Deadbolt STUCK!!

[punkaccountant]

We're heading out today for our big trip and the deadbolt is stuck! It's locked but I couldn't stick the key in all the way to turn it. So I climbed through our storage bay and once inside I found the deadbolt in the unocked position. So it looks like it's unlocked but I can't jiggle it or turn it and it is definately locked so I can't open the door. Anyone have any ideas?

[OldCoot]

Take the back plate off and see if the inside lever for the deadbolt is broken or disengaged.

[KyDan]

One of our deadbolts stuck. I noticed it getting stiffer and stiffer and one
day it would not open with a key.

Luckily we have 2 doors! I got inside via the other door and fiddled with
the inside lever and finally got it open.
I took it apart and found it was simply cheap potmetal or aluminum that had
corroded somewhat and was "gaulded". I applied a spot of grease in a couple
spots that were rubbing and it works great now.

Hope you can get yours apart!

Note to others folks-- if you notice one of your deadbolts getting hard to
turn, don't wait too long!!! Take it apart and grease or oil it before it's too
late!

[mike06081969]

If you can't get the key in all the way, try coating your key with penetrating oil and working it in and out of the lock a few times. Other than that, looks like you've gotten some great advice already.

[punkaccountant]

Ok, I took the backplate off per dunnnc's recommendation and was able to fiddle with it until I was able to open it. I think it's broken but we can lock the handle and get in and out ok.

[caper]

I spray a high quality lubricating oil into my lock once a month (WD40) is not a lubricant. By lubricating the lock you can prevent it form sticking. You should also lubricate the locks on the doors of your home once or twice a year.

[brianb]

I'm also experiencing this on my 2011 Salem. Deadbolt key from outside turns but won't release. Crawled through storage door and pressed hard on red deadbolt knob and it unlocked fine. At first I thought maybe someone quickly and without much interest tried to break in with a screwdriver. But everything seemed fine, shot a little WD40 in there for good measure. No problems with operation after getting it un-jammed.

Weeks passed stopped by the storage lot again, deadbolt would not release. Repeated above process. Everything fine...

This last time I said in my head if that bugger (probably didn't use that word) doesn't open -- I'm going to rip it open and figure it out. Of course that time it worked like a charm.

Heck if I know...

[caper]

WD40 is not a lubricant. Next time a proper lubricant it will last longer.

[OldCoot]

I had to take ours apart and filed and sanded all the sharp edges, corners and surfaces that rubbed together and put a light coat of lithium grease on the parts, put it back together and it works very smoothly without any binding, etc.

[Mark and Linda]

When I went to the dealer's to look at a Puma 25RS she told me to use the front door because she had broke the back deadbolt. I bought the Puma from her and during the checkout of things I helped the serviceman change out the lock. When I got home..it would not open again, went through the front door, and unlocked it. I had to take the plate off and remove the link to the lock. I got a whole new lock assy from the dealer, installed it...no problems since then. I keep them lubricated with a little slide.

[MilCop4523]

WD40 will unstick rusted items but you need to get it off right away or it will seize the item worse than before. Our 2012 Salem 27RKSS had the dead bolt fail within a month. (last October). I had to crawl through the storage area as well and had to replace the unit after taking it apart. I use Seafoam lub.

[Bttravel]

Mobil makes a spray lubricant of Mobil 1 synthetic oil. Stays completely fluid and working in extreme heat or cold. Stuff is good.