Door lock problems

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Mar 11, 2009 | 08:13 AM

ericsmith32

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From: Kansas City, KS

Door lock problems

I'm seriously regretting my decision not to get power windows and locks on my Ranger. For the third time this year I've had to take the wife's Escape because I can't get into the Ranger. Couldn't get the key in the drivers side and the wouldn't turn on the passenger. I'm sure it's from the rain we had on Monday and it got down to freezing last night that and I hadn't drove it. I've tried everything white lithuim, pb blaster, graphite, and moly grease which worked the best. Never had lock problems till this one and I've had some old vehicles. If I didn't live in the city I'd just leave er unlocked. What do guys think defective locks? Still have a little bit of warranty remaining.

Mar 11, 2009 | 04:22 PM

wendell borror

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I don't have any problems with my 09 ranger. I have keyless entry, but forget to use it, I'm just use to using a key. A trick we use to use is to heat the key with a lighter and then stick it in. I would have the locks checked out, maybe the window seals aren't working properly on your doors.

Mar 11, 2009 | 08:18 PM

ericsmith32

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From: Kansas City, KS

I'm going to try the lighter trick next time. Opened right up when I got home tonight. The door seals looks good but I do have a set of ventvisors that go inside the weather stripping. Might push it over enough wouldn't think so though. Aggravating to have a new truck with locks problems but my 15 year old Aspire never had a issue (and little to no weather stripping left go figure).

Mar 11, 2009 | 10:32 PM

mercman86

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From: Chicago Area, Illinois

The lighter trick works well. But since i stopped smoking i have to use a cup of hot water! Not the ideal solution but it thaws it out pretty quick especially when you are in a hurry in the morning.

Mar 12, 2009 | 07:10 AM

wendell borror

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You can even stick the key in your hot coffee on your way to the truck in the morning.

Mar 12, 2009 | 05:27 PM

jim henderson

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From: So Cal

You should also lubricate the locks occasionally. In freezing climates you want to use a DRY Lubricant. Oil will gum up and freeze. I like spray graphite. Sprays in wet and then dries up into a film. Never had a problem with my locks when I lived in Oregon even if the entire car was frozen in an inch or two of ice. Usually I had more trouble with the door being sealed by the thick ice.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

Mar 13, 2009 | 06:09 AM

wendell borror

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Yeah, froozen locks are about unheard of anymore, thats why I think he may have a malfunction somewhere letting water in where it shouldn't. This is my 7th ranger and I've never had that problem and I live in northern ohio.