Door Lock Jammed Up?

2000Black · 01-18-2005

I recently got a 2000 Mustang with RKE. I haven't been able to unlock the door manually since I've had it and the general consensus is that the since the car has RKE, the owner never manually turned the door lock with the key and the door lock jammed up due to inactivity. It's also been very cold but I've had the car for a couple of days now and tried techniques such as alcohol on the key, warming the key up, de-icer etc... still with no luck. It frustrates me because it feels like the key I have doesn't even belong inside the door but it unlocks the trunk manually just fine.

I got some advice to get some lock lubricator which inserts inside the lock itself to help loosen the jammed locks. Has anyone else had this problem and found a solution? Any recommendations will be appreciated.

lcurle · 01-18-2005

try taking the door apart and looking at the situation before buying stuff that you might not need in the long run. Takes a few seconds to remove and could save you a couple bucks.

2000Black · 01-18-2005

I'm not really familiar with a procedure like that. Even if I could, I probably wouldn't understand what to make of it. I don't really think it's anything that serious, but it's getting under my skin a little bit.

lcurle · 01-18-2005

Have you tried WD-40?

kscoyote · 01-18-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000Black

I recently got a 2000 Mustang with RKE. I haven't been able to unlock the door manually since I've had it and the general consensus is that the since the car has RKE, the owner never manually turned the door lock with the key and the door lock jammed up due to inactivity. It's also been very cold but I've had the car for a couple of days now and tried techniques such as alcohol on the key, warming the key up, de-icer etc... still with no luck. It frustrates me because it feels like the key I have doesn't even belong inside the door but it unlocks the trunk manually just fine.

I got some advice to get some lock lubricator which inserts inside the lock itself to help loosen the jammed locks. Has anyone else had this problem and found a solution? Any recommendations will be appreciated.

WD40 . . . sounds like the previous owner may have had his locks changed.

Start with WD 40, if that doesn't work use graphite. If THAT doesn't work,, go to a key shop, and they have a special lubricant (related to kerosene).

If you have the cash, just go to the locksmith for a diagnosis.

If the problem were in the door, your fob wouldn't work.

2000Black · 01-19-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by kscoyote

WD40 . . . sounds like the previous owner may have had his locks changed.

That's what I was thinking but the ignition key opens the truck lock just fine. Then when I put it in the door, I can't turn it for nothing. I was thinking of going to a Ford dealership and having them make me a key straight from the VIN number just to check although I don't see how much good that would do. I'll try WD40 but I'm not sure that will work either.

lcurle · 01-19-2005

THe previous owner might have changed just that one lock as well.

2000Black · 01-19-2005

If that's the case, do I find a locksmith that can make a key for that lock?

This is pissing me off!

lcurle · 01-19-2005

doubtfull, might have to change all the lock on the two doors and trunk.

reload · 01-19-2005

It is possible that the car was in an accident. I had a car that the owner got both the front doors replaced with two different cars. Had 3 keys just to get into my damn car!

2000Black · 01-20-2005

I was thinking so too but the CarFax was clean with no reports of any accidents. The passenger side door doesn't have a door lock on it which kind of surprised me. The temperature started warming up but that hasn't changed the situation. I'm gonna have to try WD40 again but I'm running low on options.

kscoyote · 01-20-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2000Black

I was thinking so too but the CarFax was clean with no reports of any accidents. The passenger side door doesn't have a door lock on it which kind of surprised me. The temperature started warming up but that hasn't changed the situation. I'm gonna have to try WD40 again but I'm running low on options.

If WD40 didn't work, you've got to go to a locksmith, and have him re-key the lock. if you take it to ford, they'll charge you a bundle for a VIN matching lock.

just because the owner didn't report an accident to his insurance company, doesn't mean it wasn't in an accident, or he broke his key in the lock, took it to the dealership, found it would cost him 250 dollars and decided to go to a junkyard instead.

Or, that someone broke the lock trying to get into the car.

newstangownr · 01-20-2005

My 2000 only has a keyhole on the drivers side. Once you spray the lock, slide the key in and out about a dozen times to get the tumblers working. It could be a mechanical failure, too. i.e. the lock is the right one for the key, but there's a physical problem with it.

Good luck.