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Topic: Remote Locking Keypad (Read 1170 times) previous topic - next topic

Remote Locking Keypad

The outside number pad for the remote locking system on my Nimbus died.  The wires from the keypad go through the sidewall into a "box" inside, beside the co-pilot seat.  Box also contains a 110 outlet, 12v receptacle, switch for the step well cover and other stuff.  A magazine rack is mounted next to the box.  Can anybody tell me how to remove this box?  There are no visible fasteners.  It sits tight on top of carpeting.

I have a new keypad from Essex Electronics.  I can splice the 12 wires in the outside space, but I think the proper solution is to do the splices inside the box.

Anybody have suggestions on unfastening the box?

Regards to all,
John Lang
Crossville, TN
07 Nimbus
John Lang
Crossville, TN
07 Nimbus

Re: Remote Locking Keypad

Reply #1 –
John, I don't know if you have the same configuration but you might.
Here is a past message from John C. that might help.

I've gotta tell you that if you ever have problems with your porch  light on a 2002 U320 or similar model, the very best thing you can do  is to just take a shotgun and shoot out the light.  The design  engineer that came up with the brilliant idea of putting the relay in  a totally inaccessible place that controls that light, needs to stand  out in front of a Mack truck doing 60MPH!  A $63 part from MoT  (probably $100 from Foretravel) and at least two hours labor (if you 
know where to look and know what you are doing) and you might be lucky  to have 1/4 inch of wire to work with.  There are four wires that go  straight into the floor from this relay and control box.

If you ever have this problem (heaven forbid), the control box and  relay are located inside (behind) the box that holds a 110v plug,  passenger side heater control, 12v outlet, and magazine rack.  As if  one doesn't have enough screws holding that combination in place that  a normal screwdriver doesn't have enough clearance because of the  passenger seat, they also used those special square drivers and then  down INSIDE that box there is another screw that holds the box to the  floor.  We couldn't figure out it's purpose, but you just have to RIP  it off the floor, cause there is NO way to access it.  Talk about a  design engineer that hates the repairman!

Mike Rodgers at MoT will  confirm what I'm saying about this "design".  I have some words that I  can't use on this forum that describes my opinion and that of the  mechanic I hired to try to fix the problem to a tee.

John Christman
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Remote Locking Keypad

Reply #2 –
Quote from: John Lang –
Can anybody tell me how to remove this box?  There are no visible fasteners.  It sits tight on top of carpeting.

John,

Steve has accessed the inside of the similar box in our '03 in order to replace the module mentioned in the post from John C. that Barry quoted above....

He'll be back in the coach later tonight and should be able to help out then. 

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Remote Locking Keypad

Reply #3 –
John,

I searched the archives here (the migrated Yahoo posts) and found this message that was also posted by John Christman on how to get access, at least on coaches of the '02-03 era

http://foreforums.com/index.php?topic=5269.msg21675#msg21675

Quote
There are two square head screws right where the magazine rack joins the box with the cupholder 
and plugs.  They are hidden behind the little knobby things that pop off.  Now the other FOUR (or more) square head screws can only be accessed AFTER you remove all the plugs (110v, 12v, switches & other paraphernalia hanging on that box.  Yes, you have to remove all that stuff and then very carefully reach inside the little openings to get to those nasty square headed screws.  Then there is ONE more that 
holds the box to the floor

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Remote Locking Keypad

Reply #4 –
John,

Based on these guys' expert comments, I would remove the passenger seat before attacking the box.  The seat is only held in place with four bolts plus an electric plug.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R
 

Re: Remote Locking Keypad

Reply #5 –
Based upon these comments I am going to skip "doing it right" and simply splice in the new key pad in the outside cavity that holds it.  I agree with somebody else's comment that the engineer that designed the setup had a grudge against service techs.
 
Thanx to everybody for the help.
John Lang
Crossville, TN
07 Nimbus