Door lock, attempted break in?

[Drawnnite]

lately ive been having trouble with my drivers door lock.
i know i still have the old wire problem which i need to figure out (when i get the time) but that should not effect this

I should be able to use the key manually with no troubles whatsoever.

instead sometimes (1 in 4 or 5 times) the key will not open the door lock even with some force. it can turn but not unlock the door at times, this does unlock the passenger side door
it used to work 100% fine as i always deadlocked the car, but it feels as though someone has tried to break in to the car as the lock is having trouble budging

i do hope people havent tried to break into my car and stuffed up the lock in the process. so do you guys have any ideas?

[A.C.COOKIE]

I am not an expert or anything and I don't claim to be, I would maybe check the wiring around the drivers door actuator and see if there is a bad connection.

[Drawnnite]

ill have a look this weekend, finally have enough time off to pull it apart.
it may just be the shaft is getting jammed, but it does seem strange that it isnt working how it should seeing its a simple motion

[Calaber]

Drawnnite

The linkages can get stiff with age and your car is getting on in years. It might be something as simple as lubricating the door lock and linkage assembly. The key lock can also get very dry and accumulates small quantities of dirt and worn brass inside, which can stiffen or jam the lock barrel. As a quick fix, try spraying WD40 into the keyhole, then insert the key and operate the lock a few times with the door open. If that doesn't work, you could remove the door trim and oil the linkages between the barrel and the lock and spray some WD40 into the back of the lock itself to help free it up.

WD40 is only a temporary lubricant. so if it helps to free things up, you should then apply some heavier oil to the lock and spray colloidal graphite into the door lock as that is the proper lubricant for lock barrels and tumblers.

[hako]

As above.....I'd remove trims as well as the lock and linkages get wet just about everytime it rains and rust badly. I prefer to use a Lanolin spray which leaves a coating of lanolin behind. Double check that the microswitch part of the lock is not starting to crack or otherwise disintegrate as heat makes the microswitch very brittle. I've attached a pic of the setup so you'll know what to look for. Good Luck.

[Drawnnite]

thanks for the info guys.
im sure my grandad has some of the graphite sitting around, ill grab it off him.
this weekend ill pull the whole trim off, need to check some other problems aswell.
thanks for the pic hako, it will definately help alot.

ill let you know how it all goes.

[haloeight]

Definately use graphite in the lock rather than a mineral oil. The mineral oil will free it initially but will build up scum and dirt. You'll have a worse problem later as that turns into a lovely grinding paste.

[Drawnnite]

ok, grabbed some graphite powder, used it and it turned out great.
i was also told instead of using graphite powder you can grab a grey lead pencil and use that.

also just to let you know about WD40, it isnt very good for lubricating.
i found this out the hard way with my bike. it is like a degreaser, thus eating away at any lubrication
and making chains wear out quicker