Tailgate Lock Broken

[WALoeIII]

The lock for my rear door doesn't work - I put the key in and I can't turn it. It has done this once before but I just took the key out and when I put it back in it worked fine. This time I cannot make it work. Suggestions?

 

[jwest]

Try using some graphite powder or silicone lube spray in the lock mechanism.

.

 

[60wag]

I've had a couple different rear locks do exactly the same thing. The back of the truck definitely collects a lot of dirt. I think the dirt makes its way into the lock and makes things inside wear. When the tumblers wear, they don't line up very well and the cylinder can't turn. Jiggling the key while trying to turn can sometimes unlock it but mine got to the point where I'd have to mess with it for several minutes. If you're short on patience, buy a new lock cyl at the dealer. If you're a cheapskate who's willing to dig into it, its repairable. REmove the lock cyl from the truck and take it apart as far as you can go. Then, (this is the hard pard part) remove the stainless steel bezel from the die cast housing. This thing isn't meant to come apart as it is bent closed, like a rivet. With some care work with some picks, pointy screwdrivers and needle nose pliers, you can bend the backside of the bezel enough to pop it off. Put the key in the cyl and extract it. If you pull the out fast, the tumblers and tiny springs will fly out and you might as well toss it in the trash. As you move the key slowly, you can see the tumblers moving. Find the one or two that stick out too far and file them down. On one of my locks, a tumbler had broken in two. Just take it out and leave the other three in place. If you haven't made too big a mess of the bezel, put it back together and peen the lip of the bezel back in place.

 

[swank60]

Guess who just tagged himself as a "Cheapskate"

 

[xrock]

I had this same problem on mine recently. The fix? Go to the For sale section and when someone is parting out their 60 (there's a blue 83 in there now) and ask them to buy it.

Pretty cheap and to replace it takes about 15-20 minutes.

 

[WALoeIII]

I can replace the entire locking mech? Because I'm also missing the tab that lets you unlock from the inside - right now its a ghetto screw covered in duct tape. (Hey - if you can't duct it - f' it.)

 

[dd113]

Remove the back plate on the hatch, spray the pee out of it with WD40. Spray the interior of the lock also. MOve it by hand. If it will not work buy a new one and get it keyed to match your doors.

 

[WALoeIII]

Remove the back plate on the hatch, spray the pee out of it with WD40. Spray the interior of the lock also. MOve it by hand. If it will not work buy a new one and get it keyed to match your doors.

What is the back plate on the hatch? You mean the mechanism that attaches to the lower door?

 

[atomicpunk]

I have the same problem. I just use my power locks to lock and unlock on my 62.

 

[WALoeIII]

I have the same problem. I just use my power locks to lock and unlock on my 62.

For some reason that doesn't work on my 60...