Key will not unlock door - Central locking works fine

[rannon]

Hi Al, I am a new 80 owner and am having trouble getting into and out of the vehicle on the driver’s door. The key will not lock or unlock the driver’s door. The central locking mechanism still unlocks and locks the vehicle from the driver’s door however. Any ideas of what this problem may be?

Cheers!

 

[thedoughboy]

@rannon
Common problem and has happened to a lot of us. The key is soffter metal than the lock cylinders. Over time the key wears down and no long works. Take your VIN number to the dearler, along with Registration/ID. They will cut you an "original" key. I usually get a few cut to save time in the future.

 

[bigredmachine]

does the key work in any other locks, i would try a new key first

 

[rannon]

does the key work in any other locks, i would try a new key first

The key works just fine in the rear gate and the PS door. It is just the DS door that I cannot operate with the key.

 

[rannon]

@rannon
Common problem and has happened to a lot of us. The key is soffter metal than the lock cylinders. Over time the key wears down and no long works. Take your VIN number to the dearler, along with Registration/ID. They will cut you an "original" key. I usually get a few cut to save time in the future.

Thanks so much for the quick reply and information @TheDough - I will try a new key.

 

[bigredmachine]

if a new key dosnt work you can replace the lock cylinder and have it rekeyed to match the current key

 

[80t0ylc]

Agreed that a new key for the age of our rigs is a good idea, but since it works in the other locks and I'm assuming the ignition, you might have a driver's door lock issue. You can pick up, at most hardware stores, a lock lubricator spray with a nozzle tube. Try spraying a cleaner/degreaser fluid in lock 1st to free it up, than lube all your locks with the lube spray to prevent future lock issues. A warning, most lock lubes contain a dry lube, such as graphite and that can stain fabrics so use with care.

 

[wpns4l]

Key is worn down or they put a different cylinder in the door and didn't give you the key. When I got mine the two front doors were different cylinders and my key only worked in the ignition and was the only key I was given. They used the fob to lock the doors and when I removed that I had to leave it unlocked till I got all the cylinders rekeyed.

 

[rannon]

Agreed that a new key for the age of our rigs is a good idea, but since it works in the other locks and I'm assuming the ignition, you might have a driver's door lock issue. You can pick up, at most hardware stores, a lock lubricator spray with a nozzle tube. Try spraying a cleaner/degreaser fluid in lock 1st to free it up, than lube all your locks with the lube spray to prevent future lock issues. A warning, most lock lubes contain a dry lube, such as graphite and that can stain fabrics so use with care.

Yup, it works in ignition and all other locks. And it turns in both directions too, just doesn’t do anything unfortunately. Do you lube the locks from inside the door compartment? Or just Just right through the barrel I take it?

 

[rannon]

Yup, it works in ignition and all other locks. And it turns in both directions too, just doesn’t do anything unfortunately. Do you lube the locks from inside the door compartment? Or just Just right through the barrel I take it?

Key is worn down or they put a different cylinder in the door and didn't give you the key. When I got mine the two front doors were different cylinders and my key only worked in the ignition and was the only key I was given. They used the fob to lock the doors and when I removed that I had to leave it unlocked till I got all the cylinders rekeyed.

Given that this key turns freely in both directions in the lock, just with no locking or unlocking results, does that sound like a worn out key? I ordered two from the dealership today..

 

[bigredmachine]

Given that this key turns freely in both directions in the lock, just with no locking or unlocking results, does that sound like a worn out key? I ordered two from the dealership today..

nope, it sounds like something isnt connected. theres pull rod connecting the lock mechanism to the lock in the latch, id pull the door apart and take a look. having a fresh key is still not a bad idea

 

[bigredmachine]

if it was an issue with the key or cylinder it wouldnt turn or only turn partially

 

[80t0ylc]

Given that this key turns freely in both directions in the lock, just with no locking or unlocking results, does that sound like a worn out key? I ordered two from the dealership today..

Wow, that's a completely different issue than the lock itself. As @bigredmachine mentioned, pull door card off and check the rods. As far as my previous post for lock PM - yes, lube and clean locks through the barrel from the outside.

 

[rannon]

if it was an issue with the key or cylinder it wouldnt turn or only turn partially

@bigredmachine reallynappreciate your input here - thank you!

 

[rannon]

Wow, that's a completely different issue than the lock itself. As @bigredmachine mentioned, pull door card off and check the rods. As far as my previous post for lock PM - yes, lube and clean locks through the barrel from the outside.

@80t0ylc thanks for your input, I’ll see what it looks like in there and post some pictures potentially for help.
Have a good night!

 

[Kernal]

"this key turns freely in both directions in the lock, just with no locking or unlocking results"

Already mentioned by others above, but here's some photos:

There's a metal rod that runs from the lock cylinder down to the door lock actuator that is attached by a plastic clip. If that clip breaks and the rod is no longer attached to the lock cylinder then turning the cylinder with a new key won't make a difference.


Top photo:

View looking up and in from the inside of the left front door (door panel and vapor barrier removed). Or another way to say it, you're looking at the backside of the door handle (inside the door).

The rod on the left runs from the door handle down to the door lock actuator. The lower rod with the dark red/maroon plasitc clip runs from the lock cylinder to the actuator.

Bottom photo:

Close up of the plastic clip that holds the control rod to the lock cylinder.
If it isn't clear, when you turn the key in the door lock, the cylinder rotates pushing/pulliing the rod down or up. If the clip is broken and the rod isn't attached, no worky.

Here's a link to a long thread showing complete servicing of the door lock cylinder (which doesn't seem to be your problem); most people would not (?should not) go this far, but it does show how a door lock cylinder works FWIW.

Normally just a blast of a plastic and paint safe cleaner/solvent (Not Carb cleaner or Acetone), followed by relubing the lock cylinder is good enough IME.

Servicing a door lock cylinder

I pulled the DS door handle assembly out to repair a crack in the handle and to check the lock cylinder. I'd noticed that the lock was a bit sticky and notchy so figured I'd look into it. Once I had the cylinder housing in my hand I could see when I turned the key it took half a second to...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[BuzzAZ]

I’m assuming this isn’t normal operation, but I have to turn mine twice to the right to unlock and it unlocks all doors. Maybe what’s broken on yours is what’s broken on mine.

 

[richmondbob]

Get new keys cut.

Not from your current keys. Off your VIN. Or off the key tag if you're lucky enough to have it.

New keys are the power off, power on solution for 80s.

 

[Kernal]

@rannon : Post up a photo of the lock cylinder and rods once the door card/panel is off.

One tip: when removing the door panel/card: do not just yank/pull on the panel. Once everything is disconnected you should pull the card out at the bottom just a few inches then push it straight UP ie: with the heel of your hand. This is because the top edge of the door panel is pinched between the window glass and the frame of the door. If you just yank on the panel you risk breaking the plastic structure at the top of the panel which is hidden under the vinyl.


This video will help:

 

[Brindleboxer]

I’m assuming this isn’t normal operation, but I have to turn mine twice to the right to unlock and it unlocks all doors. Maybe what’s broken on yours is what’s broken on mine.

This is normal, turning once unlock the current door the second consecutive turn unlocks all doors.