Drivers side door lock not working

[Turbo Terry]

1999 so standard regular old $5 key I have several all have worked until now truck has after market remote start and unlock/lock so the unlock fob works but not the key driver side door only. Key works fine passenger side door and I just hit the unlock button and walk around the truck So how to fix this where to begin?

 

[DavidC]

So your saying the key will not work on Drivers door ?. Does the key turn ?

 

[Tractorat]

I recently had the same problem. I squirted in some graphite and worked the key around and it seems to have worked. But I dont know for how long. I will monitor this thread.

 

[Turbo Terry]

No will not turn. Not frozen.

 

[Turbo Terry]

Ok I sprayed it with a good quality oil not wd40 and took a air hose with a nozzle on it and sprayed air into it. It now works. I have had them freeze in the winter but never dry out and not work.

 

[Turbo Terry]

That was to easy. I guess in 21 years it dried out a bit. I will have to remember to re oil it again in 21 years

 

[DavidC]

It would be a good idea to shoot some graphite like lock ease in there as the graphite will cling.

 

[Tractorat]

Mine is a lot better after the graphite, but it can still not want to turn sometimes. When it doesnt, I slam the key in the hole pretty hard a couple of times and that usually works. If it doesnt, if I wiggle the key around a bit it turns with ease. Ive had the problem with both doors. BTW, when it wouldnt move at all, silicone lock spray didnt help at all.

 

[DavidC]

Guess I would call a locksmith, tell them whats going on and ask if they could fix the existing locks. You would probably have to remove them yourself. I guess the alternative would be to purchase new locks but then you have to carry another key which will be different. I would suggest and have suggested to shoot graphite into anything that takes a key every 6 Months to a year. Another alternative may be to buy new locks, take them and your key to a locksmith to have them matched up. Anybody have a better idea I'm all ears.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Check to make sure the key isn't excessively worn. I always try to keep a "virgin" for my vehicles so I can replace the worn ones.

 

[Tractorat]

Just my wild speculation. But my uneducated guess is that over the years the tumblers get just a little out of alignment and exercising the key back and forth will go a long way in keeping them in shape. BTW, I have two extra keys for my truck. And when I tried them when the locks wouldnt turn there was not difference. And this is probably a dumb question. But if the key was worn out, wouldnt that actually make it turn easier ? But maybe not open or close the lock ?

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

The key shouldn't turn until all the tumblers are where they're supposed to be.

When I got my 03 one of the keys was worn short, to the point where it wouldn't activate the buzzer when used.

Dave's suggestion about graphite is the best thing you can do for key locks.

 

[Tractorat]

Dave's suggestion about graphite is the best thing you can do for key locks.

See post #3.

 

[DavidC]

A worn out key will usually not move the tumblers to the position to turn the lock. The worn out parts are usually the raised portions as they rub on the tumblers during insertion and removal.

 

[Tractorat]

Makes sense to me.

 

[crabman]

There are some good videos on YouTube that explain the workings of car door locks. Not sure if any of them will show you the fix for your problem but some of them are very informational.