battery Compartment Lock

[norman_5111905]

The battery compartment lock on my 1991 Abbey 214 gts is jammed in the locked position. Anybody any ideas as how to release it. Until I can get in I will be unable to charge up the battery.

It was fine a week ago before we set off on our first trip. I have squirted some wd40 in there, but the key just refuses to move, either left or right.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[JeremyClarksson]

Another caravanner friend told me this (horror) story

Because of many hassles to do with delivery of a new caravan the dealer had agreed to deliver the caravan to its first holiday destination about 100 miles from the dealer.

As there was a standard handover involved they were connecting the mains when the dealers delivery man discovered he did not have the key to the battery locker, he grabbed hold of the top of the door and simply pulled it with a bit of force and it opened.

Needless to say my friend was horrified at this and complained to the dealer - but in your situation it may be worth a go, you would be able to repair or change the lock then.

I obviously have not tried it on my van but I did look at it and can easily believe it possible.

 

[norman_5111905]

Another caravanner friend told me this (horror) story

Because of many hassles to do with delivery of a new caravan the dealer had agreed to deliver the caravan to its first holiday destination about 100 miles from the dealer.

As there was a standard handover involved they were connecting the mains when the dealers delivery man discovered he did not have the key to the battery locker, he grabbed hold of the top of the door and simply pulled it with a bit of force and it opened.

Needless to say my friend was horrified at this and complained to the dealer - but in your situation it may be worth a go, you would be able to repair or change the lock then.

I obviously have not tried it on my van but I did look at it and can easily believe it possible.

Thanks Garry, it had crossed my mind to use brute force, but thought someone might have a "magic" answer. I will be trying today. Thanks for your interest though.

 

[JTS]

Another caravanner friend told me this (horror) story

Because of many hassles to do with delivery of a new caravan the dealer had agreed to deliver the caravan to its first holiday destination about 100 miles from the dealer.

As there was a standard handover involved they were connecting the mains when the dealers delivery man discovered he did not have the key to the battery locker, he grabbed hold of the top of the door and simply pulled it with a bit of force and it opened.

Needless to say my friend was horrified at this and complained to the dealer - but in your situation it may be worth a go, you would be able to repair or change the lock then.

I obviously have not tried it on my van but I did look at it and can easily believe it possible.

Hi Norman, If I wanted to steal your battery I would take a 6" flat screwdriver and tap it with a hammer straight into your key slot and turn it and open the lock. Once open a new lock will cost you very little. Let us know how you resolve the problem in the end.Regards JTS.

 

[JTS]

Hi Norman, If I wanted to steal your battery I would take a 6" flat screwdriver and tap it with a hammer straight into your key slot and turn it and open the lock. Once open a new lock will cost you very little. Let us know how you resolve the problem in the end.Regards JTS.

 

[norman_5111905]

Hi Garry and John, thanks to you both for the help supplied.

Had a go at it this morning, prising firstly with a small screwdriver, then with something a little bigger. During the controlled wrestling match, kept trying the key, which eventually turned. Took the lock apart and found it to be well greased. Conclusion:- No idea. Tried it a few times with the key and worked perfectly.

Anyway, alls well that ends well. Will probably sleep soundly tonight now. But........thanks again for your interest.