Re: Trunk Lock(and re-keying gas caps.)

[Brett Dikeman <brett@pdikeman.ne.mediaone.net>]

>Benjamin,
>I had a very similar problem to yours. My central lock would not allow
>me to OPEN the trunk without using the key. I found out that there is a
>small springloaded "ball" encased in the plastic molded lock housing.
>The purpose of that ball is to allow the lock to be in either of two
>postions: 1; Always locked 2; Open/locked together with central locking.
>
>I think the problem was that since the casing is plastic, it wore out
>around the little springloaded ball, did essentially not provide a good
>"seat" for a precision part. I ended up drilling the ball out
>completely.
>
>I can give you more on this. Feel free to call me at (972) 523-4998 or
>(800) 234-0730, ext 31130.

My problem is that the vacuum activator appears to be jammed(or the lock
cylinder is); I have the same result you have(must use key to get in.)  I
don't have that plastic ball you talk about; my lock assembly is all cast
metal alloy.

I've been debating who the best person is to take it to; the dealer, my
mechanic, or a locksmith.  I'm thinking of just getting my mechanic to
replace both parts.

Speaking of locks, how can one re-key the locking gas cap?  Could a
locksmith get it apart and do it?  One of the previous owners switched gas
caps on the car.  Idea #2 was can I get, through a dealer, a new cap that
is keyed using my keycode?  I lock the cap all the time, so I feel naked
without one that locks...and I don't want an aftermarket cap.

Brett

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Brett Dikeman
brett@pdikeman.ne.mediaone.net
~)-|
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