My 97 extended cab doors won't open from the outside when the temperature drops. It can happen when temps are only in the 50's. The driver side door will not open from the outside. The passenger side usually opens however it may take some key jiggling for a moment or two. Once inside, the inside control will always unlock both doors immediately.

On occasion, I can lift the door handle and force the lock open on the driver side.

 

i have the same problem only temp drops for me could just be one side in the shade. my passenger side lock almost never works with a key and the drivers side requires jiggling. any idea what it might be???

 

I have seen this due to a lock motor that has a hang up and won't run everytime.
Using a key also tries to move the rod and motor so it won't let the lock work either.
If it happens below freezing, the motor got water inside that won't evaporate out.

 

I've got the same exact problem, and I live in So Cal which we can't reeeally say it's cold..., but on "cold" days the driver's side lock does not open all the way, it does move a bit. As soon as it gets a little warmer through the day, it operates properly. Also with a 97 F150.

 

I dont remember if i noted in my previous post that my truck is a 98 f150. and the temps for me do not have to be anywhere near freezing. jiggling the drivers side almost always works after a while, most of the time i give up on the passenger side before it works, i think i am gonna take my door apart tomorrow and look at the lock itself. ill let you guys know if i find anythign of interest.

 

I've had this same problem with the locks on my 98. Cured them by spaying a little WD-40 inside the lock. A graphite (dry) lubricate would probably work better but used what I had at the time.

 

My 97 does the same thing too. It all started about 3 years ago when the temps started dropping in the fall. I live around Pittsburgh so my locks work fine from April to October and then I have to start jiggling the key to get them open. In the fall, when the days are warm and the nights are cold, the key will work fine until the sun goes down and gets colder. The drivers side WON'T open, but the passenger side opens with some jiggling, except one time when the temp got to zero and I couldn't get in the darn thing. Isn't that the weirdest thing??? Think I'll try the lube thing and let ya'll know what happens.

 

Went to NAPA today and got the dry graphite lube. Locks work better than new now. What in the world would I do without f150online??? Great informative site!!!