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Quick answer: if the key turns but the lid stays shut, try pushing down on the lid just above the handle (on both sides) while you turn the key back and forth; stop if gentle pressure doesn’t work. If the key won’t turn in freezing weather, ice in the lock is a possible cause: use a lock de-icer, never hot water. If the key is broken or lost, Yakima points you to a key extractor, your key number or a locksmith, never a drill. The details are below.
Last updated: October 2026.
How we wrote this: the fixes come from Yakima’s own support articles (linked in each step) and an etrailer.com answer that relays Yakima’s advice. We did not take a box apart for this guide. Product details come from the Amazon listings, and we say so where it matters.
What’s Wrong? Match the Symptom
Short answer: what the key does tells you where the problem is.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Try first |
|---|---|---|
| Key turns, lid won’t open | Latch may be binding (things can shift when a box stays on the car a long time) | Fix 2: push down above the handle while working the lock |
| Opens on one side only | That side’s latch or lock may be binding | Fix 2 on the stuck side |
| Key won’t go in or won’t turn in freezing weather | Possibly ice inside the lock | Fix 3: lock de-icer |
| Key turns but feels stiff | Possibly a dry lock | Fix 4: graphite dry lube |
| RocketBox Pro key only turns halfway | Two parts colliding inside the handle | Fix 5: Yakima’s Torx fix |
| Key broke in the lock | Broken piece left in the core | Fix 6: key extractor or locksmith |
| Lost key | No key | Fix 7: key number, then a new key |
8 Fixes for a Yakima Roof Box That Won’t Open
Short answer: start with the gentle fixes. Never pry the lid, force the key or drill the lock; Yakima warns that drilling will likely damage the box and void the warranty.
1. Check the key and the lock position
Push the key all the way in and turn it gently to the unlocked position (check your box’s manual if you’re unsure which way). On a dual-side box, each side may have its own lock and latch, so unlock the side you want to open. If one side is stuck, try the other side first so you can get your gear out.
2. Push down on the lid while you work the lock
Try this first when the key turns but nothing releases. Per the etrailer.com answer that relays Yakima’s advice (about a SkyBox), push down on the box just above the handles, on both sides, then turn the lock back and forth; that should let the box open. Things can get jostled if the box stays on the car a long time. The etrailer expert also suggests pressing in different places to relieve the binding. Use firm hand pressure only; don’t stand on or hammer the lid.
3. Thaw a frozen lock
Yakima’s Frozen Locks article says to spray an aerosol lock de-icer into the lock core. If you have none, Yakima suggests a little hand sanitizer on the key (the alcohol melts ice), though it warns that frequent use makes locks sticky, so keep it for the odd emergency. Blowing warm breath into the lock through a straw is another option it lists. Do not pour hot liquid on the lock; Yakima says so plainly.
4. Lube a stiff lock with graphite dry lube
In its Lock Core Maintenance article, Yakima recommends lubing the locks at least twice a year, more often in wet weather or if the rack stays on through winter. Its pick is B’laster 8-GS graphite dry lubricant. Its Frozen Locks article adds that a dry lubricant made for extreme cold helps stop locks holding water that may freeze.
5. RocketBox Pro: key only turns halfway
This applies to RocketBox Pro boxes with the red round push button. Yakima’s My RocketBox key only turns halfway article says two parts can collide inside the handle. Its fix: loosen the three T10 Torx screws, lift the key latch box a little and re-tighten without over-tightening, since that can flex the plastic and bring the problem back. If that doesn’t work, the article walks through taking the latch box off and checking the parts.
6. A key broke in the lock
Per Yakima’s My SKS key broke in the lock article: pull the broken piece out with a key extraction tool if you can. If you can’t, call a locksmith. Don’t drill it out, and don’t turn the lock with the broken piece, or you may push it deeper. Once the core is clear, order a new key using the SKS number on the key head.
