rear hatch lock issue

[mcope514]

New guy here. I have enjoyed reading all of the useful info on t4r so far, so I thought I'd throw a question out there. I recently purchased a used 2006 SR5 with about 160,000 miles. I'm having an issue with the lock on my rear hatch, and have been unable to find any similar issues searching here and google.

Simply, when I try to unlock the back hatch with my key, the lock wont budge. As such, I'm also unable to roll the window down with the key. However, I AM able to LOCK the hatch, and the rest of the doors, by turning the key in the lock on the hatch. In short, the key will turn clockwise, but not counter. Obviously, the remote eliminates the need to unlock it with the key, but I would like to have that functionality if my remote is ever on the fritz or lost.

The window/motor are functioning, because I can roll it down with both the remote and the switch on the dash, but I don't see how that would have any bearing on the function of the lock, anyway. I don't believe the key to be faulty because it works in the driver side door lock, will lock the hatch, and works in the glove box, and the ignition. The only thing it will not do is unlock the hatch/roll down the window. My inclination is that the lock cylinder is malfunctioning, but before I go tearing into it, I wanted to throw this out there and see if anyone has experience a similar issue. Things I have yet to try: graphite in the cylinder, having a new key cut.

Thanks in advance! Y'all have already helped me fix some common, simple issues, so I'm a huge fan of the site.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Try some graphite in the key cylinder, also does your key work in the door?

 

[mcope514]

Try some graphite in the key cylinder, also does your key work in the door?

Going to try some graphite as soon as I can get by the store and pick some up tomorrow. I'm hoping it's something as easy as that.

The key does work in the door, which leads me to believe the lock cylinder on the hatch has worn out or is otherwise not working correctly. The only thing that confuses me is that I can lock, but not unlock.

Also, for reference, the hatch lock functions when the button on the door or remote is pushed. Only when using the key does it not want to unlock.

 

[mcope514]

Well, the graphite had no effect. I have to pick up some AC panel lights from the dealer tomorrow, so I might run it by the service department and see if they have an opinion. I also have a key blank that needs to be cut, so I might see if the dealer will cut it from their records without charging a small fortune and try that.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Well, the graphite had no effect. I have to pick up some AC panel lights from the dealer tomorrow, so I might run it by the service department and see if they have an opinion. I also have a key blank that needs to be cut, so I might see if the dealer will cut it from their records without charging a small fortune and try that.

They should be able to cut it via VIN and get you a fresh key for not too bad if you want a non-chipped key for testing.

 

[mcope514]

They should be able to cut it via VIN and get you a fresh key for not too bad if you want a non-chipped key for testing.

Stopped by the dealer today. They wouldn't cut me a key to my VIN because the address on my license didn't match the address on my registration, which was frustrating. But, I explained my issue when the parts clerk offered to trace the key, and he took a look at the lock. After a minute or two of fiddling with it and being braver than me at how much stress the key could take, he got it to turn. Simple problem of the lock seizing up after not being used enough.

Thanks for the feedback, BlackWorksInc.

 

[wyanrard]

Stopped by the dealer today. They wouldn't cut me a key to my VIN because the address on my license didn't match the address on my registration, which was frustrating. But, I explained my issue when the parts clerk offered to trace the key, and he took a look at the lock. After a minute or two of fiddling with it and being braver than me at how much stress the key could take, he got it to turn. Simple problem of the lock seizing up after not being used enough.

Thanks for the feedback, BlackWorksInc.

Guy at the parts counter kinda sounds like a dick. I know my parts guys really well and even before I know them well all I needed for a key cut was the registration. Weird. I'm having the similar problem with the lock not turning , might try to fiddle with it tonight and see if i can get it working.

 

[mcope514]

Guy at the parts counter kinda sounds like a dick. I know my parts guys really well and even before I know them well all I needed for a key cut was the registration. Weird. I'm having the similar problem with the lock not turning , might try to fiddle with it tonight and see if i can get it working.

It was certainly annoying, but it overall it seemed like it was out of his hands due to protocol. He had offered to cut it for free, when another dealer said they would charge me just to even cut it. Given the outcome, though, I can't be too upset.

If you're having a similar problem to what I described, you might be able to get yours to free up just with a little persistence. The graphite didn't seem to have any effect when I used it, but perhaps driving around for a day allowed it to settle into the lock some. You might try that. I would turn the lock until the key started to flex a bit and get nervous and back off. He seemed to put a little more pressure on it than I did. Maybe the best approach is to get your friends at the dealer to mess with it so if they break a key, they can fix it.

 

[wyanrard]

It was certainly annoying, but it overall it seemed like it was out of his hands due to protocol. He had offered to cut it for free, when another dealer said they would charge me just to even cut it. Given the outcome, though, I can't be too upset.

If you're having a similar problem to what I described, you might be able to get yours to free up just with a little persistence. The graphite didn't seem to have any effect when I used it, but perhaps driving around for a day allowed it to settle into the lock some. You might try that. I would turn the lock until the key started to flex a bit and get nervous and back off. He seemed to put a little more pressure on it than I did. Maybe the best approach is to get your friends at the dealer to mess with it so if they break a key, they can fix it.

Good plan!