I got sticky locks, especially the rear panel that gets used the most and particularly, maybe only if I remember right after adding the latch cover. When I try and open the latch it sticks and either need to pop it open with a knife/flathead or open the tailgate and open from inside.
I think this problem developed after the lock covers were installed on all my locks. Only the rear locks have trouble, and especially the driver side.
I noticed the worst offender had some material visible from inside that looked jammed in. Sure enough on disassembly the rubber washer was out of place and possibly contacting the swinging lock arm. After correcting the problem persisted.
Possible solution: I cleaned all the dust/lube out reassembled. The only thing that seemed to solve the problem was to back the pressure off a bit at the screw on the bracket that holds the lock assembly in place. I’d originally torqued down to try and pull lock in as much as possible. Backing the pressure off and making sure lock was centered helped. Lock is swinging free now.
Thanks for figuring this out. One of my locks has been sticking, and yep, began shortly after adding latch covers. Hoping this fixes mine as well; I’ll let you know.
The latch cover is designed to replace the original rubber gasket. Not sure how you have it set up, but you don’t need to run both the rubber gasket and the latch cover.
I had a similar problem. When I installed the GFC lock covers I first used brake cleaner [mostly acetone] to wash out the mechanism and then used compressed air to blast out any dust from before the lock covers were in place. Then I used Tri-Flo on the moving parts. The locks now click open smoothly. Probably not your problem, but you have to remove the thin factory lock gaskets before installing the GFC lock covers or the lock will sit too tall to function properly.
I switched out my whole assemblies to a different one and have full sets of the originals relatively new if anybody wants them happy to give them away, give me an address and I’ll send them to you
If you look at my posts, you can see what I switched to couple years ago no issues
Hi,
If you have a lock assembly that you could send I could really use it. One on mine has loosened up a lot, so I use a bungee cord to hold the panel closed. I have ordered new locks from GFC, but no idea when they will arrive. You can email me at samu and domain name cox.net
I had the same issue when I installed the covers. I thought it was the locks, but after ordering the new style replacement locks I had the exact same issue. It seems like the covers might be slightly thicker than the gaskets and because of that you have to back off the screw. Not an ideal fix, but it seems to be working.
I picked up my pro version and have the same issue on the back hatch without covers. I have to apply a little opening pressure at the distal edges to get them to pop open. Maybe lubrication will help. I was waiting to see if the lower gasket at the top of the tailgate just needed a little wear time.
I wish I knew this last weekend. I ended up removing the covers in the sides. Then I had to add a washer to make them work. Rear ones are fine, even with the thin gasket. I may try to deal with the side ones again. Thanks for the info.
I assumed I was having a dust problem in my V2 locks so I ordered lock covers from GFC. The key locks were getting glitchy. When I took off each lock I sprayed brake cleaner into all moving parts of the mechanism, using the application straw I put it into the key lock area through the metal key door, holding the mechanism vertically so the brake cleaner [acetone] would drain out. I then let it dry out and blasted everything with compressed air. Then applied Tri-Flo [powdered Teflon in a liquid carrier] onto all moving joints and into the lock tumblers. Then, with the lock in hand, I worked the key function to get Tri-Flo into the tumblers. Powdered lock graphite works well in dry climates, but can glop up in the wet-humid Western Washington weather, thus the use of Tri-Flo; the little plastic squeeze bottle, not aerosol. My problem was dust getting into the key mechanism. The GFC lock covers are about the same thickness of the original lock gaskets, so lock height in the side and back panels was not the problem for me. Cleaned and lubed, the locks seem to work better than new.
When I’m home, I use my compressor with a tiny nozzle to spray out my locks. I also have a couple half cans of compressed air (for computer keyboards, etc.). Recently sprayed out my locks after coming out after a couple weeks of camping/bowhunting. One weekend in big bear (So Cal). Left on Sat evening (9/8/24) after the fires make it extremely smoke with tons of ash. Last weekend up in nearby mountains. Lots of dust came out. And this is with covers. I’ll be spraying them out after each trip. Definitely worked better after spraying them out. I suspect the grit of the dust is making them a bit sticky.
