2003 S40 Doors and trunk are stuck during winter

1999S70B · Post by **1999S70B** » 25 Oct 2013, 22:02

My mom has a 2003 S40 in the northeast. When temperatures are above freezing, the doors and trunk work as they should. But once it starts getting close to freezing the doors start to resist opening, and the colder it gets the more stubborn the door becomes to stay closed despite being unlocked. The locks work fine, they move up and done and you can hear the clicking noise of them.
Last year the driver's door was free of this malady, while the other doors and trunk was not. As it is getting cold again, I would like to be able to fix this problem.
Has anyone faced this before or have suggestions?

difflock54 · Post by **difflock54** » 25 Oct 2013, 22:48

Am wondering if the answer to your problem is a product that can be lightly smeered or sprayed onto the rubber door seals to prevent them freezing against the cars door frame surrounds.
Something not detrimental to the seals and non staining of course.
Maybe clear silicone spray or Vaseline ???
Any other suggestions.

Post by **JDS60R** » 26 Oct 2013, 12:43

I lived in New England for years. This is a common problem.

Old School - wipe the seal clean. Then wipe off the door jamb (where the seal hits it) and rub that area with a candle. Repeat monthly

New School - wipe clean the seal and the jamb area it contacts. Go to auto parts store and buy Syl glyde and apply to rubber seal only. It will suck it in in just a few minutes. Best to apply when sun is hitting the car to keep it warm enough to soak in. Wipe excess when done so nothing gets on clothes. repeat annually

Post by **oragex** » 30 Oct 2013, 10:59

Rubber seals got dry and will stuck on the metal frame. Pay attention as there are 'a lot' of rubber seals around the doors and trunk. Apply on every rubber surface.

It's not winter yet, so I don't know if it works in the cold.

But it works after a rain.

Silicone grease for caliper sliding pins. Add a tad, rub it well, then gently pass a clean cloth to remove the excess of grease so you don't get it on the clothes.

1999S70B · Post by **1999S70B** » 04 Nov 2013, 22:23

Thank you very much. I think I will be trying the Syl Glyde this weekend.

zzr600 · Post by **zzr600** » 16 Jan 2014, 16:11

Can use Vaseline on rubber door seals also.