As the title states, my key turns well counterclockwise on both doors so it easily unlocks the passenger door and locks the drivers door. With multiple attempts it will turn clockwise on the drivers door to unlock it, but on the passenger door it will never turn clockwise to lock it. I just got the truck and have tried both keys. They both behave the same. Any ideas to what’s going on? Any solutions?

 

You probably should pull he door panel and take a look at the linkage. There is plastic retainers that holds the rods from the lock set, that maybe worn and binding.

 

Thanks, Lon. I’ll try to take a look at it this weekend. I bet you can’t buy those parts any longer

 

You can buy them at most well stocked auto parts store. AutoZone has them, Dorman part # 75451 might be the right size

 

I didn’t realize you meant that retainer. I am familiar with those. I was thinking it would be more complex than that. I hope that’s all it is. I might try to pull the panel tonight

 

After liberal amounts of spray lube (some gun cleaning stuff), the passenger lock cylinder finally started working. When I got the truck, it didn't work at all--lock or unlock.

 

How do I pull the interior panel of the door? I need to remove the screws at the handle and armrest, but how are the clips fastened?

 

The clips themselves are a springy, bent steel and they clip into the cardboard door panel. DO NOT JUST YANK THE DOOR PANEL(S) OFF! That 35+ year old cardboard is all dried out and will literally crumble if you try to do this. Plus, the clips do not like to come out of the holes in the door easily. You MUST use a trim tool (like about $8 at Harbor Freight for a whole set) to gently pry each clip out of the door. or you risk destroying the cardboard door panel. My door panels were trashed from abuse by previous owners, and I considered having brand new panels made by an upholstery shop. But, the cost was prohibitive. Just go easy and eventually the door panel will come loose. Then just fold it up and tape it to the top of the door--no need to unclip it at the window. The biggest mistake people make is trying to install bigger speakers in the doors. BAD idea, as there's no depth to accommodate a larger speaker that is deeper--won't work without cutting away a bunch of metal. Grease each clip before re-installing to make things easier next time, and there WILL be a next time.

OK, the door panels are NOT really cardboard, but are some funky pressed fiber stuff. They are still all dried out and almost crumble when touched. USE CAUTION!