Issue with key opening locks and keyless entry struggling to open locks

[natures child]

I have a '98 Explorer XLT I purchased a week ago.

At first, the key would open all of the locks but I had to wiggle it a lot to make it open the driver's door. And even when I could finally get it to spin and the unlocking mechanism would go off, sometimes the driver's door lock still would not go up. I'd have to open the back door, reach around, and open the driver's door from the inside. :thumbdwn:

The truck's key had no issue turning the passenger door or rear hatch when I bought it. After owning for 3 days, the key will now not spin the passenger door. I went to unlock the hatch yesterday and now the key won't spin that either.

So what's the deal? Do I need a new key? I'm pretty sure the key has a chip with a code in it to prevent theft, would I have to go through Ford to acquire one? :scratch:

Also, I can unlock all of the doors except for the driver's door with the keyless entry. I have to click the unlock button repetitively to unlock that door, and sometimes it still just stays locked. Is this an easy fix? I've searched the forum but found nothing on the subject.

I'd really appreciate some help if anybody could offer some. Thanks in advance!

 

[Sal619]

Is it cold where you live ?

I'm currently experiencing the same problem and it is most prominent during the winter time. This isn't an explanation of course but it's making my situation worse with the locks.

 

[natures child]

Does anybody have any suggestions on this one?

 

[swshawaii]

If your key doesn't work in ANY of the lock cylinders you probably need a new key. TWO programmed working keys are needed to program a third to work in the ignition and start the vehicle. Many larger hardware stores now have the necessary equipment to duplicate a single programmed key. Other options are locksmiths or dealers. Call around. GL

Everything you wanted to know about PATS
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234975

 

[bobflood]

Are you sure you have a "chipped" key?? I thought that Explorers didn't get PATS until the '99 model year. My '97 EB does not have PATS - you can start/run it with a plain key.

Re the locks: First thing to do is spray some WD40 into the lock cylinders. Just use the skinny red tube that comes with the can; push it into the lock and give a couple of short squirts. Then put the key in and turn it back and forth a few times. A couple of squirts inside each door latch mechanism thru the slot the door pin goes into won't hurt either. Because everyone tends to use the remote, the key cylinders don't get used much and they bind up.

Re the keyless entry issue: There is a separate relay that unlocks the driver's door. (One push of the remote unlock button is supposed to just unlock the driver's door; a second push unlocks all the other doors.) If the driver's door locks OK with the remote, the power lock solenoid is probably OK. All of the lock relays are in the driver's side rear quarter; open the panel on the driver's side of the cargo area and look forward and you will see the relay box. There may be a diagram that identifies which relay is which in the owner's manual; if not, come back here and someone will be able to help you. Good luck.