Security Locks

[David & Ann]

I have a problem trying to open the lock as shown in the picture attached. The key turns in the lock and unlock position easily. The plunger/lever under the lock when pulled down should release the "D" shaped bar to move. The plunger/lever will not budge. My thoughts are: Plunger/lever stuck due to excessive salt errosion (live by the sea) Or the lock cylinder is not unlocking even though the key turns in lock/unlock position. I would appreciate your advice and thoughts as to how to get the lock or plunger/lever to move so I can get the front door open.☺☺ I have tried WD40 and other lubricants. No success.

 

[A KIRK]

Brute force, try using a piece of heavy duty string, wrap around the punger, leave a huge loop lower down for you to put your foot into, then use your body weight to force the punger.
Failing that can you get a crow bar between the plunger and the lock to force it down>

 

[Northerner]

I had one on my last 'van and the fixing bolts were easily accessible from inside. If this is the case could you remove the bolts and take it off? It must be easier to fix if it's off and you could even take it to a locksmith if you're stuck. And you'll be able to use the habitation door as well!

 

[Deleted member 5759]

Would agree with Notherner, unbolt it from the inside.

Peter

 

[BearHug]

Yeah, it happens all the time to me when the van is left for a couple of weeks.
I agree, brute force then, as I do I grease it up heavy.

 

[David & Ann]

I had one on my last 'van and the fixing bolts were easily accessible from inside. If this is the case could you remove the bolts and take it off? It must be easier to fix if it's off and you could even take it to a locksmith if you're stuck. And you'll be able to use the habitation door as well!

That was my first thought. Unfortunately, I cannot do that as the cab doors dead locked from inside. There is no way of getting into the MH from the outside, unless I break a window to climb in☺☺☺ Thanks anyway. Much appreciated for your suggestion.

 

[David & Ann]

Would agree with Notherner, unbolt it from the inside.

Peter

I think I will try using brute force. Problem is, I have forgotten which is the open position for the lock key. Is it Horizontil or Vertical. (Open position please) Please adivce. Thanks.


Edit: The key hole slot, which position for OPEN. Thanks

 

[David & Ann]

Brute force, try using a piece of heavy duty string, wrap around the punger, leave a huge loop lower down for you to put your foot into, then use your body weight to force the punger.
Failing that can you get a crow bar between the plunger and the lock to force it down>

Thanks Kirk, I have tried it, but very little to no space to create a leverage.

 

[Northerner]

That was my first thought. Unfortunately, I cannot do that as the cab doors dead locked from inside. There is no way of getting into the MH from the outside, unless I break a window to climb in☺☺☺ Thanks anyway. Much appreciated for your suggestion.

This is just idle curiosity but why can't you enter through the cab doors? Do they only deadlock from inside? My Transit based motorhome has deadlocks but they'll open on the remote control, or with the key presumably, although I've never needed to use that option.

As I said, it's just curiosity and to extend my fund of knowledge, I'm sure you know what you're doing.

 

[David & Ann]

This is just idle curiosity but why can't you enter through the cab doors? Do they only deadlock from inside? My Transit based motorhome has deadlocks but they'll open on the remote control, or with the key presumably, although I've never needed to use that option.

As I said, it's just curiosity and to extend my fund of knowledge, I'm sure you know what you're doing.

Hi Northerner, picture shows the cab dead lock from inside. It is on both doors. Thanks for your suggestion.

 

[Northerner]

Hi Northerner, picture shows the cab dead lock from inside. It is on both doors. Thanks for your suggestion.

Thanks for that. An after-fitted deadlock, hadn't even thought of that! Have you sought advice on opening a window? My 'van isn't handy for me to check but I would have thought that getting a thin 'jimmy' up the front of the window and pushing the locking levers may be quite easy.

Windows seem to be the weakest point on a typical motorhome. Perhaps someone else can help in this respect? I wouldn't be too keen on the brute force issue myself as you may well do some damage.

 

[helmit]

fiamma door lock

Hi on my Fiamma lock like yours the key slot is vertical when unlocked. Hope this helps. Regards Helmit

 

[Deleted member 5759]

If you are still having problems please call Glenn, my service manager or Ian in Parts on Monday and ask them, they will be happy to help you
01-580-883061 is the workshop direct line.

Peter

 

[David & Ann]

Hi on my Fiamma lock like yours the key slot is vertical when unlocked. Hope this helps. Regards Helmit

Thanks Helmit, That is precisely what I wanted to know. Now I can use the brute force technic. One more question, Is it possible that although I turn the key to open, the levers within the lock are not being turned to OPEN position, or is that not posible? Any advice please.

 

[David & Ann]

If you are still having problems please call Glenn, my service manager or Ian in Parts on Monday and ask them, they will be happy to help you
01-580-883061 is the workshop direct line.

Peter

Thank you Peter.

 

[David & Ann]

Thanks for that. An after-fitted deadlock, hadn't even thought of that! Have you sought advice on opening a window? My 'van isn't handy for me to check but I would have thought that getting a thin 'jimmy' up the front of the window and pushing the locking levers may be quite easy.

Windows seem to be the weakest point on a typical motorhome. Perhaps someone else can help in this respect? I wouldn't be too keen on the brute force issue myself as you may well do some damage.

Hi Northerner, the picture of the inside dead lock is permanently locked with a key from the inside. I would need to jemmy the window as far to get my hands inside and unlock the dead lock with a key. Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[Deleted member 16973]

I have the same problem - except mine is locked open TG

Is your lock a Fiamma one, like mine? I too can't remember if vertical or horizontal position of key is open. I wonder if Fiamma would tell us? I will try brute force in the am!!

Peter

 

[oldish hippy]

ok here we go drastic measure last resort insert piece of board behind d shape angle grinder through dshape dont think hacksaw will do it might do that way you will get lock off without damage to body work or try drilling down through the lock wont be easy as hardened steel i think ok this is last resort then unbolt from inside could fit lock like front door lock see other post on abus lock on here for detail of the lock that you have fitted in the front i posted link to the web site

 

[David & Ann]

ok here we go drastic measure last resort insert piece of board behind d shape angle grinder through dshape dont think hacksaw will do it might do that way you will get lock off without damage to body work or try drilling down through the lock wont be easy as hardened steel i think ok this is last resort then unbolt from inside could fit lock like front door lock see other post on abus lock on here for detail of the lock that you have fitted in the front i posted link to the web site

Hi Oldish Hippy, Thanks for your suggestion. I will be away for a few days as from tomorrow, so will give it one more try when I return on Wednesday. If I fail, then I will saw of the "D" shape swing bar. This way I can get into my MH. Unbolt the rest of it and refit an identical "D" shape swing bar. Doing this I use the same holes made for it. I am not keen on having to fill holes and drill other holes for another make of Lock. Your idea of cutting off the "D" shape bar is interesting. Thanks. I did post a request where perhaps the levers in the lock was not working even if the key turns to the Open position. I was hoping I would have someone advise me on that point. Grinding of the bar is a last resort.

 

[David & Ann]

Sorry to hassle you Folks. Back after 3 days and still have the Fiamma lock problem. As said in previous post, no problem turning the lock key to close and open position. I suspect that the levers within the lock are not releasing when I unlock. Is that possible??? Your thoughts & suggestions please.