Door lock issues.....

[nosferatu49426]

I've searched for a while before posting, so here goes. I recently got a 98' extended cab ranger 4x4 for cheap. Had to replace both heads, they were cracked. Now that I'm driving it finding all the little things wrong. My question is, for some reason the key will not unlock either door. I'm wondering if that year came with 2 keys or if there is something else wrong that I could check for. Thanks for any info.

 

[straycat]

Do you have the PATS Key (security chiped)? Sounds strange, but another owner may have had to replace the Ignition switch and this key is different. The other owner may have lost the original keys. My 99 Ranger used the same key to open and start the truck. You might have to get the door locks keyed by a locksmith.

 

[ianyboy]

^^I'M going with Straycat. To the best of my knowledge, Rangers always had a single key.
I'm basing my opinion off the fact my buddy has a single key on his '94

 

[nosferatu49426]

Kind of what I thought, but I figured I would ask. Thanks for the answers.

 

[nosferatu49426]

Oh and no chipped key. Thank goodness.

 

[97RangerXLT]

may have been a poorly cut key. I had an extra made for my Ranger and it will not unlock the driver side lock most of the time. works just fine on the passenger side. the OEM keys work fine on both with no issues.

Stray might be on to something too, he may have replaced the ignition lock cylinder at some point and said heck with matching the locks.

I think Rangers started using single key systems in 94, maybe 93, but I think I have seen a 93 with two keys in the junkyard. before that it was separate key for the ignition and door locks.

AJ

 

[black_demon69]

just get door locks rekeyed and or get key made for door locks (good locksmith can read waffers and make a working key) then rekey the ign lock. which ever is the cheaper of the 2 options..

 

[Chris_North]

They sell door lock and ignition sets with keys. On ebay they're about $80. I'm not sure what's involved with changing out the ignition but door locks shouldn't be too bad. Even if you keep two keys, one for the ignition and one for the doors, at least you can lock your truck. I doubt there's a cheaper way of doing it.

My truck's driver door has always been kinda funky. I have a trick to unlock the door. I insert the key, pull the handle, turn the key to lock, then while releasing the handle turn the key to unlock. Otherwise I have trouble turning the key. I also have a few keys that unlock the doors okay, but are kinda funky in the ignition.

 

[black_demon69]

They sell door lock and ignition sets with keys. On ebay they're about $80. I'm not sure what's involved with changing out the ignition but door locks shouldn't be too bad. Even if you keep two keys, one for the ignition and one for the doors, at least you can lock your truck. I doubt there's a cheaper way of doing it.

My truck's driver door has always been kinda funky. I have a trick to unlock the door. I insert the key, pull the handle, turn the key to lock, then while releasing the handle turn the key to unlock. Otherwise I have trouble turning the key. I also have a few keys that unlock the doors okay, but are kinda funky in the ignition.

cheaper to rekey if you pull locks out yourself

 

[nosferatu49426]

So while sitting here eating breakfast I looked down and see this little "s" on the key. Would that mean spare?

 

[97RangerXLT]

I doubt it... hafta look at mine, but my guess is that the S is the type of key.

AJ

 

[97RangerXLT]

Yep, I think it is the key type.

the two on the right are original OEM keys that came with my truck when the previous owner bought it brand new in 1997 (My parents, so I am 100 percent sure on this) they both have the S stamped on it. the one on the left I had walmart make 5 or 6 years ago, and it is somewhat missmatched, it is the one that doesnt unlock the driver door every now and then, but unlocks the passenger door just fine. both of the OEM keys have no issues unlocking either door.

AJ

 

[nosferatu49426]

Ok. Thanks.

 

[black_demon69]

So while sitting here eating breakfast I looked down and see this little "s" on the key. Would that mean spare?

that there key is a ford 8 cut lol

 

[nosferatu49426]

Well, apparently the key does work the lock. It just exceptionally finicky. I have to get it just right and then it will turn. So for now at least I can use the locks with patients. [emoji16]