Door latch problems

[Juddog]

Ok here's the deal: My old mazda 626, 1996 is having issues with it's door latch. By latch I mean the whole mechanism that controls what happens after you turn the key.

The part that you actually grab with your finger to pull up or push down is very slow to do either. The lock itself seems ok and I had it replaced last year, and keep it lubricated using a graphite spray that I bought from the locksmith. So the key enters no problem, but when it comes to actually turning the key it becomes difficult.

The colder the car is, the more difficult it is to turn the key. I have literally gone through several keys by turning it so hard to get the lock open that I bent the key. What I've been doing as a workaround is carrying a battery powered lock warmer, which is basically a little metal thing I stick in there that heats up and thaws it out so I can turn it.

What I'm trying to figure out is where do I have to get to, or what do I have to do, to get the latch mechanism easy to lock / unlock again? I have to literally use so much force to get it open that I'm afraid I'm going to break it. Assuming that I have to buy a part to replace it, how hard is it to replace the part? I'm not sure if I'm using the correct term.

 

[PottedMeat]

With the door open, pry off the inner door panel / plastic with a flat tip screwdriver ( if that's how they fastened the thing ) and play with the entire locking mechanism. Examine any lever, joints, etc. that would resist movement. Look for wear on the parts. If you're lucky it's just some part that needs to be lubricated.

 

[Juddog]

With the door open, pry off the inner door panel / plastic with a flat tip screwdriver ( if that's how they fastened the thing ) and play with the entire locking mechanism. Examine any lever, joints, etc. that would resist movement. Look for wear on the parts. If you're lucky it's just some part that needs to be lubricated.

Can I use the same graphite lubricant that I use for the lock, or should I use a light oil like Marvel's mystery oil?

 

[PottedMeat]

I would try the dry graphite first, just make sure you jiggle the whole mechanism and find the problem. But it seems like if you're destroying keys turning the lock maybe a part has disintegrated or cracked or worn down.


note: if you care at all about how the panel looks, be careful prying it off - maybe put some electrical tape around the screwdriver tip.

 

[boomerang]

White lithium grease may be a better choice. You can get it in a spray can.

 

[Squisher]

If you decide to open up the door, look to see if maybe the rubber/felt seal next to the window is allowing water to get to the mechanism.

 

[Juddog]

All excellent suggestions, thanks! I haven't pried off the side panel yet but I've seen someone else do it when they were replacing my side view mirror.