How to unlock deadbolt

[dpbain1]

The deadbolt on my Thor RV is not opening. I've had problems with it locking in the past however it now has locked but won't unlock. Does anyone have any ideas what to do? It feels like the bolt is not retracting completely. Oh, I'm outside the motor home luckily!

[Keith Goins]

I sometimes have to either push or pull slightly on the door to relieve pressure on the dead bolt so it will turn easier. Maybe try a little lube on the lock mechanism as well

[16ACE27]

Is the key turning?

[dpbain1]

Yes, the key turns both ways.

[16ACE27]

Then you may have a broken lock. Common Trimark lock issue:

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/f8...lock-6370.html

One of many threads on the subject.

And you'll have to get inside the coach to fix it. Any windows unlocked?

[dpbain1]

I'm not totally sure it's broken in that I can kind of feel the bolt sliding, just not far enough I'm guessing. Before when I had problems with the lock, the bolt would not go inside the jam, like it was misaligned. I'm wondering if, perhaps, the bolt is rubbing on the jam preventing it from sliding freely?

[16ACE27]

Or you deadbolt is working and the door latch is broken and not retracting as you try to open the door. That is the mechanism of failure.

[BASSMAN]

My dead bolt also gave me trouble but it was the plastic insert in the door jamb that had distorted, I removed the insert and put a piece of metal square stock in the hole and gave it a little heat with a heat gun and let it cool off an then put it back in the door jamb, no problems since, also had the wind blow my door shut and the lock for the paddle latch locked me out, keys were still in the ignition so I was able to reach through the drivers window and get the keys, now I keep a spare set of keys in my boat.

[Norrirn]

While there’s probably a number if things that MIGHT be going on, the very most likely thing is that your lock is indeed broken. As has been suggested, find a way in through a window and remove the 3 screws to expose the lock’s innards. Open the door and replace the lock.

[KathyBrum]

This same thing happened to us. We couldn't get the door open. Luckily, it happened when we picked up our ACE from Camping World after it had been serviced. A plastic piece inside the mechanism was broken. They replaced the lock.

[Geronimo73]

I’ve had a problem with the plastic piece (easy fix), as well as camping on unlevel ground. The body “flexed” just enough to put my deadbolt in a bind. It didn’t lock me out, but was very resistant to engaging or disengaging. I retracted the slide out & the levelers, and the deadbolt loosened right up! Good luck to you

[OHpink2]

Is it level? Ours did that once on uneven ground.

[knucklehead]

Originally Posted by dpbain1

The deadbolt on my Thor RV is not opening. I've had problems with it locking in the past however it now has locked but won't unlock. Does anyone have any ideas what to do? It feels like the bolt is not retracting completely. Oh, I'm outside the motor home luckily!

Never heard of this one before. When all else fails, use a bigger hammer--LOL. All jokes aside, you can drill out the deadbolt key slot and use the paddle lock until you can order a new door handle I guess?? Bob Trice

[Dan In Cheyenne]

Happened to me. The deadbolt is pot metal and often breaks. You need to be inside to get the lock apart so the door will open. Hope a window is not locked. The entire door lock/open/close mechanism will need to be replaced.

[MLP]

Happened to us three weeks after we purchased our used Palazzo. With a good flashlight I was able to see the bolt slide, but not all the way. I used a small thin tool with a "L" ended pick to just grab the flat end and turn it to the right. Door opened. I then ordered and installed an RV Lock. It is battery powered for a numbered key pad and a wireless fob.

[djcarter]

Been there a couple times, twice on the inside literally had to take the lock apart from the inside. We eventually replaced the lock no problem since

[Tinman]

Another item to add to your routine maintenance after you get it open is to check all the screws on the latch mechanism and in the door jam to make sure they are tight. I have a Palazzo and the latch and lock start acting up when these screws get loose over time.

[fredsbook]

Originally Posted by Dan In Cheyenne

Happened to me. The deadbolt is pot metal and often breaks. You need to be inside to get the lock apart so the door will open. Hope a window is not locked. The entire door lock/open/close mechanism will need to be replaced.

This happened about a month ago on my 2015 Miramar. Lucky for me it broke as I tried to lock the door from outside. So I was not locked out of the coach.

It was easy to remove the entire lock/handle unit. I did a google search and found the replacement part. However, the part had been modified since my original part was made. A movement that rotates with the locking of the bolt was a complete circle and the original was not. And it just didn't' fit the small area allowed between the mechanism and the door jamb. Lucky I have a friend that works with mettle and he filed the wheel to fit. Newer piece was not pot mettle as the original.

So its not hard to replace just be aware the new piece may not be exact as the original as I found. And it isn't $$$

[lwmcguire]

Originally Posted by Tinman

Another item to add to your routine maintenance after you get it open is to check all the screws on the latch mechanism and in the door jam to make sure they are tight. I have a Palazzo and the latch and lock start acting up when these screws get loose over time.

And use a good quality lubricant on all the lock and latch mechanisms plus the hinges

[JohnnyD]

Originally Posted by knucklehead

... drill out the deadbolt key slot and use the paddle lock until you can order a new door handle I guess?? Bob Trice

God bless drills! . Especially 18v cordless!