Sticky Driver Door Lock

[Guest montana_uk]

Hello everyone (first post),

 

I have a problem that has just developed on my Ford Galaxy Aspen (R reg / 97). The driver door lock has decided to go stiff on me. I can unlock the door, quite easily, but then I have to manhandle the key to get it out of the door, and it will not turn to the left, to lock it. I am wary of trying too hard, incase i snap the key though.

 

I have tried squirting "Molecule 13" down the key slot into the key, but that has made no difference. I am looking at either swapping the lock from the passenger side, or getting a new lock.

The two problems here are 1) I am not a Mechanic, and 2) I am not flush with the cash to get it fixed by a garage.

 

Sods law that I am giving the car back to my ex in a few weeks, and this happens now.

 

Any suggestions on what to do now, before I look for how to remove the door trim, and start looking at the lock from the inside?

On that thought, any suggestions on that too, as so far, have been unable to find how to do that.

 

Cheers all,

 

Neil

[Guest montana_uk]

Cheers for the tip.

as for removing the door panel trim - is this the link?

Removing Door Panel Trim

 

I think I will have a mate look at it after I get back from hols on 29th. At least I will have the money to get a new lock etc, if required.

[Guest nimrod]

the door card is held in place by 11 press in clips around the bottom edge and sides, there is a screw under the trim plate behind the door latch finger pull, the trim plate is held in place by a series of easy breakable tabs! so be careful when priseing it out!

remove the screw that is under there, now gently start priseing the door card away from the door, use a wooden spatchula or get the correct tool to help you, with all the clips removed/broken the door card is now held in place by the gutter strip along the top edge where it wipes against the window, lift the door card up and off the door.

unplug all the electrical leads off the window switch and speakers and get ready to remove the vapour barrier!

take a sharp knife and stick it in the sealant that holds the vapour barrier in place, now carefully cut the sealant so that its left on the door and on the vapour barrier! so that when you refit it, it will simply stick back in place using its the original sealant

 

as for replaceing the lock! if as you say your giving the car back to your ex simply swap the key barrels over so the duffone is on the passenger side! :blink:

[Guest ianock]

as for replaceing the lock! if as you say your giving the car back to your ex simply swap the key barrels over so the duffone is on the passenger side!

 

I'd just give it back & deny everything :blink:

[seatkid]

Sods law that I am giving the car back to my ex in a few weeks, and this happens now.

Did she divorce you for being too pedantic?

Tell her it's always been like that.... (I'll resist asking why you're giving it back, and whether she's also taking your house, pension, money, etc. etc.)

[ALARM MAN]

Save time and money connect 6 wires thats what remote door lock/unlock upgrade kits take

 

thus no panels off no lock removal no p---ng about

 

And hey she thinks you did it for her

 

If you want more inf E-mail me on

 

ian@imewse.freeserve.co.uk

 

God bless us all

[wiggybn]

If the lock is stiff, rather than jamming, you may be able to lubricate it by dribbling oil over the shiny keyhole surround so that it seeps round the outside edges of the barrel. This has worked for me twice, though I needed to repeat it daily for a few days before it got to the heart of the matter. I used engine oil so it was viscous enough to stay on the job once it got there.