2003 Explorer Sport, 4X4, keyless entry. Bought the truck brand new but never had occasion to use the keys in the door and tailgate locks. Tried them this week and they did not work the locks. I first thought that the locks were frozen. Not the case. Stopped by the dealer and he suggested spraying WD40 in the locks. Didn't work. Got a new 'blank' cut by the dealer in case the key was worn, didn't work. Anyone know what might be the issue? I was thinking that the wrong cylinders were put in the truck on the assembly line. I have a key fob remote and keyless entry but it would be nice if the key unlocked the doors in an emergency. Thanks.

 

Sounds like the ignition key cylinder was probably changed out at one time (maybe a previous theft?) and the key was not matched to the original.

I'm not sure about the 2003, but the older (late '80's) Fords were easy to get to the tumblers to rekey the lock cylinders to match an existing key.

-Rod

 

Sounds logical but the car was delivered to me new so I doubt there was a theft involved. Do you know if the lock cylinders can be re-keyed? I didn't think they were able to be opened once assembled. Thanks

 

If the truck is over a decade old and you have seriously never lubed the lock cylinders, then I think you found your problem. I regularly replace lock sets on vehicles that are half the age that haven't been maintained, especially with the salt that gets used here in Mich.

You can try repeatedly spraying the locks with penetrating oil, like every day, and see if they eventually loosen up, but the locks are made of aluminum these days and the salt water corrodes them into a giant lump of corrosion.

Cheapest option would be to just replace one cylinder and keep it lubed every six months as per the maintenance guide. The cylinder kits aren't cheap though, you are still looking at around $200 for parts and labor for one door.

 

The dealer said that but I couldn't believe it. The locks were NEVER used, not once and never lubed. They said to spray the cylinders but I was afraid they would freeze in the cold NJ weather. I guess it doesn't matter since they don't work anyway. I can't believe it cost $200 a cylinder! Might be cheaper to break the window to get in...LOL. Thanks for the answer, I'll try that and let you know how it goes.

 

seems you have 2 options..

• pull a cylinder and have it re pin to ignition key...
• pull cylinder and cut a new key to fit doors....

......Philip

 

Thanks for all the responses but 'FIREME' was right. I could not accept the fact that the locks could be "frozen" from lack of use and lube. I've never seen that in the 41 years I've been driving and fixing my own cars and trucks. I lubed the lock cylinders and they work fine. It's true that you learn something new every day. Thanks for the help. I looked for a 'smilie face' with a dunce cap but couldn't find one...lol