I think I have the same problem.  I took off my driver door handle and
brought it into a locksmith.  He said the tumblers (I think) are worn and
there is too much play. It took this whole process to realize that after
inserting, if the key is pushed rearward it works every time.  He
reluctantly offered to take apart and grind but that that was all he could
do and this might result in the lock being operable w/ a screwdriver. I
checked w/ a dealer and $60 for new lock cylinder. For now I'll live with
there being a 'trick' to it.  Maybe I'll explore a getting a new key.

-----Original Message-----
From: T. Thompson [mailto:tonyt_eye@NS.SYMPATICO.CA]
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2000 8:41 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Door Lock

Jim, my key wore out after a bunch of years and I couldn't open any locks. I
took the lock off the drivers door (very easy) and a good locksmith made new
keys for me which worked perfectly. The passenger door lock was a bit jammed
up so I removed it so he could clean it up. It only cost about 35.00 for the
whole thing and my keys work like new.

Tony 85GL "Westfailure"

Jim Cain wrote:

> >My drivers side door lock is not working with the key.  I have to
> >'jiggle' the key from neutral to lock and back and forth until the knob
> >slowly goes down into the lock position.  Is this fixable or do I have
> >to get a new lock?
>
> Try some liquid graphite spray for locks.  Get at auto parts or
> hardware store.  I use it about twice a year and loosens up the
> sticky locks and helps prevent freezing in Winter.
>
> Jim in Atlanta with Herbie, 85 Westy