I have a Ford Fiesta 2000 model (v-reg), and the driver's side lock tumblers seem to have slipped out of alignment, as the key will unlock the door, but is then incredibly difficult to remove, or turn back the other way. This comes and goes - sometimes the lock with work normally, and other times the key is almost impossible to remove without breaking it off in the lock. Can anyone help? Do I need to take the entire door panel off?

Kathryn Coleman, April 2007

HI,

your ford parts dept can sell you a lock barel kit which will fix your problem. Get the guy on the parts desk to assemble the lock barrel for you (they charge extra for this) if you are no good with puzzles as its is a little tricky. You will need a good (not worn) key with you so they can read the key code (the cuts on the key).

Then you will have to remove the door trim, the lock mechanism cover, the linkage, and the barel clip. then re assemble in reverse order fitting the new barel in place of the old.

Takes about 30 mins to strip down and 30 to re assemble. expect grazed knuckles.

kit cost around £35 depending on where you are.

best of luck!

BOB

bob smith, April 2007

this type of lock will lock with any key but will only unlock with the correct key. sounds like you will need to replace the lock which means that the door trim panel will have to be removed.take plastic membrane off with care (if it is damaged or not stuck on correctly it may rain into footwell) its also a good idea to check all locks with an incorrect key to make sure that they dont open - only lock.

k, April 2007