G'day All,

Running a 1997 Verada Xi and up to 330,000 kms virtually trouble free. Long dispensed with the remote key fob but yesterday I was unable to lock the drivers door (and hence the central locking system) with the key in the usual manner. The key just would not turn. Locked the car successfully via the passenger door. This morning neither lock will turn when I try to use the key. Central locking works fine from inside the car, with all door locks functioning, just not able to turn the key in the lock to complete the process from outside! Any ideas from your great wealth of knowledge?

The lock cyl in the drivers door has jammed.

Each of the tumblers use little springs, and these need a lubricant, mitsubishi uses silicone based grease. so try that.

Mike

Many thanks Mike. Would putting the lubricant on the key and inserting in the lock be a way to achieve this, or does the lock itself have to be accessed? Just asking as I'm not what would be called a competent mechanic!Completely useless would not even be a close accurate description.

Just buy a tin of spray silicone grease, and then put it in the hole and spray. Then try turning the key. What I imagine has happened is that one of the springs has either dropped or become jammed.

Try some ezyglide or other pressure pack lubricant http://www.selleys.com.au/home-cleaning/lubricants/rp7 - make sure you clean off any excess that makes its way onto the paintwork.
Could also talk to your local locksmith to see what they recommend.

Cheers

If it is not too late wear wise, the silicon spray lube can with the extension nozzle works a treat. Put lots in, then work the key gently. Remove the key, and a lot of wear material and lube comes out. Wipe it off on a rag, and repeat until the key comes out clean.
If there is so much wear on the tumblers to tip them over, this won't work.

Good idea to do this lube/clean sequence with all your locks, even if they work ok, to remove abrasive wear material. Do mine every couple of years.

Many thanks to all. Will get some lubricant later today and advise how it went.

Thanks again.

DONT use WD40 or similar as it will destroy the lock in months, locksmiths love people who do this

Try Inox lubricant if you can get it or if all else fails you can swap the barrel from the pass side to the drivers side

Looks like the drivers door lock is well stuffed - can't even get the key in now. Intermittent locking via the passenger door at present. Will investigate "new" lock. Thanks again for the help.

Just swap passenger and driver door locks.
A "new" lock (assuming from a wreckers?) would need the key to go with it.

If the lock is stuffed, grab any one from a wrecker, and rekey it to the old key. PM me on how to do this.

Mike