Sticky Door Lock

[Snukulu]

Driver's side door lock works/turns, but it's difficult - feels like it's got thick glue in the cylinder. As if someone tried to open it real quick you could snap a key. I've tried spraying WD40 in every crevice but it hasn't helped.

I don't mind pulling the door panel off but wondering if that risks cracking the panel. They are in good shape but I'm wondering if it's worth the effort just solve something that's not *really* a problem (yet, anyway) because I rarely need to lock the doors. Thoughts? Simple fix or Pandora's box?

 

[Chris]

If you have a set of trim panel removal tools it's not only easy but perfectly safe to remove them.

Should be a simple fix with the door panel removed.

 

[Snukulu]

Awesome, thanks! Any idea what could be causing it? My first guess would be a giant knot of dog hair but it was like that when I bought it

 

[B1Toad]

WD is not so great for locks, or as a lubricant in general. Try some Tri-Flow. Put the Tri Flow on the key and work it into the lock. Do this several times. The lock cylinder may be gummed up with residue especially if WD has been used in the past, so solvent may be needed first. Also possible it's not the cylinder at all but the linkage binding.

 

[macleanflood]

Lots of times the plastic bushings and snaps degrade.

-Mac

 

[Snukulu]

Lots of times the plastic bushings and snaps degrade.

-Mac

Yeah, the other one isn't problematic but isn't exactly "crisp" either, so now I'm thinking it might be wear and tear.

 

[MikekiM]

Takes just a few minutes to remove the door skin. Here's what you are going to be presented with (Drivers side)...

Don't be overwhelmed. Use a good dry lube with a spot nozzle and hit every pivot point. Metal on metal and plastic on metal. There are about half a dozen pivot points.

If your issue is limited to turning the key, follow the rod that is connected to the back of the lock cylinder and hit each of those points. The two rods that exit to the right go to the interior handle (top with sleeve on it) and the outside paddle (lower angle up). Not a lot of moving parts at the interior handle/lock, so not likely the culprit.

Here's another view of the assembly for the drivers side, removed from the door.

 

[macleanflood]

The orange clips...I believe mine were white...were all broken on my 97. Someone more organized than me can post a Dorman part number for ordering some replacements. That or just ask the auto parts store.

I'd have some on hand when you take it apart.

I didn't. I was impatient and used small cable ties. Which stayed on the door for a couple of years until I took it apart again.

-Mac

 

[bbaldwin237]

That or just ask the auto parts store.

-Mac

Probably better luck asking AI! Anymore if I have to go to a parts store I try to have the part number from their website ahead of time to save my sanity. Or I just order it myself so I don't have to deal with them.

I remember spending 20 minutes at the counter to get a set of tire chains for a 35x12.50R20 because the worker wanted to know everything but the color even though I was telling them it wasn't a factory tire size and tire chains are sold by tire size not make/model. Then they couldn't find the model of my truck because when I told them 2014 and Ram for the year and brand, they thought they were too smart and selected Dodge. So I had to walk them through going back and selecting the brand that I said, rather than the brand that they chose. All for the manager to come over to offer help and immediately say "oh you don't need to be in there, tire chains are sold by tire size, go back."

 

[ColoJeep]

Probably better luck asking AI! Anymore if I have to go to a parts store I try to have the part number from their website ahead of time to save my sanity. Or I just order it myself so I don't have to deal with them.

I remember spending 20 minutes at the counter to get a set of tire chains for a 35x12.50R20 because the worker wanted to know everything but the color even though I was telling them it wasn't a factory tire size and tire chains are sold by tire size not make/model. Then they couldn't find the model of my truck because when I told them 2014 and Ram for the year and brand, they thought they were too smart and selected Dodge. So I had to walk them through going back and selecting the brand that I said, rather than the brand that they chose. All for the manager to come over to offer help and immediately say "oh you don't need to be in there, tire chains are sold by tire size, go back."

I love advice from the parts experts who have never changed a tire .

 

[bbaldwin237]

I love advice from the parts experts who have never changed a tire .

I feel like Ron Swanson walking into a parts store. lol

Normally our local C.R.A.P. (Cut Rate Auto Parts) is better than the big stores. But when I told the guy I needed park/emergency brake shoes for the rear of my truck he told me that it had disc brakes. I said, I know, and there are shoes inside that rotor for the park/emergency brake.

 

[KennethS]

WD is not so great for locks, or as a lubricant in general. Try some Tri-Flow. Put the Tri Flow on the key and work it into the lock. Do this several times. The lock cylinder may be gummed up with residue especially if WD has been used in the past, so solvent may be needed first. Also possible it's not the cylinder at all but the linkage binding.

WD-40 is actually a pretty good solvent. I use it all the time to clean old grease off stuff. And it works well to remove road tar from car fenders.

 

[B1Toad]

WD-40 is actually a pretty good solvent. I use it all the time to clean old grease off stuff. And it works well to remove road tar from car fenders.

The problem with WD40 is it leaves a residue behind that allows dirt and grime to accumulate. No problem if you wipe it off after application.

 

[Snukulu]

Ordered the trim panel removal tools, got the PB Blaster version of dry lubricant (I couldn't find triflow locally). I may take a crack at it this weekend. If I do, I'll take pictures and keep you updated

 

[MikekiM]

You would be well served to buy a bag of the trim retainer pins...

Chances are good a few will break when you're removing the panel(s)

 

[Snukulu]

You would be well served to buy a bag of the trim retainer pins...

View attachment 683228

Chances are good a few will break when you're removing the panel(s)

The trim panel remover kit Chris recommended comes with a bunch.