Door locking issue

[Jeff89]

Just bought a '99 yesterday and the door locks don't work. The automatic unlock button sometimes works and other times it doesn't. Also was not provided a key to open the truck from the outside. Never had this problem and am clueless as to what I need to do. I took off the door panel and unlocked it yesterday, but now I need a key. Is there a way (inexpensive) to replace the locks? maybe I'll use a masterlock on the outside....

 

[budwich]

???? what key for the locks??? its the same key that you use to start the vehicle UNLESS someone changed the ignition to a different key WITHOUT re-keying the doors... strange, very strange.

 

[J_C]

If I had to guess, I'd guess it's the right key (assuming he has the one that starts the X) but the latch failed so it doesn't unlock. If that's the problem, and it's a common one, see this topic - http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=170619

 

[budwich]

Ultimately, you can have any key "tumbler" keyed to fit any key. You can take the "tumbler" out of the door and take it along with your key to a locksmith who will then "rekey" the lock to "match". But as suggested, if the key fits the lock BUT doesn't turn it, it is more than likely a problem with either a "frozen tumbler" or problems with linkages.

 

[Dono]

He has to be talking about the remote on his keychain???

I think a locksmith can make a key. Dealer might be able to do this by VIN.

 

[bobflood]

Just bought a '99 yesterday and the door locks don't work. The automatic unlock button sometimes works and other times it doesn't. Also was not provided a key to open the truck from the outside. Never had this problem and am clueless as to what I need to do. I took off the door panel and unlocked it yesterday, but now I need a key. Is there a way (inexpensive) to replace the locks? maybe I'll use a masterlock on the outside....

Door key and ignition key are the same. Will your key lock/unlock passanger side door and/or liftgate?? If it will, most likely the latch and/or lock rod in driver's side door are bad.

By "automatic unlock button" do you mean the button on the door armrest?? Is it only the unlock button on the driver's door that is intermittant? If the pass side and/or rear button work, likely you have a broken wire in the bundle between driver's door and body. Very common in these vehicles.

If you mean that the remote key fob works intermittantly, try changing the battery in the fob. Next to chase would be RAP (Remote Access Personality) Module that receives signal. Good luck.

 

[J_C]

Remote key fobs often fail to work well because of oily goo inside (if the battery isn't the problem). Sometimes it seems like it's the rubber itself that breaks down, other times I wonder if it's absorbing oil from the user's fingers. Either way, wiping the parts will help but a good scrub in strong detergent solution of the rubber button mat and wipe of the PCB contacts may help.

I also once had one where the battery clip had a broken solder joint that needed reflowed (resoldered). Apparently over time and pressing of the buttons, the clip or battery itself was pushing against the back of the fob casing which eventually stressed the solder joint too much so it cracked.

 

[andrewbond]

Just bought a '99 yesterday and the door locks don't work. The automatic unlock button sometimes works and other times it doesn't. Also was not provided a key to open the truck from the outside. Never had this problem and am clueless as to what I need to do. I took off the door panel and unlocked it yesterday, but now I need a key. Is there a way (inexpensive) to replace the locks? maybe I'll use a masterlock on the outside....

why not ask for the dealers?or locksmith can do either!

 

[davem]

My power door locks would 'click' and vibrate when I tried to unlock, but it would not actually unlock.

The door lock motor had become "disconnected" and needed to be re-rivetted into position. A nationwide car place did it for about $90. I've now fixed both front doors this way.

In both cases, the key continued to manually lock/unlock the doors.