7. Lost the key
From Yakima’s Lost Keys article:
- Lock unlocked: use the uncut control key to pull the core. Yakima’s How do I remove the lock cores from my box? article says the cores on RocketBox Pro, SkyBox Carbonite and Showcase handles come out when the key is turned to about the 1:30–7:30 position; for other boxes, follow your model’s instructions. The SKS code is on the side or back of the core: the letter A plus three numbers. Order keys by that code from a Yakima dealer or Yakima.
- Lock locked: if you registered your rack and key number with Yakima, it can look up your key number. If not, a locksmith has to pick the lock; a local Yakima dealer may also have a master key set it will let you use.
- Older locks (before 1993): a number starting with 0 on the lock face is the key number for the older non-SKS locks.
8. Locked, but there’s no lock core
If the core was removed and the hole has no plug, the locking plate inside can turn by itself. Yakima’s Tower or accessory is locked, but there isn’t a lock core article says to look into the hole, find the gray plate and turn it 90 degrees with a small screwdriver. This is for an empty lock hole only. Don’t push a screwdriver into a lock that still has its core.
When to stop and get help
If none of this works, the latch itself may be broken. Contact Yakima support with your box model, year and photos before you buy parts, since latches differ by model and year.
How to Stop It Happening Again
- Lube the locks twice a year with a graphite dry lube (Yakima’s advice).
- Write down your key number (A plus three numbers) and register it with Yakima, so a lost key is a quick reorder.
- Don’t force the lid. If it won’t close with normal pressure, find what’s in the way.
- Keep a de-icer in the car in winter, not in the box.
- Store the box off the car in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when you don’t need it, as Yakima suggests.
For other box issues, see roof box noise fixes. For Yakima’s rack range, see our Yakima roof racks guide.
Quick Picks: De-Icers, Lube, Keys and Locks
| Product | Best for | Price tier | Key strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victor lock de-icer | Frozen lock in winter | Budget | Small can that fits a glovebox |
| AGS MZ-1 lock de-icer | A spare de-icer | Budget | Tiny 1/2 oz tube |
| B’laster 8-GS graphite dry lube (3-pack) | Twice-a-year lock care | Mid-range | The dry lube Yakima names |
| Hillman graphite tube, 3 g | One or two locks | Budget | 3 g dry graphite powder |
| 12-pc broken key extractor set | Pulling out a snapped key | Budget | 12 hook-shaped extractors |
| Yakima SKS lock cores | Replacing worn or damaged locks | Premium | Genuine Yakima, includes control key |
| Control key for Yakima/Thule | Removing a core to read its number | Budget | Uncut core-removal key |
| Yakima CBX LG 16 cargo box | Replacing a broken box | Premium | 16 cu ft, dual-side, SKS locks |
Price tiers are relative; the card on each pick shows the live Amazon price.
8 Products That Help Open (and Keep Open) a Yakima Box
1. The De-Icer Yakima Names: Victor Lock De-Icer Lubricant Aerosol
- 0.625 Fl. Oz. of de-icer
- Used for car doors, ski racks, luggage, padlocks, home and garage doors, mailboxes and more.Thaws frozen locks instantly…
Bottom line: Yakima’s Frozen Locks article names this de-icer as one you can keep in the car. Per the listing, the can holds 0.625 fl oz and is sold for car doors, ski racks, padlocks and more.
Keep it in the car, not in the roof box. A de-icer locked inside a frozen box can’t help you.
Who it’s NOT for: locks that are stiff from dirt or wear, not ice. Use a graphite dry lube for those.
2. Budget De-Icer Alternative: AGS MZ-1 Lock De-Icer Lubricant, 1/2 oz
- AGS MZ-1 1/2 Oz Lock De-Icer Lubricant
- Thaws frozen locks quickly and easily
- This Product is manufactured in United States
Bottom line: a small, cheap lock de-icer to keep in a second car or a jacket pocket. The listing says it thaws frozen locks and that it is made in the United States.
