Door Lock Cylinder Experience

Son's 1996 X-cab driver's door lock (manual locks) wouldn't open using the key, but can be unlocked with the interior lock knob. I finally tackled the job today. Removed the door panel (only broke one retainer) and carefully peeled back the plastic to get to the door lock components. I also had to temporarily remove the rear window guide, because it also has a shield that covers the latch assembly. I sprayed everything liberally with silicone spray and worked the various rods and such to check for binding. After checking everything out, I think I narrowed it down to the key lock cylinder. It is not rotating far enough in either direction to activate the lever that moves the lock knob up or down. In comparison, the passenger door key lock rotates 45 degrees right or left (total of 90 degrees), and locks / unlocks the door using the key. The driver's door key lock only rotates about 30 degrees right or left (total of 60 degrees). Apparently something inside the cylinder is preventing the full rotation needed. I blew it out with compressed air, sprayed it with silicone spray, and even used dry graphite lube, but nothing increased rotation. I ended up using a zip tie to add additional leverage on the unlock side of the lever. It now works, as least to unlock with a key. The door will need to be locked manually with the knob.

Anyone else had a similar experience?

 

Worn key and or cylinder would be common, yes.
I bought my 2002 brand new. They gave me the standard key and 2 spares. Ive used the spare since day one. Got in it one day at work and wouldnt turn the ignition. (Different cylinder but you get the idea).

Had it towed home, found the original master key and worked like a charm.

Its prob just a wore out cylinder/key combination. Do you have a spare key to try in it?

 

Depending where you live a Locksmith should be able to put new wafers in the cylinder

Some places that can be cheap others cheaper to get a new cylinder depends on the area

Just how bad is the key worn ??

I am lucky to have good Locksmiths local.

 

I have the extra key (aftermarket) and my son has the original. Both appear to be in reasonable shape. I think it is the lock cylinder because the passenger side lock cylinder works as it should. My zip-tie repair should suffice for a while; when it wears out, it is an easier feat to replace it than to remove the lock cylinder.

 

Pardon me. Has anyone disassembled a door lock cylinder? I have a 1995 Tacoma and I can't open the door from the outside. I took the lock out but can't figure out how to take it apart?

 

With these lock cylinder problems I am guessing that lubricating was always tried first !!

Like any Mechanical device they do need some tender loving care .

Soak the complete cylinder in fuel oil if getting it rebuilt is not a option

Unless you have wafer kit I would not advise trying to take a lock cylinder apart

unless it is a learning experience .

 

Thanks for the warning. I have new locks on order. I read where someone took the lock apart
and removed the worn wafer to fix the lock. I wanted to see what is wrong with mine.