I just ran into this problem , the key wouldn't work anyways. My door handles went out of adjustment and would no longer work from outside the truck. So I eyeballed how they worked , adjusted the clevis so it was good and snug , and presto ! smoothest working door handles ever. Then the lock got pushed down somehow and DAMN ! , doors wouldn't open because of the locking mechanism , key or otherwise . Turns out you need to have a little slop in the action of the opening rods. Loosened the clevis a few turns and everything works great now. What a serious PITA though , my cage blocks several of the screws holding the sheetmetal on. Plus working on a Bronco's door interior while the door is shut ..... need I say more.