1.6 F key operated door locks

Hi, recently got my MGF mot’d after it had been stood for 5 years with no clutch(only one year with me), the last hurdle is the door locks. Been a poverty spec F you have to use a key. You can lock the car with the key but it is a bit hit and miss whether it will unlock again. Leaving the roof down you can’t lift the buttons to get in. Is there an easy fix to sort this or am I best purchasing a steering / gear-lever type lock. I am apprehensive about leaving the car unlocked all day whilst out. Any help gratefully received. Thanks for reading Nick

Sounds like the door card needs to come off for further investigation..have you tried lubricating the lock to see if it makes a difference.

You say hit and miss; so it does work sometimes. Could it be a worn key and/or lock barrel? Do you have another key to use and is it the same with this?
Also check the door strike to see if it has moved.

Mr Bluestreak might have hit on something there as when I replaced my drivers door handle recently I had to remove the lock barrel and took great care to lubricate the barrel in the new handle . Gave the latch a good oiling also and it has made a world of difference.
John