[s-cars] Door Lock/IR interaction. Does this make sense?

[Dave Forgie]

Over the past few weeks my IR remote locking/unlocking system has been
very intermittent.   I had to use the key in the door several times to
either open or lock the car.  On Friday past,  it acted up again but
when I put the key in the door (drivers side) I couldn't turn the key
either way (unlock or lock).  However, IF I pulled up on the door handle
and then tried the key, it worked (I don't have the lock heater - its a
93 - and I only pulled up for a second - so that isn't the answer).

So on the weekend,  I found the WD40 (mit der rot einspritzen) and gave
the key hole a coupe of shots.  This made the key work - which is what I
wanted.  Yeah!

However,  here is the wierd part: now the IR remote is working
consistently (barring the normal interference from fluorescent lights)

Why would making the lock cylinder turn easier, make the IR remote work?

Dave F.