Hey Everybody, kind of looking for a solid starting point.

The last month or so, it has been getting cold here in WI, and my drivers side locks are acting goofy. No remote start or key lock/unlock. When I go to unlock the door, it is really rough, and takes some finesse to get it to unlock. Same thing when you are getting out of the truck, when you hit lock, you hear all the locks going down, but it only moves the lock itself like 1/4 inch, so essentially not locking it, you have to manually push it down. Today coming out of work, I was completely unable to even unlock my drivers side door, was really tight feeling. Had to go in the passenger side.

Is there something I can lubricate, or change to allow that lock mechanism to slide freely. Guess looking for an easy fix, or any suggestions before I pull the door panel off and what not.

 

i would like to know this also as mine just get sticky and wd40 wears off

 

IMO you have to pull the inside panel off. Get some brake cleaner or solvent & clean the gunk/build up off all the bars that move when you hit the lock/unlock on the remote. Then liberally spray some good white lithium grease or Fluid Film around all of it & lock de-icer with lubricants in the key lock.
You may also have an issue with the plastic panels. When they get cold (remember physics in sckoole) Heat expands/cold contracts. The plastic may 'shrink" or flex a bit or just get stiffer than normal where the inside plastic lock lever moves. Look for witness marks or scuffs along it.
Fluid Film is great stuff - it doesn't dissipate readily, barely runs off a surface if at all, has a high heat temp before it burns off, leaves a protective film for damn near ever & it penetrates.

 

88 k5 sticking power locks

 

is fluid film carried at parts stores?

 

I had is same issue too. What I did was spray wd40 in/around the outside key lock an the lock slide on the inside door. Hasn't come back in weeks now.

 

So you did HALF the job. WD 40 is pretty versatile* and it's been used on door locks and latches for years but it is NOT a lubricant. It just frees and cleans things up.
Once the lock or latch starts working well, follow up in a day or two with some kind of non-petroleum lube.. like the fluid film Rottidog referred to. Or even silicone spray lube.

* While on subject, WD40 is not a good penetrating oil for rusted bolts, either. For that: PBblaster works great.
Actually if oyu only want to buy one, choose the PBBlaster.. down side of it is I dont think you want to get it on paint.