I have been having trouble this week with my door locks. It just started a few days ago. Here is the problem: I insert my key into either the driver or passenger side lock and turn the key to unlock and the key doesn't move. I try turning it both directions and only after about 5-10 trys, it will finally unlock the door. This is happening to both doors, not just the driver side. It started out as just a little catch when I turned the key but has gotten extremely worse in about 6 days or so. I thought maybe my key had become misshapened or something so I tried my spare. Same thing happens. I do not have remote locks, just the standard XLT package electric locks. I am asking if <B>anyone</B> has any idea of what is going on. Please help, I don't want to get stranded because I can't get in my own truck. By the way, I have a 98 reg cab XLT.

Justin

 

Try some graphite lubricant in the keyhole.. local hardware store should stock it.

 

Your locks do just need a bit of lubrication. I had the same problem a few weeks ago when the weather turned cooler here. Just sprayed some WD-40 into the cylinder and they both work fine again.

 

Are you guys sure? It doesn't feel like a resistance problem, but more like it is the wrong key at first. Not that I am doubting you because I don't have even the slightest clue. I will try the lubrication thing this weekend.

Justin

 

I had same exact problem with my passenger side lock. I just got my truck back from body shop where they were fixing door crack. Ask the body shop to take a look at it, he said the problem was the little metal "flap" that closes over the key hole was slightly bent and was causing the key to hang up. Since he had door apart anyway, he straightened out the "flap" and now it works like a charm.

And to think the Ford dealer wanted $350.00 to fix the lock.

 

on my 98. Both locks. Tried graphite, didn't help. Found some penetrating lubricant with a thin straw attachment, and shot it in. Presto!

 

Professional locksmiths recommend strictly using WD40 on locks. Shoot it in using the straw and work it around by moving the key in and out and also turning it in both directions. The stuff will probably leak down your door panel but it wont harm the paint so dont sweat it.

BTW, if the stuff that runs onto the door panel is really dirty you might want to repeat the whole process and try to flush out some of that crud from the lock cylinder.

Good luck.

 

Could the key be worn down so much it has the effect of the wrong key? Maybe you should try getting another key for it.

 

97greenlariat,
Nope, it isn't cause it is worn down because I tried my spare (that has NEVER been used before) and it didn't work either. I haven't tried the WD40 yet just cause I haven't had much time to do it yet. I'll try to pick up a can tonight on the way home.

Justin

 

WD40 works for me. Had to do it a couple of times last year in the winter. Really acts up when it gets cold. Thought it may have been frozen up but it did the same thing a couple of weeks ago when the overnight temp dropped down into the high 30's but since it has warmed up I had forgotten about it. Not sure what causes it but the spray works. Matter of fact, time for another shot before this weekend's cold front hits. It did leave my fiance and I stranded in a mall parking lot after closing time one night last year. Man, cell phones are wonderful things, how did we ever get along without them?