I scrounged for those fuses 15 years ago in a jag scrap yard - thinking I may need them. Luckily I haven’t needed them

 

It does not lock with ease when using the key. It takes a little extra twist. For example , if anyone else tried to use a key to lock it , they will have an issue .

 

I think you have a problem with the door latch itself. They're often gummed-up. I'd begin by giving it a good cleaning with aerosol brake cleaner followed an aerosol lubricant (not WD40). Same for the linkage rods.

Cheers
DD

 

I took the door panel off again and sprayed away as advised l. How much play should there be in the contraption attached to the lock (where the key goes) that has the different rods going east /south North etc. it’s like a maze inside but there seems to be some play which I don’t think is how it should function. Basically a little play going to the left and right of the lock, which made me nervous and I didn’t want to damage anything in there bc there is no space to operate. When all was said and done- same result. I just feel like something needs to be tightened up in there.

 

Been too long since I was knuckle-deep in the door locks to remember the details.

Take off the trim panel on the opposite front door and observe how things look and operate. It might give a clue.

Cheers
DD