Door Lock Problems

[freinhart]

My door locks will not always open when I insert and try to turn the door key

 

[AP9]

Do they open fine from the inside? Do they lock ok?

 

[freinhart]

1997 Explorer Door lock problem

My 1997 Explorer's door locks will not open reliably when using the (ignition) key. However, they will open from the inside using the door handle or the door lock rocker switches.

When I insert the key and try to turn it – it will not turn completely to unlock the door.

Any ideas on what is causing this problem ?

 

[koda2000]

turning key pulls on a rod that in-turn pulls up the locking latch. could be a lube issue, could be the rods are bent or out of adjustment. i'd start by WD40'ing the key locks, the latch mechanisms and surrounding linkage. do this before you remove the door panel and see if things work any better. taking the door panel off isn't that hard to do, but if lubing things up solves the problem you won't have to. i find i have to lube my latches on all my trucks twice a year to keep everything working smoothly.

 

[freinhart]

1997 Door unlock Problem - Fixed

Followed your advice to WD40 the key locks and door latches.

That fixed the problem - many thanks

 

[koda2000]

Followed your advice to WD40 the key locks and door latches.

That fixed the problem - many thanks

you're very welcome.

 

[morgfarm1]

WD 40 works great on hood latches too. I found a problem in my hood latch that it eventually wouldn't open (little POS). Found out that after replacing the hood latch cable (Which by the way is $30) that you can also bend a little point on the hood latch to pre-load the cable, making it easier to open. That with WD 40 did wonders.

And I just Shot all of my door latch areas with WD40, including the liftgate latch. Seems so easy to open now