Recently while I was working on my XJ I went to lock the driver-side door from the outside using my key like I usually do. However, this time the key was difficult to turn, kinda clanking as I turned it counter-clockwise. Now the lock feels like this all the time. What could be causing this issue?

 

I have two older Cherokees.
95 and 96
Power locks on the 95 lock all doors but won't unlock one.
When they unlock the are sluggish.

On the 96 the lock are manual, they are hard to lock/unlock inside and sometimes with the key one side will not unlock.

My guess is that for you and myself, the door lock mechanisms may need to be cleaned and lubricated.

They get dirty, and if there was any grease/lubricant on them as dirt builds up it gets nasty.


The clanky sound could be one of the rods or lever inside, could have come loose.

 

Thanks I will look into it, might need to replace them soon.. I'm looking into spraying them with some lubricant to see what happens.

 

only lubricate with silicone spray

 

ya mine doesn't unlock all the way im thinking they a little dirty and binding up on something... a cleaning is definitely due