I have a 1976 short bed and both side door locks are “locked/jammed”. the key fits in the slot but does not turn. when i close doors they unlock the lock mechanism so i keep the pass side locked and cannot lock the driver side. idk if i should get locks on eBay, under the assumption if i got new locks my door key would differ from the ignition key. Which I really don’t want. i sprayed WD40 in the lock and tried to loosen it with the key, to no avail.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated!

 

You have to lift the outside door handle “up” when you close the door if you want the door to stay locked. If your key doesn’t turn the lock (try with door open first) you want to get that fixed BEFORE you lock the door as explained above.
Pull your inside door panel and check the linkage attached to the lock cylinder. See if it’s binding up or maybe just needs to be lubricated. Work it manually by hand to see if you can get it to function. Lock and unlock the door using the lock button, then try your key.

 

Sounds like...

1. The key doesnt work for the lock cylinders.(tip: the driver side cylinder has a code that will help the locksmith make new keys easier)

2. You need to hold the outer handle in the pulled position as you close it with the lock engaged. Try it with the window open. If you dont hold the handle open it will unlock the door.

 

This is super late, but I had the same problem recently. Blasted the lock and linkage with garage door lubricant and had a new key cut (locksmith could actually still see the numbers on the original key). The passenger lock is still not unlocking, but the drivers side is working great. Note: don’t use WD-40 to lubricate moving parts, it dries into a sticky film that will do the opposite of what you want. Spray it on your chrome to keep it from rusting during the wet months, that’s where it does the most good.