Ever since the weather got cold (but still above freezing), I've occasionally had a hard time opening my driver'* door with the key. I can turn it to the right (lock) as much as I want, but sometimes, it feels like if I turn it any harder to unlock, the key will snap off.

Tonight, it was so bad that I had to open my other door and hit the power lock, which isn't affected at all.

I had this problem about a month ago (but not this badly), so I used some dry graphite lube, which seemed to help a little. I also noticed the three bolts on the end of the door were very loose, so I tightened those up with a little blue Loctite.

Any tricks to get the locks turning smoothly before I start jumping over the console?

I once owned a brand new car that the trunk lock wouldn't turn no matter what I did. Graphite, WD-40, PB etc. Dealer ended up replacing the lock cylinder. You could have a failing cylinder.

i havent messed with it but if lubing the outside doesnt work, probably have to take the door skin off and mess with the bars on the inside

Spray something in there that will displace water and evaporate, then follow up with that graphite. If that doesn't work you should pull the inner trim panel off and see if there is anything out of place with the lock rods. The loose bolts could have caused something to bend. After all that, you are probably down to purchasing a new lock cylinder.

Based on the power locks functioning properly, my guess is you need a new lock cylinder, but it is certainly worth trying the other stuff.

I'll give it a shot of WD-40 when I can. Does anyone have a picture of what the lock rods should look like? I'm not familiar with the system.

Is it possible to replace just one lock and get it "reset" to match the key? I don't want to replace the locks on both doors, the trunk, and the ignition. I'd sooner swap cylinders with the passenger door.