Ford Escort: Unlocks but doesn't lock from driver side

GvidoR

I picked up a nice little Ford Escort a few days ago, very happy with it, but it has a little problem.

It unlocks from both sides but locks only from passenger side. Any idea what could the problem be?

Kimbot

Is the barrel damaged on the drivers side?

GvidoR

Hmm, I don't know. How can I tell?

colm_mcm

Try oiling it.
Is it remote locking or just using the key?

GvidoR

Yeah, I was thinking about spraying some WD40 in there but thought I'd ask first.

No remote, just using the key. At least it has central locking, unlike the Punto.

martinr5232

Does the drivers door lock ?? If it does its likely the lock thats faulty if not the door barrell or key is likely the culprit.

GvidoR

martinr5232 wrote: »

Does the drivers door lock ?? If it does its likely the lock thats faulty if not the door barrell or key is likely the culprit.

That's the thing.

Driver door: Unlocks, doesn't lock.
Passenger door: Locks and unlocks.

martinr5232

GvidoR wrote:

Driver door: Unlocks, doesn't lock. Passenger door: Locks and unlocks.

Sounds like a worn key or door barrell spray some freeing oil into it but it depends how far gone it is.
Try going to a locksmith and getting a key cut will only cost a few quid.

NickDunne

GvidoR wrote: »

That's the thing.

Driver door: Unlocks, doesn't lock.
Passenger door: Locks and unlocks.

ANY Ford tibbe key will lock any tibbe lock. Try to lock it with a completely different key, if it locks fine, your original key is worn. If not, the wafers in the barrel are worn. Since the pax one works fine I'm guessing the drivers barrel is fooked. I'm not actually sure if Ford still do barrel rebuild kits tbh

GvidoR

Upon some further inspection, the key turns as much on the driver side as it does on the passenger side. I guess this means I'll have to take the door card off and see if something has come loose?

martinr5232

If its locking nothing has come loose its either a worn key or a worn barrell.
Get a new key cut or ask a locksmith is your key worn.

GvidoR

Since the key locks the car from the other side it's more likely that the barrel is worn. The seller said he has a spare key which he will post to me, so I'll wait for that first but any idea how much replacing the barrel would cost?

martinr5232

GvidoR wrote:

Since the key locks the car from the other side it's more likely that the barrel is worn. The seller said he has a spare key which he will post to me, so I'll wait for that first but any idea how much replacing the barrel would cost?

Its possible that the key is worn and the drivers barrell is slightly worn and the passenger barrell would be brand new because it hasnt been used.
Try your new key and you will know.

ongarite

My first car was a Fiesta from that vintage with the same style key and locks.
The barrels on the drivers and eventually passengers door wore out and had to be replaced.