Just bought used Explorer- Have problem with door locks

[billybw]

Hi
I just bought a used 2000 XLS three days ago, and am very happy with the way it drives. My only major complaint is the difficulty I have in turning the key to open the doors. I can't open the lift gate with the key at all, and the two front doors are both very difficult.

Is this a common problem with Explorers? I remember years ago we used to squirt graphite powder into door locks. Should I try this?

Thank you
billybw

 

[pfeffer1728]

mine has a problem with the remote unlocking the driver's door...all others are fine w/ key and remote. the locks are a common problem, its on here all the friggin time. as far as what to do i do not know, mine hasn't failed yet so i havent had to do anything.

 

[skoal_mint]

when turning the key, is it hard at first then once you get 1/4 way it goes easy or hard the whole way..

i had to fix a car befor, it was hard 1/4 or 1/2 then it turned easy the rest..

it was a bent connector car inside..its would bind up halfway then it would go easy the rest..

i think it might of been someone holding the lock down and pulling the handle the same time, probly kids

 

[billybw]

Thanks for the quick replies.

Just to clarify, the difficuly is getting it to START turning. Once I get it past the first 1/8 turn, it's easy to finish from there. Usually I have to jiggle it back and forth numerous times. Finally it'll move in the wrong direction, then when I reverse it, there's hardly any resistance and it goes thru the center position fairly easily and continues thru a full turn to unlock it.

I don't think it's special damage, because all the locks have the Key-turning problem, but the remote works just fine on all of them.

I don't want to depend on the remote, because I only have one of them, and I don't know how much longer it'll last.

Has anyone tried graphite powder?

Thank you
billybw

 

[skoal_mint]

ok, yeah i have the same thing

i put my key in and it donw turn, i just turn it the other way then back agine and it opens

 

[Mbrooks420]

Spray the key with wd-40 and work it in and out. Should fix it right up. You may have to re-apply a few times, but it should free up and only need an occasional spray.

 

[ledzep68]

wd-40

I had the same problem. wd-40 worked well for me , or any light spray lube.

 

[billybw]

Thanks very much for the replies. I'll try the WD-40. But should I spray it on the key, or try to spray it into the lock itself?
Thank you
billybw

 

[Mbrooks420]

If you have the little red tube you can spray it into the lock, but it doesn't take much.

 

[billybw]

Thanks Mbrooks
I haven't been able to find my old can of WD40, may have thrown it away. So will have to buy a new can, which should include the little red tube. I'll spray just a little at first, then more if needed. Right now I can't open the tailgate with the key at all, so maybe this will fix that too.

Thanks again
billybw