Door Lock issues

Hey everyone,

I have had a strange issue with my 1997 SR5 ext cab. And I am hoping someone here has seen it, or has an idea of what I can do to fix it. The issue is..
I have to unlock the truck from the passenger side. The driver side key lock won't even turn. Almost like it's frozen. And there are times when the passenger side won't turn either. To get it to turn I have to lift the handle, then it will turn. But this was the way the Driver side started to go out. So I need some advise on how to fix it. Does it need to be re-keyed by a locksmith? Or is it something I can fix on my own. Any advise is much appreciated.

 

Well, it would make sense if you were northern utah...

Yes, mine froze shut a couple mornings this winter, trying to go to base.

However, it may be linkage related. Pop your door panel off, and poke around

 

Any idea where I could find directions on how to take off the door panel?

 

Try a squirt of light oil in the key cylinder itself. This may take care of the problem. Tri Flow is a good choice if you have access to it. 3in1 oil is good too. Slide your key in and out a few times.

Another thing to try is take your old key and have a duplicate made. The duplicate will work better even though it's a copy of a worn key. The trick is that the new cuts will be flat across the edge of the key instead of rounded over and will lift the wafers properly.

A new key and some oil will likely take care of the problem, cheapest place to start.

 

I just noticed you have a 2013 truck. I would be surprised if your key or cylinder has worn out that quickly. I would still try what I suggested just to see if it helps.

PS, if your locks are actually freezing up due to moisture and cold,(mine do sometimes) oil will definitely help with keeping the moisture under control.

Edit: And now I noticed that you are actually talking about a 97 truck.

 

I actually bought lock de-icer this year for my cap locks. couldn't get the key to even go in all the way.

however I have never had my door locks freeze even in sub-zero temps. sure was a little slow to turn but it did without too much force needed.

 

Actually I have both. A 2013 and a 1997. The issue on on the 97. And to be new clear I don't believe it's due to freezing temps. But more mechanical. It started happening aprox 4 year ago. The key hole in the door gradually over time would get stuck occasionally. And would not turn. Now the passenger door is doing the same. But like the driver side door before it. It will still turn if lift the handle then turn to unlock. But it too will soon get to the point where I will not longer be able to turn it.

 

Try a new key. You may be taking the door panel off too to lube the linkage like was mentioned in another post.

 

A quick search resulted in this:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/1315-removing-driverside-door-panel.html