Tailgate lock

[dehsr]

Just tried to lock the tailgate on my 03 Sport Trac with the ignition key and it doesn't work! Manual says to insert ignition key and turn to the right to lock. Any idea what the problem could be?

 

[OffTrac]

Try spraying some graphite or silicone lubricant into the lock. Do you know when the last time the lock was used?

 

[roamer37]

I agree none of my locks would work when I bought my trac.. lubed them up and now they all work... happens with vehicles that never get the keys used in the locks...

 

[Cobra5O1]

True story.
They all suck. It will work you just have to wiggle it just right.

 

[OffTrac]

Mine all work smoothly and I've never added any lubricant.

 

[Cobra5O1]

Mine all work smoothly and I've never added any lubricant.

You are lucky. Mine are still as hell. The tailgate is apprentice difficulty, but still needs lube. My drivers door is at master level. -_-

 

[swshawaii]

Amazing stuff. It's also expensive and the smell is addictive.
http://www.triflowlubricants.com/Tri-Flow_Superior_Aerosol_Lubricant.html

 

[JohnnyO]

1. Has the lock ever worked? How long have you owned your ST? It is possible that the tailgate has been changed and the lock doesn't match.

2. If not, locks get stiff if they are not used. Got my son a used Mustang a few years ago and neither the door lock or trunk lock worked with the key. Ended up having both cylinders removed and took them to a locksmith to be disassembled and the corrosion removed.

 

[dehsr]

Thanks to all for the comments. After fiddling with the key in the lock I was able to lock/unlock several times. The key still requires "jiggling" to function but maybe the dry graphite I ordered will solve the problem. Thanks again.

12/14/12 UPDATE: I sprayed dry graphite in the lock and on the key and the key must still be jiggled to operate the locking mechanism. Guess I'm stuck with "jiggling".

 

[01STrunner]

I've started having the same problem where you have to jiggle the key for the tailgate lock to work. Just waiting for time to spay some lube in the mechanism.