We have a work van and multiple people that drive it with multiple keys (not everyone has a fob). A while ago, the driver's side door lock stopped working, so you either had to have a fob or go around the passenger's side to unlock it. Graphite, dry lube, etc. did nothing for it. Now the passenger door lock started doing the same thing, so we have to go through the side door and reach to hit the unlock button. Is this common? Any ideas to try so I don't have to get into changing the stupid locks out and getting all new door keys?

 

I believe there's a plastic clip that holds the latch rod. These have a tendency to break. If you turn the lock cylinder and don't feel any resistance that's probably the cause.

 

jimbo, can you confirm that you mean if I DON'T feel any resistance, then that's the problem? Because with both of the doors on our van, it's ALL resistance...the key won't turn at all in either direction.

 

 

Eh crap. So I'm pretty much left with replacing them and the ignition and getting all new keys, or just replacing them and having separate door keys. Thanks for the help anyway. I appreciate it.

 

 

If the FOB and the unlock button work; then the problem is not the linkage.It is the lock itself. Take the door panel off and replace the lock mechanism.You can have a Ford dealer key it to your existing key pattern.Take the VIN # to Ford.They probably have the key code in the computer.

 

Any locksmith worth his salt can swap out the lock tumblers/pins to match your old key. Simply buy new locks and take them to a locksmith along with a spare key and tell him you want the tumblers/pins changed to match the key.

 

If you're feeling adventurous you can rekey the replacement locks yourself. Do a YouTube search for "rekey ford door lock cylinder".

 

Ford locks are notorious for sticking if they are not used regularly and lubed occasionally. These problems started to surface when remote entry fobs were common. Owners would never use the door lock and the inevitable would happen. If you want to try something before taking it apart, clean out all that graphite with a spray cleaner that's safe for paint. MAF sensor cleaner or electrical parts cleaner. Probably not brake or carb cleaner. Then use any of the top tier lubes in this video. Jump to the end, it's an hour long video. It might fix it right away, it may take days. If that doesn't work, you're either dealing with a worn out key or repairing the locks.