OT - getting into locked car trunks

Carol Reed

In Memoriam
Messages
5,533
Location
Coolidge, AZ
My friend has a Chevy Lumina. We have tried to get into her trunk. The key won't turn. Here is where we are at this point:

She swears it is the right key!
We've tried WD-40, liquid graphite, and silicone.

We tried to remove the back seat. There is some sort of cage behind that severely restricting the smallest of us to get in there and unlock it from that angle.

She is ready to drill it out, but we don't know how to do that.

We are all poor a church mice, so a locksmith is out of budget.

The car is a beater, so baling wire to hold it closed later is OK with her.

It getting close to time to move off campus. She needs her trunk.

I do have a full selection of drill bits and a cordless driver at hand. How DO you drill out a car lock?

Suggestions?

Thanks.
 
Been a long time since I've done that one.

I suggest a heavy screwdriver first. Drive it into the keyslot with a hammer.
Then get a crescent wrench and put it on the flat part of the screwdriver, close to the end of the screwdriver, then try to turn the lock.
If that doesn't work then get the drill and bit out.
Remove the outer chrome ring by prying it off.
Start with a 1/4 bit, then move up to a 1/2" bit.
You may have to pick/pry out the pieces.
Then after the insides are removed, the screwdriver comes back. Theres a slot in the rear of the outer lock cylinder, that you can get the screwdriver in to turn it to open.
 
i would use a step bit , pop it right out

if you have a harbor freight nearby they have them cheap
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItemList.do

or a pry bar since you don't care about the car

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItemList.do

looks like the HF links don't work so heres some others for reference

step bit
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/s...ops-1_tools_7224516_2&results-process=default

pry bar
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_h...ls&field-keywords=pry+bar&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&Go=Go
 
Last edited:
Just out of curiosity, have you tried the key used in the ignition? I know older cars had two separate keys, but just thought i'd toss that idea out there :)

Also, if the key unlocks the doors, it should unlock the trunk. Take the key that you are told should work in the trunk and try it on the doors - if it doesn't work there, it's likely the wrong key. If it does work there, the trunk's lock is toast and then I'd consider drilling/prying/explosives/etc
 
If the vehicle has not had the lock changed then you can take the VIN to your local dealer with proof of ownership and they can usually cut a new key to fit by using the VIN to identify the pattern. I had to have one done for a Monte Carlo that my mother lost the keys for and IIRC it was about $15.

cheers
 
Are you sure you aren't using a valet key? those will only work on the doors. Is there not a second set of keys? If not take the car to a dealer. They will either be able to get a replacement key from the VIN or may have a means to open the trunk without destroying the lock.
 
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