Solution for Locking Tailgate with Difficult to Turn Lock Core

Published 08/20/2015

Question:

I recently had your manual tailgate lock installed on my Tacoma. After a few trips on gravel roads, it appears that the dust has gotten into the lock. As the key and handle are difficult to operate. Ive tried using WD-40. Any advise on how to fix this and future occurences would be appreciated. Thanks!

asked by: Russell

Helpful Expert Reply:

What I recommend is to spray in a liberal amount of a penetrate and lubricant like WD-40 or PB Blaster. Let it work for about 15 minutes and then insert the key and try again. It may take a little more force than normal to get it to free up.

If it does not work the first time, do not despair. Spray more penetrate inside, wait another 15 minutes, and try again. With the straw on the aerosol can you should be able to direct it into the lock core. You can also try inserting the key several times (just straight in and straight out), after spraying lube in the core to try and allow the lube to get to all of the tumblers and free up.

expert reply by: Jameson C