99 Taurus Door/Trunk Lock

[hilary1220]

This is my first time posting here, and I've got a list of issues with this car. But with 250,000 miles on it, I guess I should be grateful.

For a couple of years, I haven't been able to get into trunk using the key; the key doesn't even turn in the lock. I have to pop the trunk from inside the car.

More recently, I have been having problems unlocking both doors, I have to turn the key left and right repetitively, until whatever is causing this problem, lets the door unlock.

And of course all this gets worse in the winter, when I can't tell if I am having this same problem, or if the lock is actually frozen!!!

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

Have you tried lubricating the lock cylinders with anything, such as silicon spray? If not, try that and see if that seems to help. If so, apply some powdered graphite lubricant to the lock cylinder and work it in with the key. Before putting the key in your purse or pocket, you'll want to wipe the graphite residue off it. The reason behind using these two types of lubricant is they are dry lubricants, so they won't freeze and won't attract dirt and grime.

-Rod

[hilary1220]

Rod-
Thanks for the welcome, and more importantly, thanks for the info. I will try both ideas - I think we have silicone spray here, so that'll be first. If it doesn't work, I'll try your other suggestion.

Have a great day!
Hilary