Door Lock Switch

[Andrew Bruemmer]

New to me 2002 Contessa with newb question.  There is a Door Lock button on the dash.  The manual describes it as the following: "Press switch to lock or unlock all outside bay doors except the LP-Gas and battery bays."

Can someone explain this to me.  I can hear a click when I push the button up or down but the bay door are never locked either way (if already unlocked with the key).  Maybe it is just not working right since it is 15 years old.

If it is working are the key locks on the handles in addition to the Door Lock button or is it supposed to replace having to go door to door to lock each with the key?

Side question...the battery bay door has no lock on the handle.  So no way to lock it?

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Andrew,
The bay lock switch on the dash should lock the bay doors. You can unlock them with the key individually or by using the switch. There should be a wire going to each bay door lock. If yo are hearing a clicking it is probably either the relay or the locks trying to engage. I think there are 2 relays, a lock and unlock. I'm not aware of any Beavers that have a lock on the battery bay door.
Steve

[Andrew Bruemmer]

Ok thanks!  If working it replaces using the key.  I find it interesting there isn't a lock on the battery compartment door.  A person could spend $$ on 6 quality batteries.

[Roy C Tyler]

I believe no lock on the battery door is a safety issue.  In case of an electrical fire, anyone could go to the battery compartment and turn off the main switches for the motorhome without worrying about a locked door.

[Andrew Bruemmer]

I believe no lock on the battery door is a safety issue.  In case of an electrical fire, anyone could go to the battery compartment and turn off the main switches for the motorhome without worrying about a locked door.

I was looking for switches or a disconnect in my battery bay but didn't see any.  Will look again.

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Andrew,
I think Chuck is correct re safety, even though the cutoff switches are located in a different bay. In case of an accident the batteries may start arcing to the framework and the cutoff switches won't help. On my 07 the cutoff switches are in a separate bay and neither the battery or propane tank bay doors have locks.
Steve

[Dan Murphy]

On our Contessa there were locks on all bay doors except the LP bay----I removed the LP tank and converted that bay to tool storage-- so I then removed the lock on the battery cut-off switch bay and swapped it out with the former LP tank bay. It does not operate with the electronic door buttons but I can lock it with a key.

[Mark Parker]

I don't get the clicking on my 1999 Contessa.  Where are the relays located?  I followed the wiring under the dash for a while...

[Don and Kathy DuCharme]

On our 07 Contessa, I have to take apart and lubricate the locks on the bay doors to keep the electric function working. About every 2 years they have needed lubrication. Not a big job, simply remove the screws on the inside plate and the lock comes apart.