Check your hatch locks!!!!
New User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Cumming, GA
I have been reading this forum since I bought my Excursion a few weeks ago. I am a first time poster
After reading this post I found that mine was not working too! I followed your instructions and everything is working fine now. Just wanted to say thank you for the thread on this.
After reading this post I found that mine was not working too! I followed your instructions and everything is working fine now. Just wanted to say thank you for the thread on this.
Thread Starter
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,246
Likes: 761
From: Houston, Texas
Howdy Dezert X and mlott2112! Welcome to FTE! 
As for this thread, I'm glad it was able to help others get their locks fixed. I knew I wasn't the only one with that problem.....
As for this thread, I'm glad it was able to help others get their locks fixed. I knew I wasn't the only one with that problem.....
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Waxhaw,NC
I checked mine today and it does not lock either.
When removed the hatch cover the first thing I noticed was that both locking mechanism electrical connection (the ones the latches on the striker on either side of the Ex) were unplugged. See pics below. I plugged them back in but still wound not lock. I wonder why the previous owner unplugged them.
I sprayed the whole lock assembly with silicone spray that did not help.
The key tumbler is frozen even after soaking the keyhole with PB blaster. It feels like I have the wrong key since I cannot move it all.
When using the remote, I can hear the actuator move when pressing the lock and unlock button but it does not lock the hatch.
Any thoughts?
When removed the hatch cover the first thing I noticed was that both locking mechanism electrical connection (the ones the latches on the striker on either side of the Ex) were unplugged. See pics below. I plugged them back in but still wound not lock. I wonder why the previous owner unplugged them.
I sprayed the whole lock assembly with silicone spray that did not help.
The key tumbler is frozen even after soaking the keyhole with PB blaster. It feels like I have the wrong key since I cannot move it all.
When using the remote, I can hear the actuator move when pressing the lock and unlock button but it does not lock the hatch.
Any thoughts?
You'll shoot your eye out
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,281
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, TX
Did you remove the lock cylinder? I would try taking it out completely and spraying the heck out of it with lube. Try working the key back and forth every now and then. Mine was pretty frozen too. I got it working eventually.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 122
Likes: 3
From: Northwest Indiana
I used a pair of pliers to work it back and forth as my key cylinder is completely frozen. Patience is key 
here... Spray it. Wait. Wiggle with pliers. Spray it again. Wait again. Wiggle it with pliers. It'll get there. As long as the actuator isn't shot, it'll start working with the keyless again. However, there's a good chance you'll never get the key cylinder freed up.
here... Spray it. Wait. Wiggle with pliers. Spray it again. Wait again. Wiggle it with pliers. It'll get there. As long as the actuator isn't shot, it'll start working with the keyless again. However, there's a good chance you'll never get the key cylinder freed up.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Waxhaw,NC
Hearing the actuator move using the remote, does it mean its working or not? Do I need to take it apart to find out?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 122
Likes: 3
From: Northwest Indiana
It's working, it's just trying to move parts that are frozen. More spray and some gently wiggling are needed!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: Waxhaw,NC
Went back outside to mess with the frozen lock and noticed my dome lights were still illuminated and the Ex would beep twice when pressing the lock button on the remote -- it used to be just one beep.
I figured the only change I made was to plug those 2 connectors on either side of the Ex I mentioned earlier (with pic). I unplugged both of them the dome lights immediately turned off. Hmmmmmmmm............interesting.
I guess if I'm unable to plug those in I will never get this hatch to lock.
unless I figure out why the dome lights would stay lit. I guess I got my answer why the last owner unplugged those things.
Thoughts?
I figured the only change I made was to plug those 2 connectors on either side of the Ex I mentioned earlier (with pic). I unplugged both of them the dome lights immediately turned off. Hmmmmmmmm............interesting.
I guess if I'm unable to plug those in I will never get this hatch to lock.
unless I figure out why the dome lights would stay lit. I guess I got my answer why the last owner unplugged those things.Thoughts?
You'll shoot your eye out
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,281
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, TX
I'm not sure what that plug does and I can't really look it up right now. That's probably why the previous owner unplugged it. I'll look into this later and see what I can figure out for you. I'm interested to know.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Great to find this thread, went to slavage yard and picked up an assembly to cut down on time torn down. Cleaned and lubed up the replacemnt and spent 15 minutes on the swap. Now I have a backup ready to go also. Only spent 45 bucks at the salvage yard too. Thanks to the OP for the detailed picks, helped out a lot.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 2
From: Oklahoma
Great thread! My rear lock hasn't been locking either and I was worried I'd have some major work getting this fixed with seized cables... it was just very dirty!
Did the WD40 trick and cleaned everything up, then used a little white lithium to ensure it says limber. Working like a charm now! Thanks for this thread!
Did the WD40 trick and cleaned everything up, then used a little white lithium to ensure it says limber. Working like a charm now! Thanks for this thread!