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All the high security locks (reverse cut keys) on my car broke. When I got the car only the drivers side door lock was messed up. Then the truck and passenger side locks also broke and I was locked out. Why does this always seem to happen at the worst possible time? I thought it would be no big deal to fix at first. Then I tried to remove all the replacement parts at the junkyard. Those pull it yourself places are a great place to learn. Destroy the entire door on a junk car instead of your own car. There's a C clip in the door that you can't see. The best way I found out was to use a flat blade screwdriver to push on the clip. Then use the pick set from harbor freight ($1.99) to pick the opposite side of the clip. It will go flying and get lost so get some extra clips while at the junkyard. It takes awhile but it's not that hard to remove the door locks. The trunk lock can be swapped out in about 45 seconds. It's just 2 bolts and a plastic clip. So if your locks are going at least fix the trunk real quick before you get totally locked out of the car. Then about a year later my ignition key started acting up. Easy fix is just to swap the whole assembly. Back to the junkyard. I used a cold chisel and hammer to remove the tamper proof bolts. And tucked my old antenna ring (immobilizer) and key behind the plastic column trim. The cars original key is always present. I carry 2 keys, a thin (2001 style) key and a fat (2005 style) key on my key ring. Hope this helps and saves you all some cash.
Nice. What were the symptoms of the ignition lock failing, just not turning anymore? I've also replaced my drivers side lock, seems like a common problem.
It felt just a little too hard to insert. Then when I parked and removed the key I could again feel something was wrong. Never could get it to turn again. Tried for awhile to oil it and jiggle it around and all. Could be a good idea to have the parts ready to swap out. And "flat blade screwdriverfy" those tamper resistant bolts in case this happens to you while your out someplace.
Replaced all the keys the easy (cheap) way
