Key or door lock?
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Seattle
Key or door lock?
My key isn't opening the driver side door well anymore. I say well, because most of the time it's no big deal, but sometimes it sticks and I have to jiggle the key to get it to turn.
First thing I figure is that the key is worn down, but since I don't have similar problems starting the truck and I don't open the passenger side door enough to verify - I'm wondering if the lock itself is jammed or wearing out.
Which would you expect to wear out first - the lock or the key? I'm not particularly fond of spraying crap into the lock but if a good cleaning is in order so be it. I have to believe the lock is starting to accumulate road junk.
First thing I figure is that the key is worn down, but since I don't have similar problems starting the truck and I don't open the passenger side door enough to verify - I'm wondering if the lock itself is jammed or wearing out.
Which would you expect to wear out first - the lock or the key? I'm not particularly fond of spraying crap into the lock but if a good cleaning is in order so be it. I have to believe the lock is starting to accumulate road junk.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 13,851
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From: SW Va
I've found lifting the door handle a time or two while turning the key helps.
Maybe squirting a little WD-40 or the like into the door handle hinge area would help.
If you think it's a problem with the lock cylinder, get some dry lock cylinder lube, which is powdered graphite & puff a little into the lock cyl & insert & remove the key while turning the lock cyl a few times, to work the graphite powder in & see how it goes.
Maybe squirting a little WD-40 or the like into the door handle hinge area would help.
If you think it's a problem with the lock cylinder, get some dry lock cylinder lube, which is powdered graphite & puff a little into the lock cyl & insert & remove the key while turning the lock cyl a few times, to work the graphite powder in & see how it goes.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 156
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From: Virginia
Try the WD-40. I wouldn't recommend any kind of graphite for two reasons. One, if there's any kind of liquid in the lock (water, grease, etc) the graphite will just make it nice and gummy and will probably make your problem worse. Two, I've heard many stories about graphite actually doing more harm than good. The graphite will build up on the pins in the lock and the key won't even turn.
If you have 2 keys to your truck, it's best to alternate the use of them every so often. As the key and the lock pins wear down, they sort of "adapt" to each other. If you use one key all the time, sometimes the unused key won't work. Also, if you make a copy of the key, make sure you copy the key you use most.
If you have 2 keys to your truck, it's best to alternate the use of them every so often. As the key and the lock pins wear down, they sort of "adapt" to each other. If you use one key all the time, sometimes the unused key won't work. Also, if you make a copy of the key, make sure you copy the key you use most.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
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From: Connecticut
I had a similar issue arise about 3-4 years ago, but a few good squirts of some PB Blaster dry teflon penetrating lubricant into the keyhole and cylinder solved the problem. No issues since.
I'm sure WD-40 would have done the trick, as well.
I'm sure WD-40 would have done the trick, as well.
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