Has any one encountered this problem? and is it a fairly easy and inexpensive fix?
'97 F-250 XLT super cab, to insert the key and unlock the doors, the key will not turn, even with substanual force almost to the breaking point.
The doors will however unlock, using either the door handles or the electrical lock/unlock buttons.
The same problem for both driver and passenger doors .
Any info. would be deeply appreciated and I thank you in advance for any member input.

 

Is it possible that your ignition cylinder was changed at some point, and the doors take a different key?

 

The lock cylinders could be frozen, but it is odd to have both happen at the same time. The driver's door on my 95 does not want to lock with the key; but it unlocks easily, so I just hit the button to lock it. Sorry, but I can't remember just how the passenger door works, I never use the key on that side.

The lock cylinders aren't that hard to remove and replace, the problem would be finding keys to a truck in a junkyard.

It could be lack of lubrication on the linkage in the door, too. The solenoids can be stubborn to operate manually.

Robert

 

No need to go to the junk yard. My truck had been abandoned and I bought it from the tow truck driver who inherited it. He only had the ignition key, so I bought new door lock cylinders off of partsgeek. They come with a pair of new keys as well. I think a couple other online retailers carry them as well. The only thing that this won't fix is your glove box lock. You'll have to use the old key for that one.
You could also try squirting some WD-40 into the locks once a day for a week or two and see if that frees them up.

 

My 90 F250 has experienced this twice. When you load the passenger side front floor board with junk for a project and then you slam the door on the junk it can depress the lock/unlock rocker switch (on the 90 version) and burn up both actuators in the doors. They melt and lockup. After the second time, I disconnected the passenger side lock/unlock switch.

John

 

I had a similar problem with mine when I got it, only my drivers side door would not unlock with the key, and the passenger side would not lock using the key.
I got a can of WD40 and stuck the end of the straw that comes with it right inside the keyhole, and let er' rip.

Put the key in, and after a few tries it now unlocks easily. And I haven't a problem with it since

Hope this helps