Thule Cargo Box Lock Replacement, How to Change a Thule Roof Box Lock Cylinder

In this short how to video I show you how to replace or change out a Thule cargo box lock core or cylinder.

THULE One-Key
*Amazon Affiliate Links*

[MinuteFixit]

If you want to pick up the locks used in this video:
Amazon Affiliate Link
Thank you for watching! If you found this video helpful please give it a THUMBS UP 👍 and consider subscribing! THANK YOU! I appreciate all the support!

[MinuteFixit]

Thank you for watching! If you found this video helpful pleas give it a THUMBS UP and consider subscribing! THANK YOU! I appreciate all the support!

[bradr]

I have 2018 Thule Force XT XL and replaced the lock cores (cylinders) as shown in video. Had problem, however, in that the retaining clip (looks like a large lock pin and located just after the last lock pin) that holds the lock core in when you remove the control key wouldn't engage (consequently, core comes out with just the lock key). After much frustration, what finally worked for me was reversing the orientation of the lock core from what is shown in the video so that the tops of the lock pins were oriented down instead of up. So, before removing core, make careful note of the core's orientation of the lock pins (tops up or down), or alternatively whether the indent on the face of the lock where the key goes in is on the left or the right of the key hole (it's on the left in this video but what worked for me is having it on the right).

[tomstough]

FYI The D1251 key shown in the video is different from the change key supplied with newer lock cores. The newer ones are longer with a thinner grip end that allows the key to be inserted further into newer roof box locks (Force XL Sport for example). I could not change my cores with my older D1251 key until I noticed that the core set that I bought included the newer different key. The grip end of the old key is too wide to clear the plastic housing around the lock and allow complete insertion. This is probably not an issue with many Thule racks, but is with the Force XL box. When I switched to the newer key and also used a bent paper clip (suggested by Thule support) to assist in pulling the old core out, I was able to switch cores with just a little aggravation...

[Azabaxe]

Thank you, thank you and thank you. Oh, wait, did I forget to say thank you?

[AsuraComplains]

I wish it was this easy once a key is snapped off inside. Basically have all the pins completely drilled out and it's still in there super tight.

[bluelude]

Where do you get the change d1251 key from? I just ordered a cargo box and roof rails. Cargo box has a lock but I want to add 4 locks to the roof rails. I'm assuming the easiest thing for me to do is buy a 6 pack of locks from Thule and add 4 to the rails and switch out the lock on the box. Have 1 lock as a spare. Thoughts?

[Jay-fquz]

Does anyone know where we can the cylinder hole??? Seems like it would a simple thing to obtain but can’t find it? Not talking about the lock core but what you inserted into.

[Bob_just_Bob]

I had the original key snap off inside the lock. Could not remove the key with needle nose pliers and could not turn the key either. Proceeded to try to drill out the center. Still no luck. Anyway I can remove this lock from the back or some other way. The rack is still useable as it can still be opened and locked from the left side. Ideas please 🙏

[leelanger]

Can you change the housing too? Went to drill mine and proper screwed it

[RealRyanDeLuca]

The whole reason I looked this up is because I don’t have the original keys. Any options there?

[njrxt]

Can the locking mechanism be removed without the original key?

[tagetes]

My key tip is broken off in the old cylinder. It WILL NOT come out. It is jammed in there. I can purchase the new cylinder but how can I get the old cylinder out of my carrier?