[Michael]

Do you have a air lock release button for your Bays? I would try that

[Gary]

I do but it doesn’t affect this bay

[needtocamp]

Try shooting some 3 in 1 oil into the lock… that probably will not solve the longer term issue of why this is happening… when you get it open, you will have to close it again and may face the same issue at any time…

I recommend that you do not force the key… it could bend the key or damage the lock even further….. and this thing is a built-in issue…

If working with it reasonably gently does not get it done… call a locksmith… just don’t booger up the lock… it won’t take him 10 minutes… he will have a replacement idea possibly for you…

Been there and done that… I had similar issues with the engine compartment area…

Pres

[Archived]

Well, I quess I would try all the normal stuff, spray some graphite and or wd 40 into the lock giggle the key ever so slight as you turn , turn key 360 degree and if all fails I would try to remake the key and try new one. if not a good locksmith

[Jerry]

I had this problem, for some strange reason the 2nd set of keys I had made would work but not the original, and I have no idea why..mine is a ford key…hope it helps

[Bernie]

I do not know from your description if you key will not turn or if it does but nothing happens or what exactly the characteristics of the problem are. I suspect there might be access from the space between the engine and the floor of that area. It will not be pretty or fun trying to trip the latching mechanism in that way but it is one possible means of access.

On my coach which is not substantially different from yours I have a removeable panel behind the tag axle on that side of the coach that is used to access the rear of the charge air cooler. You may not have that access but it is worth looking to see. If you do have it getting into the compartment will be easy once the panel is removed.

The key operated latch has a rod or linkage with a rod that trips the latching mechanism I think and if that has broken or come loose no amount of key turning will do a thing. I think it is like the mechanism on the front door next to the driver.

[Larry & Diane]

Chuck

Try pushing the door in as you turn the key I had the same problem that worked for me on both the XL2 that I had and the h345 same issue. When you gain access to the lock clean the lock with 3 in one oil and work it few time before you close the door again.

[Archived]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and I will try them all!

[DON]

As Jon said, there is no indication wether the tumblers/key are stiff or sticky or if its more of a latch or rod issue but…years ago an old timer told me that brake fluid is the best thing to lubticate locks. Dip the key insert and turn. If the tumblers are sticky it will work to free them up.

[Archived]

Never heard that one and if it works I will let you know; Thanks

and just for clairty, the key will not turn at all and it is the same as the drivers bay, a Ford lock and key

[Archived]

That is the most helpful piece of information and it suggests something is binding or applying pressure so the advice to push hard against the door given above seems very valid.

[Walter]

Chuck

Yes
that worked for me on my 04 XL2. Make sure you are turning the key the right
direction. Good luck.

When
you get the door open lube the lock with 3in1 oil or go to the locksmith and
ask for the advise.

[Jim/Chris]

We have an 03 too and the same thing happened. Now…. not saying you should do this but for me I sprayed quite a bit of silicon lube in there and worked the key back and forth (not really turning but wiggling) and then finally i busted out the pliers and carefully and slowly turned it. I was worried it was gonna break but for me in the end it was just a very frozen lock. I lubed it up a lot and now it works fine. Now, I open that door every so often just to keep it loose.

[Archived]

Much the same experience. The key went into the lock ok but would not turn. I just opened the window on the lock and stuck a straw attached to a can of wd40 into it and flooded it. Several cycles of flooding and key jiggling got it.

[Jim/Chris]

After a little bit of this and a little bit of that along with all your suggestions; got it open!

Cleaned lock and all OK

Thanks for your help