Keys Don't Open Doors

[TJM623]

I bought my X used, and never really tried opening the doors with the actual key until about 3 weeks ago (stupid I know ) Well the two keys the dealer gave me both start the car...but neither open any of the doors/back hatch. They go in, but won't turn either way. When I had taken my car to the shop to get it fixed from an accident the guy said my locks were all gunky and to spray WD-40 in there and turn the key back n forth. Well I've done that about 10-15 times....still no budge. I don't know if WD-40 is just not doing the job, or if these keys just aren't the right ones. Neither key has the Ford symbol, leading me to believe the original owner lost the keys and had replacements made.

Any help would be great! T.I.A.!

 

[gwaker]

This might work

In the past when I needed locks rekeyed to work with the keys I had I would take the lock off the door and take it to a local lockshop and they would take it apart and rest the tumblers inside to fit the key I had. I think most charged less than Ten dollars for this. Plus I could choose between a Black or Stainless cover. Most times they would do this while I waited too it only took them a few minutes to do. Hope this helps.

 

[TJM623]

do u think they need to be refit? or is there something that i could use other then wd-40 to get the gunk out if that's really what happened.

 

[karl_burns]

When you insert the key and turn it slightly, do you even hear the motor? Our keys don't physically turn the lock to "unlock", they simply alert the motor to unlock. If you don't hear the motor then the issue might be the sensor to tell the motor when to move. If you hear the motor attempting to "unlock", then you've got a different problem.
Just trying to help, although I think I just confused you more....
Karl

 

[Eneurb]

I'm sure that you have keyless entry, and what probably happened is that the previous owner always used the remotes, and never the keys causing the cylinders to seize up. With some patience, and several applications of a good penetrating fluid, you should be able to free them up... if not, new cylinders are not that expensive, or ofcourse the locksmith option.

 

[gijoecam]

The keys in our trucks actually do turn a tumbler which moves a linkage and unlocks the door. The only motor is a solenoid for the power locks which is triggered by the RAP module through the GEM when using the remotes or the power lock switches.

As for the problem at hand, it's quite possible that the previous owner had the door locks replaced, or the ignition lock replaced. It's also quite possible that the tumblers themselves are frozen-up (not common, but it does happen). If it was just one lock that was frozen, but the other two worked, I'd say that was the problem, but because it doesn't work in ANY of the doors, I'd guess that the previous owner had a bad ignition switch and had it replaced, then had the two new keys programmed.

To fix it? I'd pull the door tumblers and have them re-keyed to the new key. Pulling the ignition lock can be a royal pain in the butt.

-Joe

 

[Hoppy]

My 00 ex did the same, actually still is. I did get the passenger door to work, but only after working it alot and tapping the key in with a hammer. When it started to work it was like it was jammed in place then all of a sudden let go and has worked ever since. The tailgate and drivers door to this day still don't work but at least one door does.

Hoppy

 

[Charlie's_93EB]

well there you go,

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

Having bought my X in Nov. '01, I'm now in the same boat - although i KNOW that at least the drivers door works (or used to) on the ignition key. I remember being able to unlock the drivers door with the key, while a 2nd turn opened all the doors.

All my locks are frozen now, though. At some point a while back the 2nd turn stopped opening the other doors, so i've began to rely on the keyfob & keypad - neglecting the cylinder altogether.

Right now, my liftgate doesn't lock b/c the latch actuator rods do not return to their "neutral" position, not allowing the lock to go down. But, once i finish the liftgate mechanism repair, i'll be SOL if my battery quits, as i have no intention on replacing the liftgate lock cylinder.

I guess i should start trying to get at least the driver's door back in working order.

How easy is it to remove the cylinder (if need be)?

 

[TJM623]

I can't recall but I think that my passenger door worked maybe 2 times...What "penetrating fluid" would work best to free them? ( I wanna try this before I get the locks rekeyed)

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

Well, i tried the driver cylinder and realized why i had stopped in the first place - the cylinder is loose and turns about 1/4 - but it still wont let the key turn. Will look into it, ummmmmm, 2nd tuesday of next week

 

[gwaker]

I like PB Blaster better than WD-40.

 

[TJM623]

ok i'll try some of that thanks!

 

[Jason94sport]

Why would you even care if you have keyless entry? I've had it on every car I ever had, & if it didn't have it I bought it. I never use a key.

 

[TJM623]

because if my battery ever dies...i'm screwed, not to mention if I forgot my keycode once already. It's just good as a safety percaution.