Locked/Stuck Luggage Doors

[eb99603]

Calling all you Setra owners out there. Any brilliant ideas how to get into a locked luggage compartment door without completely destroying it? My trash compartment and windshield washer fluid compartment doors are both broken and closed. The trash compartment handle does nothing. The washer fluid door handle releases the right latch, but not the left. I'm not overly concerned about the trash door, but before I make a long journey, I'd like washer fluid.

Thanks!

[Scott & Heather]

BK, you have setras....right?


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[B_K]

It ain't easy but can be done! Call me at two seven zero - 7 zero 5 - 1139.
I can walk ya thru it! It's somewhat of a PIA and it'd be best if your near the coach when ya call!
  BK 

[eb99603]

BK, I'm definitely calling you when I get an afternoon and have the bus in front of me. Glad to know it can be done!

[eb99603]

You know what this is? This is the sight of success! Thanks BK for the assistance. Just needed a bit of carefully applied elbow grease and two pry bars. I only smashed my hand once! 

[Scott & Heather]

So glad you got in there! What's your plan to get access in the future?


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[B_K]

So glad you got in there! What's your plan to get access in the future?


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Keep those latches well lubed!
Now what I forgot to mention on the phone is that once I have a latch jam up on me like that I take it off the bus and soak it in oil overnight! (sometimes longer)
As for the type of oil I just use whatever is handy @ the time! I have poured enough brand new PB Blaster in a quart jar to cover the lock and I have also done the same with used motor oil.
If the lock doesn't "free up, to where it works flawlessly I may have brand new never used available on a shelf!
  BK 

[eb99603]

So glad you got in there! What's your plan to get access in the future?

I should've taken a picture of the linkage inside. Maybe I'll run out and snap one tomorrow. Regardless, I repaired the disconnected linkage and it now works as it should. The handle properly opens both the left and right latches. Booyah.

[eb99603]

So here's the view looking at the door as it's opened all the way, followed by a close up of the left linkage to the latch. That steel rod had fallen out and simply needed to be re-attached.

[eb99603]

Success! I got into the garbage compartment! My brother in law stopped by after work and we carefully pried, used an inspection camera, and reached in to feel around while someone else held the door from snapping back and breaking an arm. Having his help was huge. We finally discovered that the right latch was releasing correctly and the left latch was not. Unlike the other door, the linkage was disconnected at the handle not the lock/latch. So we were able to bend a steel rod and use it as a hook to grab the linkage and pull the rod. POP! the door was open!

The fix wasn't quite as easy as the other door, since the problem was a broken plastic lock rod clip. New parts this time around. Same brother in law had a few in his toolbox that were for slightly smaller rods. After finding the right drill bit, problem solved. Door opens/closes as it should!

[B_K]

Awesome! Yes those plastic linkage clips can be a MAJOR PIA!
  BK