Key vs. Keyfob - '99 Silverado

[dhardison]

Ok, hopefully this isn't a majorly stupid question.....

I have a '99 Silv and in all these years I have NEVER tried unlocking the doors with the actual key, I've always used the fob. Well, today I left my wife the actual key and she says it won't unlock either door. She also tried the valet key, but with the same result.

So, the stupid question of the day is: Do the actual keys work ONLY in the ignition and NOT unlock the doors? I'm thinking the answer is that they do both and maybe my locks just need some WD-40.

Thanks,
Dan

[Vortec327]

Both the key and fob work for my 04.....not much point to have the keyhole in the door handle if it didn't work..

[dhardison]

Very true. Like I said, stupid question....

Thanks,
Dan

[sdowning1967]

I have a 99 Silverado that did the same thing. I don't know what the actual problems was but I came to the conclusion that the ingniton switch my have been replaced at one time or another which would make the key different unless they had the door re-keyed to match. I took my doorlocks out and took them to the GM dealer it cost me $7 to re-key the door locks. But when they took the tumblers apart they were very gummed up i would guess from lack of use. So maybe that is why the key wouldn't work and i spent $7 for nothing but they do work now.

Hope this helps

[frankendart]

Originally Posted by dhardison

...I'm thinking the answer is that they do both and maybe my locks just need some WD-40.

Thanks,
Dan

Actually you should NOT use WD-40 in your locks either on you r vehicle or your house. WD-40 is a "Wet Lube" You should never use any type of wet lube in locks. It holds dirt and dust, and will eventually clog the pins inside the lock cylinder.
For locks, you should always use a dry lubricant. In door locks, "Graphite" works best. If you can't find graphite, use Teflon.

For all you guys who are about to write the you've used WD-40 in your locks for years and no problems, all I can say is ...YET. I've even seen lock smiths use WD-40 or 3 in 1 oil in locks. I've been a door and architectural hardware (locks) guy for years and years, trust me, WD-40 is NOT good for your lock cylinders, no matter what you have been doing.
Find some Graphite or Teflon, your locks will love you for it.

[silveradoman]

I live in the desert, when those dust storms kick up, anybody that has ever used WD-40 WILL hit the locksmith because they broke a key inside the key hole

[broughy84]

I'm sorry I may be an idiot but what is a keyfob?

[nineball481]

Originally Posted by broughy84

I'm sorry I may be an idiot but what is a keyfob?

Not an idiot. Its the remote keyless entery thingy on your keychain.

[broughy84]

got ya!

[buttnekked]

ok guys on a abit of a tangent: I have to replace my fob battery about every 6 months is this normal? What kinda battery life do you guys get?

[rsatter22]

5 years and counting. I have not replaced the battery in either fob.

[postles]

I think I've replaced mine three or four times. It's really a function of how often you mash a button on it and how long you mash it each time. I make mostly shorter trips throughout the day, so I hit it probably a dozen times a day or so.

[slvradoman]

One day I decided to try myslef to see if my key worked in the door, and I almost panicked thinking it wasn't working. My truck is a 2000 and the keys in the doors may have never been used for as far as I know. It took a little work and wiggle but it was successful - Never force it to turn though.


as far as the batteries go, the ones on my previous truck (s-10) worked great for a long time. My wifes went through a washing machine and still worked, and mine went swimming in a pool and still worked. ----long story

[Mechs02]

I have a 99 chev as well, but mine never came with a keyfob, only straight keys, and it works just fine to open the doors with the keys. What im thinkin is that maybe your key has worn down from so much use in the ignition, and just isnt quite the right profile to match the tumblers in your lock.

My question for the lock man, is a lithium grease good for lube in a lock?

[frankendart]

Originally Posted by Mechs02

.

My question for the lock man, is a lithium grease good for lube in a lock?

Lithium Grease is a "WET" lube, and should not be used in any kind of lockset that is exposed to dust or dirt. Locks on a vehicle are exposed to both, daily.