door locks seized

[StephanieD]

(Could a Mod please move this to the 2000-2006 Tahoe section please? Thanks -SD)


First time poster and a newbie question....

I bought a 2004 Tahoe. The previous owner never put the key in the door to unlock it, he always used the remote lock thing on his key chain.

So now all the locks are seized. I would like for at least the driver's door to unlock with a key.

So do I have to go to the dealer, bend over and grab my ankles and pay a few hundred dollars for a new lock assembly?

Or is it possible to get one at a salvage yard and have it re-keyed.

Or is it possible for a mechanic to open up the lock and service it?

Thanks..

 

[fire730]

Are you sure the key is correct? If the ignition tumbler was ever changed you may not have the correct key. Does the key work in the spare tire lock in the back? I guess that's really about the only other place to try the key.

A competent mechanic could open it up and look around but I would lean more Pearce a worn out key or the wrong key.

 

[StephanieD]

I can't remember if I tried the lock on the back door. I tried the 4 passenger doors - two were so seized that the key wouldn't even go in. The other two just wouldn't turn.

The key I'm using now is the one and only key I have so I would like to get some copies made. The local hardware store couldn't make me a key that would work, but I"m not sure if it was the middle-school employee's lack of skill cutting keys, or something else causing the problem. The keys he made wouldn't work in the ignition, nor any doors.

Does my 2004 key have any type of "chip" in it, or should anyone be able to copy it...

THANKS