is it possible that someone changed the ignition switch, and your doors and ignition are now keyed differently?

 

You could take it by the dealership and get them to duplicate the actual key that the VIN specifies... then see if it will open the doors.

 

If it does, you might find that someone has changed the ignition at some point, and then only used the remote opener to get into the vehicle.

 

I can't see any reason why all of the door locks would seize up... (did you check the lock on the rear gate?)...

 

It still seems that your key is the wrong key for the doors.

 

Dan

ktuimala Enthusiast

ktuimala

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for your help on this issue. Asking the dealer for a new key is the best bet to figure out what is going on. The lock doesn't budge a mm when I attempt to turn the key the lock. The strange thing is the key has a GMC logo on it so, if the ignition was changed, the previous owner was given GMC style keys. I just can't figure out why they wouldn't have the door keys changed.

 

Anyhow. Now that I know I have a remote starter I have a likely direction to go with the remote issues.

ktuimala Enthusiast

ktuimala

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks for your help on this issue. Asking the dealer for a new key is the best bet to figure out what is going on. The lock doesn't budge a mm when I attempt to turn the key the lock. The strange thing is the key has a GMC logo on it so, if the ignition was changed, the previous owner was given GMC style keys. I just can't figure out why they wouldn't have the door keys changed.

 

Anyhow. Now that I know I have a remote starter I have a likely direction to go with the remote issues.

team3-8 Enthusiast

team3-8

Posted
Posted

I've had my remotes work on my 03 before but not with the key. Lubed the locks and keys worked. Had to do this several times though till they loosened up enough for the key to work. Just had my battery going dead in my remote and key would only work in passenger door. Guess it's time to lube the locks with WD40 again.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • Erfar
      Oil Change

      By Erfar · Posted

      have you stuck with dealer oil changes since then? I made the same switch after getting tired of crawling around under the truck, but I’ve found some dealers are way better than others about getting you in quickly. Curious if yours has been good about scheduling or if you’ve had to look elsewhere for quicker turnaround.
    • cherryred21duramax
      Can anyone decode a VIN to determine if this truck has had emissions issues or a recall?

      By cherryred21duramax · Posted

      Thank you.   I am set on a 3.0 Duramax as my previous truck with a Ford Ecoboost had just as many, if not more, "common" issues.  Cam phasers, timing chain issues, 10-speed valve body and CDF drum, emissions issues, etc.  So I figured, why not get 2x the fuel mileage (these things got 27+mpg on every mixed city/highway test drive I put them through) and better towing capability with resale value to boot?   My minimum, shortest trip will be 50 miles 1-way and I regularly go out of state with a travel trailer.  I'm planning on using this for a marketing/event promotion business also, which would require regular towing of trailers for bands, DJs, sound and lighting gear, along with my personal camera gear for filming events.   Looked at other trucks in the $30k+ price range but the issues seem to be everywhere, plus too many with gaudy mods.  I'm literally sticking with RWD trucks because they tend to be actually used as trucks, vs. the 4x4 models I've seen with unsafe lifts, huge tires, and general mods that would affect reliability (I'm wondering if some of them were tuned, hence the aggressive throttle response and hard shifting).   So my goal is to find a stock, 3.0 with 1 or 2 owners, in good physical condition, and decently well maintained.  Can't seem to find that up here, everything in the $27-30k range has had multiple owners, smoke smell, issues, or body damage.  Or the ridiculously modified trucks with 80k miles for under $27k but lots of problems...
    • KARNUT
      OCI, not when but why?

      By KARNUT · Posted

      That’s pretty tough Grumpy. I reread the previous few posts. They all reference oil changes. Much like your last thread. In my humble opinion it keeps things interesting.
    • Grumpy Bear
      OCI, not when but why?

      By Grumpy Bear · Posted

      Engine Wear and ISO 4406   1.) Cold Starts. 2.) High Particle Count. 3.) Low operating temperature viscosity and high low temperature cranking viscosity. 4.) Depleted AW, Friction and Acid packages.  5.) High engine load.    https://me.caltexlubricants.com/en_me/home/learning/from-chevron/heavy-duty-diesel-vehicles-and-equipment/The-Importance-of-Clean-Engine-Oil-and-Its-Impact-on-Equipment-and-Business-Performance.html   High particle counts have five sources. 1.) They are manufactured within the engine. Both wear debris and amalgamation of degradation products and combustion driven soot (worse in GDI). 2.) They are ingested via intake air. Ever hear the best oil filter is a good air filter? 3.) They are entrained in the fuel. 4.) This one is insidious. They are introduced in 'fresh oil'. 5.) They are introduced during the oil change.   ISO 4406 is the test that measures and quantifies the combine effects of all of the above particle related issues. You can mitigate your way into multiples of engine life by being attentive to them all.    https://www.hyprofiltration.com/blog/is-new-oil-clean   (from the link above)    [Quote] What Is the Recommended ISO 4406 Cleanliness Code for New Oil?   A good upper limit for new oil cleanliness is 16/14/11 (ISO 4406). Typical new oil usually has ISO codes of 19/17/15 or worse, which is far too dirty for sensitive components. This can be a major cause of degradation and premature failure. [Close quote].     Source of graph: Machinery Lubrication (GM Study)  
    • Diamond817
      WTS: Pulsar LT 22451 GM Silverado/Sierra 5.3 & 6.2

      By Diamond817 · Posted

      Make me an offer!

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...