97 Ranger SuperCab 4x2

The door lock on the driver's door is stuck. It's the cylinder I guess. It locks/unlocks fine from the inside, but with the key it won't turn. It's just as if it has the wrong key in it; it just won't budge. I noticed for a little while the thing was sticking, but a little jiggle would let it move. Today, nothing is turning it.

Is this most likely a cylinder problem or a linkage one? If it's the cylinder, do you think lubing it would help, or am I looking at replacement? If I have to replace it, is it hard to repin using the old pins? I've done that with an ignition cylinder and it was pretty easy.

Thanks in advance!

 

I would try a little graphite, can't hurt to try.

 

You talking about power?

Could one use Slick 50 or WD 40

 

Yes, the best lub for lock cylinders is power graphite, oil/liquid type lubs attract dirt and gum things up.

 

Today I bought some stuff that was a combination solvent, probably alcohol, and graphite. I guess the idea is to blow the junk out and leave graphite in it's place. I finally got it to work a time or two yesterday, so I figured it must be that the pins or mechanism was just sticking. Anyway, the solvent/graphite seems to have worked. Its working every time now. Not as smoothly as the passenger side, but at least it works.

Thanks!

 

Glad to hear it helped!!!