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I've given up locking my doors since its so hard to turn the keys. I've replaced the key locks and put graphic on everything I can and its still really hard to turn. Any suggestions?
Yes, we should all stop falling in love with 40/50 year old cars. The fun never ends. I have the same problem, but have not yet gotten around to dealing with it.
I've given up locking my doors since its so hard to turn the keys. I've replaced the key locks and put graphic on everything I can and its still really hard to turn. Any suggestions?
Looks like you have an 80-82 and seems I recall one of those years power locks became a standard item which can complicate the fix.
The linkage can bind and especially as it ages, the gunk solidifies and needs to be cleaned from the linkage. If you have power locks, the actuator boots tear over time, moisture penetrates the plunger and it quits working requiring replacement.
Power door locks are electro-mechanical devices. Electrical power activates the plunger which moves the linkage...lock...unlock...lock...unlock. After years, the plunger gives out and failes to operate, binding up the linkage and making it difficult to turn the key. No amount of WD-40 or graphite can fix this. It requires full disassembly, cleaning, replacement. Afterward it will work like new...if this is the source of the binding.
Is the electric actuator used only when using the door lock / unlock switch on the door panel is triggered? Or is the actuator also used when unlocking the car from outside via the key?
Is the electric actuator used only when using the door lock / unlock switch on the door panel is triggered? Or is the actuator also used when unlocking the car from outside via the key?
The key is a mechanical over ride of sorts but because the linkage is all connected it operates the electro-mechanical actuator in a mechanical mode. It is a dual function...the key operates it and electrical power works it. So when the linkage binds, neither will operate it.
As a heads up, sometime the elbow can bend/rust that operates the lock mechanism. It's easy to figure out once you take your door panel off. I'll attach some pictures.
The elbow (bent), just hammed mine straight and the locks work great now.
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I have the same problem, but have not yet gotten around to dealing with it.
Sticky key locks
