Door Frozen Shut - a fluke because it's 7 degrees, or common in '03 OBW?

[M. Baker]

Hi everyone,

I have a '03 OBW that I got 2 weeks ago. This morning when I unlocked
the doors the back driver's-side door would not open. Which is a pain
because I usually put my bags/purse back there, and that's where my
snowbrush is. Anyway, at first I thought the lock was messed up. But
when I got to work I tried the passenger-side doors, and they opened,
although the rear door did stick a little and then "unfroze" and then
popped open when I pulled harder. But no matter how hard I pulled,
with both hands, I could not get the back driver's-side door to open.
I drove it yesterday and it was fine and not stuck/froze at all.

In fairness, it IS 7 degrees outside this morning. But it was this
colder and even colder right after I first got the car, and the doors
all opened just fine then.

Common problem, or did I just get moisture between the door and frame
causing it to freeze shut this time?

 

[.._..]

Well, it's common for me.

But that said, that happened with every other car I have ever owned too.

One thing I do, is when I wash it I take a rag and open the doors I want to
work and dry them right away. That way there is less moisture to freeze.

I used to use a very small bit of sillicone lubricant (spray on paper towel,
mash around with another towel, then use the second towel to wipe the
seals). But, I am not convinced that it doesnt hurt the seals. Do that
once at the beginning of the cold season and you might keep it opening
nicely more often.