Keeping tailgate lock PL5300 key lock clean?

Hey everyone!
Last week I had to get my tailgate lock(PL5300) replaced 10 months after having it installed because of all the salt, dirt getting inside where you put the key in. The door that was suppose to move to the side when you put the key in stopped moving all the way to the left. I had to use a knife to get my key to lock my tailgate back up. I talked to the owner and he said Tacoma's are bad for getting excess dirt and shit on it compared to other truck tailgates.

I was wondering what I could do to prevent shit from getting in there? The installer suggested to put duct tape over it to keep everything out. With the temps being -20C or lower for days to 10 days. It's really hard to keep my truck clean as much as I want in the winter time.

Any help would be appreciated. I am just going to use duct tape for the time being. I am going to need it to get warmer so I can put the tape on so it stays.

Thanks in advance.

 

Do not use liquid lubricants in any lock cylinder ( Oil /WD40 etc...). They attract and hold dirt. Use a dry Graphite power.

 

Oh no, no. They would end up freezing anyways. I don't really want to put anything in there. I already found enough crap in there without anything being in there. I couldn't imagine how bad if would be if lubricant was in there. I like the duct tape idea but I wasn't sure if there was something else possibly?

 

Leave the tailgate at home during long trips.... Works for me....

I get home and put it back on and it's real clean...

 

I can't tell if thats sarcasm or not.