Door locks only work with key inserted

I am replacing the door keys on my 1973 Maverick 2 door inline 6 (250). The drivers side one went fairly well other then the bruises from banging my hand/ arm on the metal door paneling. The passenger side won't lock or unlock unless the key is inserted. If I take the key out (door open or closed) it will no longer lock or unlock. I just picked up these locks (including ignition) from Melvin's Classic Ford Parts. I will call them tomorrow to see if they will send my a replacement but just wanted to check with the forum here and see if anyone had any ideas

 

You have a linkage rod issue...(Bent/backwards etc...) Or the problem is in the door latch assembly...Usually rusty frozen/worn components.Double check your install and lube the @#$! out if the latch aasembly and see what you get.

 

Interestingly the latch and rod work perfectly if the key is inserted. I don't see how that could be the problem. I'll take another look at it. I did lube the @#$%&! out of it

 

The linkage is supposed to be able to rotate the arm on lock a small amount, without turning lock tumbler(what has to be currently happening). Assuming new tumber is constructed as orig, the arm flips over for right or left hand usage.

 

I just received a new set of door locks and they have the opposite problem. The key will only come out in the "locked" position. It makes no sense to not be able to unlock the car and take the key out until you lock it again. There doesn't seem to be a neutral position. Also, the inside door knobs will not work freely unless the key is inserted. I will have to take the lock to a local locksmith and see if they have any advice.

I will update if I get this figured out

 

Agreed.

I pulled two "core" locks from a box of junkers I have, rekeyed each(and ign lock) to a pair of keys I had on hand. No idea what they were removed from, probably Torino or Galaxie, work perfectly.

 

With no key in in lock the linkage lever should be able to move approx 30*, this is what allows door to be locked or unlocked from inside.

 

That's the problem! It doesn't move hardly at all. Even without it connected to the rod. The old one has a lot of movement. I went to a locksmith today and he showed me the problem. I will try to attach a photo. The new logs don’t come with the same arm which has a little give. I can’t figure out why Melvins will send me a lock that does not have that spacing.

 

you can try swapping out the arms/levers and rod clip, that may solve your problem?
David

 

I did just that. I switched the arms and it looks like it is going to work fine. I will install and see.