Door Lock Won't Accept Key!

[deejay1272]

Hi all,

Unfortunately my Tercel was burglarized a few weeks ago (strangely, nothing was taken) and ever since, I've had no ability to use my key to open my driver's side door. (I would imagine that the thief used a slim-jim to get access since no windows were smashed.) The little flap that normally depresses when you put the key in the key hole doesn't allow my key to go in (despite heavy WD40 lubrication). Any ideas about how to fix this problem?

[takza]

Use a fine pick to try and move it out of the way? Not too difficult to replace those cylinders.

[Petros]

removing this lock is pretty easy, you remove the inner door liner (several screws around the handles, and a bunch of pop off clips), and you slip the lock retainer off the back, remove the linkage and it is out. Once out of the door you can work on better, likely something broke off inside. If you can clear it it should work again. If that does not work just swap the lock with the passenger side lock.

Good luck.

[Neu]

Dont forget that annoying clip on the window crank. Gah i hate those things.

[deejay1272]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Hopefully this will be a relatively easy fix

[takza]

While you have the door panel off...good idea to lube everything in sight and tighten screws...adjust the tracks?

[deejay1272]

While you have the door panel off...good idea to lube everything in sight and tighten screws...adjust the tracks?

I just did this about 3 months ago. Ha! I suppose it never hurts to realign the window tracks (those things are really annoying!)