Yakima doesn’t name this brand. Follow the directions on its label, then turn the key gently.
Who it’s NOT for: anyone who already carries a de-icer. One is enough.
3. Yakima’s Recommended Lock Lube: B’laster 8-GS Graphite Dry Lubricant, 3-Pack
- High performance formula creates bonds with rubber, metal, wood and plastic
- Industrial uses include plant machinery and handling equipment, winches, sprockets, die casting
- Forms a quick-drying film that provides longwearing lubrication and protection from extreme
Bottom line: this is the lubricant Yakima recommends in its Lock Core Maintenance article. Yakima says to lube the locks at least twice a year, more often in wet weather or if the rack stays on all winter.
This listing is a set of 3 cans (5.5 oz each). Yakima’s Frozen Locks article recommends a dry lubricant made for extreme cold, to stop locks holding water that may freeze. Yakima also warns that lubricants can be messy and stain clothes.
Who it’s NOT for: people who only treat one lock now and then and want a smaller buy.
4. Small Graphite Option: Hillman 703185 Graphite Tube Lock Lubricant, 3 g
- DRY GRAPHITE LUBRICANT FOR SMOOTH LOCK OPERATION: 3 gram graphite tube lubricates lock cylinders and key mechanisms, red…
- IDEAL FOR DOOR LOCKS, PADLOCKS, AND CAR LOCKS: Suitable for home entry door locks, exterior padlocks, car door and trunk…
- DRY POWDER FORMULA RESISTS DUST AND DEBRIS BUILDUP: Unlike oil-based lubricants, graphite dry powder leaves no sticky re…
Bottom line: a 3-gram tube of dry graphite powder for lock cylinders. Per the listing, it lubricates lock cylinders and key mechanisms and leaves no sticky residue.
Yakima doesn’t name this product; it recommends a graphite dry lubricant. Follow the directions on the label.
Who it’s NOT for: people who want the exact product Yakima names (the B’laster 8-GS above).
5. For a Key Broken in the Lock: 12-Piece Broken Key Extractor Tool Set
- 【Comprehensive 12‑piece Extractor Set】Includes 12 precision hook-shaped key extraction tools in various profiles, compat…
- 【Sturdy and Rust-Resistant】Forged from high‑hardness stainless steel with black oxidation, these tools resist rust, wear…
- 【Suitable for Multiple Scenarios】Versatile for automotive, plumbing, furniture assembly, electronics repair, and emergen…
Bottom line: Yakima’s My SKS key broke in the lock article says to pull the broken piece out with a key extraction tool if you can. This set has 12 thin hook-shaped extractors, per the listing.
Neither Yakima nor the listing says this set fits SKS locks, so treat the fit as unverified and follow the tool’s instructions. If the piece doesn’t come out easily, stop and call a locksmith. Yakima warns not to drill the lock and not to turn it with the broken piece, or it may go deeper.
Who it’s NOT for: anyone uneasy working on a lock. Yakima’s other option is a locksmith.
6. Replacement Locks: YAKIMA SKS Lock Cores
- Protect your gear: Get peace of mind by locking up your gear with the SKS Lock Cores
- SKS locking system: Match the lock to your existing SKS (Same Key System) locking system
- Compatible: Fits all lockable YAKIMA products and includes SKS Cores and matching keys plus a control key; Replacement k…
Bottom line: genuine Yakima Same Key System cores. Per the listing, they fit all lockable Yakima products and come with matching keys plus a control key.
If you only lost the key, order a replacement key by number first (fix 7); you don’t need new cores. New cores come with their own key number, and Yakima says core numbers can’t be chosen, so to use one key everywhere you’d replace the cores on your other Yakima gear too. Yakima sells several pack sizes; this card doesn’t state its quantity, so check it on Amazon. The lock must be unlocked to swap cores.
Who it’s NOT for: a box that is still locked. New cores can’t go in until the old ones come out, and that needs the box unlocked.
