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Topic: 7 Bay Door Actuators Fail (Read 1015 times) previous topic - next topic

7 Bay Door Actuators Fail

Sub heading 1: don't do this
Sub heading 2: I'm an idiot

While working on an electrical project inside the front passenger kick panel, the door/bay lock/unlock switch that's mounted in the kick panel apparently got stuck in the unlock position. This morning when I arrived at the coach to work on it, I noticed that the remote keyless entry only unlocked the entry door but not any of the bays. Troubleshooting took a little while but what I found out is that everything's okay except for seven of the actuators. One actuator was unplugged at the time and it works fine but the other ones are all kaput. Even directly applying 12 volts or reversing the polarity produces no response from the actuators.

I had to disconnect each actuator arm to manually lock the bay doors with the key.  I'm thankful that the actuators failed while they were unlocked.

I've been studying older posts about replacing them and it looks like the MES W15F is the go-to solution to replace these. Is that still the most popular aftermarket replacement for actuators?

Thanks!
Your resident idiot.
Mark Duckworth
2003 U320 4220
Build 6199, Motorcade 17971

Re: 7 Bay Door Actuators Fail

Reply #1 –
So it burned out something in the actuator from being constantly powered?  Bummer.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: 7 Bay Door Actuators Fail

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
So it burned out something in the actuator from being constantly powered?  Bummer.
Seems that way.  Just removed one and the gears are good. It fails the sniff test however. I'm guessing I burned up the winding in the motor. It would be nice to find just the little motors and replace them.

Any of you have old actuators with bad gears but good motors you'd be willing to let go?
Mark Duckworth
2003 U320 4220
Build 6199, Motorcade 17971

Re: 7 Bay Door Actuators Fail

Reply #3 –

I was using these actuator on a house project and learned the hard way that it doesn't take too long at constant 12 volts to burn them out.

Here are some at a better price:  http://www.surpluscenter.com/Electrical/Relays-Contactors-Solenoids/Electromechanical-Solenoids/12-Volt-DC-Power-Door-Lock-Push-Pull-Solenoid-11-3346.axd
And Amazon even better for a 4 pack: Amazon.com: Zone Tech 4-Pack Universal High Power Door Lock Actuator -...

I don't know for sure if they work on your coach but they sure seem to look alike.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: 7 Bay Door Actuators Fail

Reply #4 –
BTW for the wiring, I found these connectors at Home Depot.  I'm using them for LED lights but they are rated for 6 amps, 600 volts.
So far I like them.  When using stranded wire it's best (but not necessary) to tin the wire.  To remove the wire I have found I can just twist the wire while pulling on it.
Ideal PowerPlug Orange Ballast Disconnect Discs (5-Pack)-30-1302S - The Home...
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: 7 Bay Door Actuators Fail

Reply #5 –
Here's another innovative wire connecting device.  These also allow you to un-do and re-do connections, and connectors are reusable.

Posi-Lock(R) - The Best Connectors You'll Ever Use!
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: 7 Bay Door Actuators Fail

Reply #6 –
Quote from: JohnFitz –
I was using these actuator on a house project and learned the hard way that it doesn't take too long at constant 12 volts to burn them out.

Here are some at a better price:  http://www.surpluscenter.com/Electrical/Relays-Contactors-Solenoids/Electromechanical-Solenoids/12-Volt-DC-Power-Door-Lock-Push-Pull-Solenoid-11-3346.axd
And Amazon even better for a 4 pack: Amazon.com: Zone Tech 4-Pack Universal High Power Door Lock Actuator -...

I don't know for sure if they work on your coach but they sure seem to look alike.
Looks like a possibility for sure.  thanks!
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Mark Duckworth
2003 U320 4220
Build 6199, Motorcade 17971

Re: 7 Bay Door Actuators Fail

Reply #8 –
I got a couple of the appropriate replacements from FOT.  They have the 3M VHB tape for mounting plus the hardware for the connection to the lock and the wiring harness.  From those I found a supplier for the actuators but not as a kit.  The difference in price from FOT was not significant.  Shipping from FOT is always an issue.  So I ordered the rest of what I needed from FOT and had a friend in NAC pick them up and send them to me in a USPS flat rate box for 1/3 what it would have been UPS from FOT. I got enough to replace all of them.  Once they start failing (it is a little plastic gear inside) they are all going to go sooner than later.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: 7 Bay Door Actuators Fail

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Once they start failing (it is a little plastic gear inside) they are all going to go sooner than later.

Roger
Looks like I have a lifetime supply of little plastic gears for my one remaining OEM actuator!!  ^.^d

Thanks for the sourcing tip.
Mark Duckworth
2003 U320 4220
Build 6199, Motorcade 17971

Re: 7 Bay Door Actuators Fail

Reply #10 –
These actuators are about $5.-$10. on eBay and other online sources.
Auto parts supply stores want a little more.
Jim

2002 U320
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'