I'm in southern BC. It's -10C outside and only back hatch will open this morning. I'm dismayed to say the least. Had to unload all ski gear and travel in GMC truck. i'm not getting stuck at ski hill. many of you x-trail owners are in Canada-i searched for frozen door locks, but the thread came up-'caring for your x-trail'---wax, clean, etc., and one mention of 'frozen' oranges in California in winter 'o7. What should i have done to keep doors from freezing? i've only had the x-trail for 6 weeks!!! any help appreciated.
It has happened to me a few times. It is usually the drivers door that freezes on mine.
It seems to be the power lock freezing rather than the door/weatherstripping.
Sometimes continuous locking and unlocking will free the door.
It only happens when it is above zero, and the temp drops rapidly overnight to around -10 or so (as you say).
I never have a problem if the temps stay cold (or warm). It is just the sudden change in temp/humidity I guess that causes the problem.
thank you, guys. yes, the temp did drop drastically overnight, from 0C to -10C. the passenger door is free and opens fine. right now xt is parked facing south with sun on driver's door. i will do as you suggested after the locks are freed. yes, tried remote lock/unlock, and at least it allowed the doors to close. first thing this morning we had 3 doors open that would not close until i did the l/unlock manouver. oh..... so that's what the de-icer in my xmas stocking was for??? i've never had to use on any car we've owned. i guess it's a learning curve with the xt. i'm just a little concerned that this vehicle is made for warmer climes??
i couldn't access the ebay item, but will go on and try to find it. the de-icer sounds good. do you squirt it into the door latch/catcher, or do you need to get inside the remote lock mechanism? i'm insecure about taking door panels off, but i guess if that's the root of the problem, it should be done. i think a warmer day would be a better time to do it?
Some morning of 2005 I went to my dealer with that problem on the driver door and a second time for the front passenger door. They said that this is a common problem with the X-Trail and they change something that solves the problem.
Later on, at a few km from warranty end, I had the same problem with a rear door and they told me that it's not covered by warranty saying that it's normal maintenance of lubricant.
I wonder if graphite lubricant could do the job but I'm not sure where is to put it. Is it really the look or some other part that I should lubricate?
Some morning of 2005 I went to my dealer with that problem on the driver door and a second time for the front passenger door. They said that this is a common problem with the X-Trail and they change something that solves the problem.
Later on, at a few km from warranty end, I had the same problem with a rear door and they told me that it's not covered by warranty saying that it's normal maintenance of lubricant.
I wonder if graphite lubricant could do the job but I'm not sure where is to put it. Is it really the look or some other part that I should lubricate?
I have had my trunk handle stick as well, in the 'open' position. I used some white spray lubricant on the handle and it seemed to cure this problem. I think a lot of dust and dirt can accumulate on this handle and cause it to stick.
Living here, in Alberta, we have lots of sand on the road in the winter. With that, we have to consistently wash our vehicles. The best time to do that is when we get a cold snap. With warmer temperatures there is more melting. With colder temperatures, you can keep a clean finish for awhile until it gets "warmer". Anyway, I have had all of my doors frozen shut and even the fuel door was frozen. I had to "pry" very gently to get it open.
The only time that my doors get like that is when I wash my X-Trail. They are easy to open all winter long, even with the temperatures dipping to -45 degrees Celsius (which we have had for the last 12 days).
I've been struggling with this problem all winter too. Driver's door only. And it's not been a problem the previous two winters that i've owned the vehicle. De-icer does nothing to solve my problem. The other day it went to the next level. Even when the door is NOT frozen I can't get in from the oputside. Handle moves normally but does not open the door. I've become good at crawling in from the passenger side. Funny thing is you CAN get out from the driver's side. THAT handle works.
Took it to dealer (I have 6 months or 7,000 kms left on the warranty) and they said it needs a new latch assembly. Waiting for it to arrive from Vancouver now.
I don't know if the freezing problem is a pre-cursor to a total failure like i got or if it's just co-incidence. If you've got this problem and are nearing the end of YOUR warranty it might be worth a trip in to your dealer.
fortunately for me, the doors have not frozen again. our temps have been like a yo-yo, and nothing as cold as that -10 in jan when doors initially froze. the one deliberate thing i did do since then was leave my doors unlocked overnight a few nights. i am in a small town, in a quiet neighbourhood, but this is NOT recommended. I don't like that this is one more thing to be concerned about when I need to drive. i have no other manufacturer comparison, but all these instances on this forum of frozen doors on xt's is disconcerting. my only other experience like this is when i was dumb enough to wash my vehicle in winter (i started duct-taping the key holes to keep water out). makes me revisit my initial questions as to whether the xt was designed for warmer climates than canada??
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
