Listen to the pro. If he says to use graphite, then I'd use graphite! Thanks for clarifying that Ken. 
Door Locks Stuck
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Door Locks Stuck
I have a 98 ranger, 87,000 miles, manual locks, and pretty much ever since I got it at 20,000 miles the door locks have been hard to unlock with the key. It took a while to figure it out, jiggle this way, jiggle that way, but eventually I got "the touch" and could unlock them first try. But when anyone else tried to unlock them, they couldn't. But as of the last week or so, the lock on the drivers side has gotten worse and is nearly impossible to unlock with the key. And the passenger side is not much better. I was just wondering if anyone had a solution for this. Or, has anyone out there switched from manual to power locks and installed a keyless entry? How hard would that be? I'd preffer a cheap, simple solution now as cash is short, but I might go with the keyless on down the road if its not to hard/expensive.
Oh, and I tried a spare key I had made when i bought the truck....its hardley been used and it still dosen't help, so I don't think the problem is the key getting worn out.
Oh, and I tried a spare key I had made when i bought the truck....its hardley been used and it still dosen't help, so I don't think the problem is the key getting worn out.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 538
Likes: 2
From: Florida
Spray some lube in the keyhole. Then remove the door panel and carefully lift or cut the plastic sheet and lube the lock mechanism and linkages. I'd tape the plastic back together before putting the panel back on, but it's not absolutely necessary (it's a vapor/ moisture barrier).
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,343
Likes: 0
From: Higginsville, MO
I agree with Rocky. I had a 1997 F350 that about every 8 months or so I had to just douse the inside of the doorlocks with a lube. I found that white lithium grease worked the best for me as far as longevity goes. However you may want to use a penetrating lube at first to free it up such as WD-40. Good luck, let us know how it goes.
The Pacifier
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,245
Likes: 7
From: Cloverdale, BC
I had the same problem on my wife's old Firefly. It got to the point where I had to get in through the passenger side. Anyway, I eventually got the locks out and lubed them up real good. You wouldn't believe the amount of corrosion that was in there.
Take the lock out of the door, spray it down real good, and stick the key in. Work it for a bit with some more lube, then put it all back together.
Take the lock out of the door, spray it down real good, and stick the key in. Work it for a bit with some more lube, then put it all back together.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 219
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From: Indianapolis, IN
May be a stupid question, but i better ask....What is graphite? Like a name brand of a lube or like the stuff in a pencil? Oh, and where can i get it? At any autoparts store?
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Cypress, CA
Higgin: Ken is absolutely correct - check with any good locksmith.
However, most likely your key is not working well due to the cylinder being gummed up. Imagine if it has graphite from the factory and a liquid lubricant is added.
You need to thoroughly clean out the cylinder before doing anything else. I have personally used electrical cleaner to flush it out. Make sure that the cylinder is clean and dry before adding any lubricant.
This should do the trick - inexpensively.
Russ
However, most likely your key is not working well due to the cylinder being gummed up. Imagine if it has graphite from the factory and a liquid lubricant is added.
You need to thoroughly clean out the cylinder before doing anything else. I have personally used electrical cleaner to flush it out. Make sure that the cylinder is clean and dry before adding any lubricant.
This should do the trick - inexpensively.
Russ
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 554
Likes: 1
From: Boise, ID
I have the exact same problem on my Ranger's driver's side door. If what I am reading is correct do we just simply spray the inside of the lock with the graphite spray? Or does the door need disassembling?
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
Good point Russ, didn't think about that.
I think you would be able to rinse the cylinder in place, but the solvent would run out of the cylinder into the inside of the door. Be careful what you use since some solvents will damage your paint.
I think you would be able to rinse the cylinder in place, but the solvent would run out of the cylinder into the inside of the door. Be careful what you use since some solvents will damage your paint.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 219
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From: Indianapolis, IN
Ok, what is this graphite stuff. Went to the autoparts store and they didn't know....but the guy didn't seem to smart. Is it like an aerosol spray or some kinda powder or what? And do you know a brand name???? Would just make it easier to explain to the auto parts guy. Thanks....