LUBRICATION OF LOCK CYLINDERS PROPER LUBRICANTS/PRECAUTIONS

VEHICLES AFFECTED: All Model Years

Door, deck lid and fuel filler lock cylinders are being returned from the field, due to customer comments of a binding or inoperative condition which is due to lack of lubrication, caused by the use of penetrating oils. These penetrating oils do not lubricate the cylinders but wash out the factory installed lubricant. Penetrating oils are not to be used in any lock cylinders. Also materials, including silicone, which contain chlorinated propellants are not to be used on black plastic cylinders. The chlorine attacks the plastic. Further, lock de-icers which contain alcohol to remove the moisture from the cylinders, additionally tend to cut the existing lubricants.

To maintain proper lubrication of lock cylinders it is recommended that a light oil or graphic lubricant be used such as 'LOCK-EASE' or equivalent, and particularly so if a lock de-icer was previously necessitated.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.