Broken gas locker catch (1 Viewer)

[Headrush]

Hi all,
I went to replace a gas bottle today and when I operated the catch (a typical bonnet type release in the cab), there was a loud crack and the locker door remains locked.
I thought it might be the cable snapped and I was able to take up a lot of slack in the outer cable but operating the catch still won't work.
Of course, due to the design of the locker, it is now impossible to open the door normally. A quick look under the van didn't reveal any access to the inside and until I remove the seating over the area, I can't tell if it's possible from inside either.

Any experience or tips on what to do next?

Fortunately, I was only replacing the current spare bottle and am still connected to a 13kg with hopefully enough to last for a while. I'm not living in the van currently but will be going away in a weeks time.

 

[jeddy]

What van do you have? I have an Autotrail Dakota and know of others who have had this problem. The cable splits inside the locker to two catches to which it attaches by cable ties!!
In my case one had snapped making it impossible to user the lever to open.
You can just about get long handled screw drivers up from the bottom to force the catches open. Only trouble is when you go to catch two, the first locks again. Friend to hold the first side of locker unlocked proved helpful

 

[Headrush]

What van do you have? I have an Autotrail Dakota and know of others who have had this problem. The cable splits inside the locker to two catches to which it attaches by cable ties!!
In my case one had snapped making it impossible to user the lever to open.
You can just about get long handled screw drivers up from the bottom to force the catches open. Only trouble is when you go to catch two, the first locks again. Friend to hold the first side of locker unlocked proved helpful

It's a 2007 Cheyenne. Thanks for your suggestion. When it stops raining, I'll give it a go. Unfortunately I can't remember what the configuration of the mechanism is, despite seeing it on lots of occasions. Literally poking around in the dark!

 

[jeddy]

The cable goes to a central point inside the locker door. It then splits to catches on either side of the locker. I was able to shine a torch through the gap to locate the catches. It took sometime and a lot of fiddling.
I have now used wire in addition to the cable ties to, hopefully, avoid a repeat.

 

[Nanniemate]

It's a 2007 Cheyenne. Thanks for your suggestion. When it stops raining, I'll give it a go. Unfortunately I can't remember what the configuration of the mechanism is, despite seeing it on lots of occasions. Literally poking around in the dark!

Send a pic of the door

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[Headrush]

Send a pic of the door

I could always try to get the pins out of the hinges, but trying to avoid obviously destructive methods. Hidden destruction is fine

 

[Nanniemate]

View attachment 775996

I could always try to get the pins out of the hinges, but trying to avoid obviously destructive methods. Hidden destruction is fine

That's what I was thinking

 

[jeddy]

That’s the same as my locker door. You should be able to get at the catches from underneath.

 

[Orion]

Can someone with the same layout post a photo of the inside of the door to help locate the catches? Then a wire coat hanger suitably bent might be the way to go?

 

[DavidG58]

I would expect there to be a hole in the base to allow gas to escape, that would be where I would attempt access good luck

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[Headrush]

One thing I'm thinking of is cutting a larger hole in the panel where the cable enters the locker, just under the catch handle itself. Then I could hopefully see what I'm aiming at and provide access for future purposes. Just have to avoid any gas hoses...

 

[Headrush]

I must say that I appreciate all your responses, I have to leave for work in 10 minutes, so won't be attempting anything until tomorrow. Thanks again.

 

[chippie]

My autotrail locker went exactly the same as yours, as already suggested a very long handled screwdriver can be used to unlock the catches but takes a bit of perseverance.

 

[Cush]

On my 2003 I can reach under and pull the cable where it attaches to the latch. If your cable has broken there you may still be able to ,manipulate it. Sorry if your is sealed from underneath

 

[Cush]

On my 2003 where the latch is underneath the locker, you can actually get your hands on the latch underneath. Not great for security though! I find the end of the cable and pull it. Yours might still be attached

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[Headrush]

Well I got in, eventually! Several scrapes and scratches on my arm where I forced it through between the skirt and the locker.
The bracket for the cable is attached to the inside of the locker door - except mine wasn't anymore. Also one of the cable ties securing the end of the joining cable was broken. I had to release the catches with a screwdriver in the end.
I used a jack nut to refix the bracket to the door, with a washer at the back to hopefully spread the load. I also had to rotate the bracket 180 degrees to make up for the slightly closer position.
The locker actually pops open on release now, which it never did before.
Hopefully I won't have to do this again for a very long time!
Thanks for all your help and suggestions.

 

[Landy Andy]

I would put another cable between the two latches, looser than the current one fitted, so if you get future failure, then you will have a backup plan and only need to hook the reserve link cable. Hope that makes sense.

 

[Headrush]

I would put another cable between the two latches, looser than the current one fitted, so if you get future failure, then you will have a backup plan and only need to hook the reserve link cable. Hope that makes sense.

That’s actually a really good idea. I might bend the hook a bit to make sure it's secure on the cross cable too. Possibly some string attached to the secondary cross cable to make it easier to grab.
Thanks

 

[Cush]

That’s such a different set up to mine with the single low level catch. Glad you got sorted

 

[Landy Andy]

That’s actually a really good idea. I might bend the hook a bit to make sure it's secure on the cross cable too. Possibly some string attached to the secondary cross cable to make it easier to grab.
Thanks

Either a few cable ties together or a braided bike brake cable threaded through an electrical chocky block to secure it together in a loop.

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[jeddy]

Well done. I strengthened mine with wire to back up cable ties. It’s a poor design. And as you found a fiddly job!

 

[mitzimad]

I'd glue a large ally plate on the back of the door to fix the angled bracket to