7. Replacement Control Key: D1251 & 8007835 Control Key for Thule & Yakima
- Scope of application:Commonly used in roof racks for Thule & Yakima replacement keys,bike racks lock cylinder replacemen…
- Compatible with Yakima & Thule Lock cylinder: Lock Core Change Key for Yakima Lock cylinder Code:A131-A155.And for Thule…
- Note: Applicable for lock cylinder removal on Beverpool, Chacinciss, “Removalki”, Pliscon Firm, Tate, Cy Linde, Isint, “…
Bottom line: you need a control key to pull a core and read the key number. This is a third-party key, not made by Yakima. The seller lists it as a control key for Yakima (8007835) and Thule (D1251) and names Yakima lock codes A131–A155; fit outside that range isn’t stated.
It only works on an unlocked lock. If you want the genuine part, Yakima and its dealers sell the control key.
Who it’s NOT for: a locked box. A control key can’t open a lock. A locksmith can, and a registered key number lets Yakima help you get the right key.
8. If the Box Is Beyond Repair: Yakima CBX LG 16 Cu Ft Rooftop Cargo Box
- CBX LG Cargo Box: Large 16 cubic foot cargo box with a rugged, angular finish and stealth-like texture is ideal for trav…
- Maximum Security: Features an intuitive and easy-to-grab lid handle that locks your equipment inside the box and the box…
- Dual-Sided: Dual-sided opening offers easy access from either side of your vehicle, while the internal lid stiffeners ad…
Bottom line: if the shell or latches are cracked and Yakima can’t supply parts for your older box, this is a current Yakima box. The listing describes a 16 cu ft box that opens from both sides, with SKS locks and a lid handle that locks.
Check Yakima’s fit guide for your crossbars, and ask Yakima first whether your old box can be repaired. Our roof box guide compares other sizes and brands.
Who it’s NOT for: a box that only has a stuck or frozen lock. Try fixes 1 to 8 first.
Black Friday Tip and Gift Idea
A lock de-icer and a tube of graphite lube make a small, useful stocking stuffer for anyone who keeps a roof box on through winter.
Black Friday tip: if you need new SKS cores, count your locks (box, towers, bike mounts) and choose the pack size now, then compare the live price on the card during Black Friday week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my Yakima roof box open when the key turns?
The latch may be binding. Push down on the lid just above the handle, on both sides, and turn the key back and forth. That is Yakima’s advice as relayed by etrailer, for a box left on the car a long time.
How do I open a Yakima box that is frozen shut?
Spray a lock de-icer into the lock core, then turn the key gently. Yakima also suggests a little hand sanitizer on the key (not too often, or the lock gets sticky) or warm breath through a straw. Never pour hot liquid on the lock.
What do I do if I lost my Yakima key?
If the lock is unlocked, pull the core with the control key and read the code (A plus three numbers) to order a new key. If it is locked, Yakima can look up a registered key number; otherwise a locksmith has to pick the lock.
What if my key broke off in the Yakima lock?
Remove the broken piece with a key extraction tool, or call a locksmith if it won’t come out. Yakima says not to drill the lock or turn it with the broken piece in it.
Why does my RocketBox Pro key only turn halfway?
Yakima says two parts inside the handle can collide on RocketBox Pro boxes with the red push button. Its fix is to loosen the three T10 Torx screws, lift the key latch box slightly and re-tighten without over-tightening.
How do I unlock a Yakima rack or box that is locked with no lock core?
If the core was removed and there is no plug, Yakima says to look into the empty hole and turn the gray locking plate 90 degrees with a small screwdriver. Only do this in an empty core hole.
The Bottom Line
If the key turns but the lid stays shut, try pushing down on the lid above the handle while working the key. For a frozen lock, use a de-icer, not hot water. Lube the locks twice a year, record your key number, and call a locksmith or Yakima before you ever reach for a drill or pry bar. Comparing brands for your next box? See Thule vs Yakima.
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