I've owned my 2002 Disco II for 10 years and I can't recall ever having previously tried the front door lock. I always had the remote to unlock the door. However, the other day I misplaced my key/remote and went to my spares, which don't have a remote, only to find that when I put them in the door lock they didn't open the door. When I eventually got the key with the remote, I found that one would not engage the lock either.

When I place the key in the driver's side door lock it doesn't seem to go all the way in, or at least not like it goes into the ignition. It is almost like it hits a wall. I try turning the key, but it really won't move either way and I don't want to break the key off. I tried spraying lube into the door lock but that does not seem to have had any effect, other than a big mess.

A couple other notes: all keys I have are not original and all of the keys will work in the ignition.

I know of no other locks on my Disco II to try the keys. Is there another lock someplace to try the keys? Is there anything else I can do to try and get the door lock to work so that if the remote fails I can still get in the vehicle?

Thanks in advance!

 

Unfortunately the driver's door is the only external lock on the Disco 2. That's why so many of us have the broken lock pin issue. I just replaced mine with one from Abran on the forums, only to find out I have an issue similar to yours. I did a search on the forum and my best guess is that the last tumbler in the lock, which apparently is a cast aluminum or iron, rather than brass, has broken or otherwise jammed. I can unlock the door but only with a lot of wiggling and risk of breaking my key.

I'm going to pull the lock apart again soon and check that tumbler. Apparently it can be removed entirely and the lock will retain functionality (I would assume it is just that slight bit less secure). It's easy to pull the handle and locking mechanism out of the door, I've just gotten so used to leaving the driver's door unlocked that I haven't gotten around to it.

 

[QUOTE= It's easy to pull the handle and locking mechanism out of the door,[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the feedback. When you say it is easy, do I have to remove the door panel like I'm replacing the actuator or is there another way to do it?

 

There is a torx screw in the door jam. Remove that. Then push the handle mechanism forward to unseat it. Then you can partially take it out. If you end up needing to replace the pin you will probably have to remove the door handle. You can do it without it, but it's a lot of trial and error. I spend 2x as long trying to do it that way then it would have taken to just take the panel off initially.

 

Thanks AKRover! I removed that torx screw and partially removed the lock set. This allowed me access to see the key entering the lock and to directly try and lubricate the mechanism. Forgive my ignorance, but I'm not sure what I'm exactly looking for. I insert the key and see it enter the tumbler, the pins surround it, but I can't get it to budge. How do I know if one of the pins is broken and how would I remove the pins? I've taken some pics below.

 

Could it be possible that the previous owner changed the ignition and the key never worked for the handle?

 

I suppose it is possible, but the original owner had all of his vehicle records (I'm the second owner) and I didn't see anything in there about it. You're right though that it acts like it isn't the correct key.

 

Its pretty common for owners to do this as the ignitions become worn out and they just replace that without taking the time to source a matching set and install it.

 

Thanks, Abran. The LR was only 5 years old when I got it, but, again, anything is possible. If so, how hard is it to replace the door lock with a new one? I realize that I'd need another key, but that is better than right now where no key works.

I suppose I could also just get a backup FOB but I'd really like to have another way to get into the vehicle should something fail.

 

I have never just changed the lock, only the whole handle.

its pretty easy. Maybe search for an ignition door lock combo on eBay then sell your ignition to recoup some of your costs.