I am not sure of the defender mechanism but if it is anything like the 110 it could be door positioning from the hinge.
Land rover defender door lock problems.
There s one single clip thay may have broken meaning the door isn t unlocked as the rod pulling the locking mechanism isn t connected.
Back door lock repair defender central locking malfunction land rover defender repair series les sous titres en francais sont disponible dans les param.
This project started with a simple premise.
All i can say is good luck.
I ve just replaced two on my 110.
Those that love them and all of their archaic charm.
If so the latch is either faulty or needs adjustment.
Tolerate the leaks lack of power and precision swear up and down they are the best 4x4 ever built.
Then you have two types of owners.
You need to get into the inside of the door and it won t be easy.
But if you re still unable to turn the key that means the barrel handle is a t fault and needs replacing.
If the door still has the rain shield in place the view might not be very good.
If you re 100 per cent sure you re using the correct key try disconnecting the link rod from the door lock barrel does the key in the barrel then turn freely.
As i said though that is with my county 110.