entry door latch 99 Marquis

[Rick Daniels]

I exited my coach and closed the door behind me. Upon trying to come back in, the latch handle on the exterior of the coach would not unlatch the door. Fortunately, the windows were not locked and I managed to climb in. (That was fun to watch as this 80 yr old guy found it to be somewhat of a challenge). The interior latch control functioned perfectly. I removed a portion of the interior panel and observed that one of the connecting rods leading from the exterior latch control was not connected to the latching mechanism. I could not tell if it was broken or just came disconnected. How can I access the latching mechanism to troubleshoot? Who makes the mechanism and are there parts available? I have searched for answers here but find nothing related to my coach. For now, I don’t fully close the door except when I am inside.

[Fred Brooks]

   Hi Rick,
The lock assembly is made by Trimark. To access the lock assembly, you will need to remove the carpet door panel and all the attachments. Carefully remove the plastic channels that cover the carpet edges to remove the carpet. Remove the sheet metal cover to access the lock. The vertical rod with the clevis and 2 jam nuts is held at the top end with a throttle linkage clip. To adjust correctly, remove any excess slack in the movement of this rod when the outside handle is actuated. On the door edge you will see the latching mechanism that engages the striker bolt in the jamb. You can manually click that closed to the first catch, and continue to push until it engages the 2nd click. This simulates the door is fully closed. When the Rod length is adjusted correctly, pull on the outside handle and when it moves 1/2 way the latch will open. when done tighten the jam nuts to lock the rod in position. CAUTION: If you shorten the rod length too much the door will open in transit. If you need parts call Trimark at 800-431-8616 and ask for Ann or Abby. Hope this helps, Fred

[Rick Daniels]

I have attached a photo of what I can see of the exterior actuator. The rod with the red arrow is attached at the bottom but is not attached to the latching mechanism. I also attached a photo of what I can see of the latching mechanism. The plate is held to the door at four points indicated by the red arrows. The latching mechanism is attached to the plate by the two screws indicated by blue arrows. It appears to be different than your photo. I hesitate to take the plate off the door until I get a better idea of what to do and how. Any thoughts?

[Fred Brooks]

  Rick, the door lock is parallel to the inside door handle. You will have to remove what ever is in the way to expose the latching mechanism that is attached to the outside door handle and the inside door handle by remote rods. I will look thru my photos and see if I can find something more definitive. Fred

[Fred Brooks]

  Rick, Are you familiar with coach assist? If so under the heading of awnings & doors there is a repair and adjust manual for the PTL entry door. If you scroll down you will find the picture of the Essex entry door seal. The picture of that lock with all the remote attachments is like my door. I thought that a 99 and a 2000 were similar. Fred

[Rick Daniels]

Thanks Fred. I checked the PtL document in coach assist and nothing in that publication is similar to my door that I could see. Thanks for your help/

[Eric Maclean Co-Admin]

Rick
As Fred explained to access all the mechanisms you will have to remove the inside door handle and access panels
Start by removing the four screws You've shown with the red arrows that hold the door latch reinforcement bracket in place
Leave the latch in place remove that bracket and you should have access to the latch , bell crank and the rod end your looking for
I think once you have access you will see the relationship between your door mechanism and the ones pictured at the end of the PTL door document.
Usually that rod will pop off only if the outer door handle is pulled out too far over extending the and popping the rod out of the hole in the bell crank lever
Read the PTL document to see how to adjust that rod properly to a void it popping off again
If the clip is broken you can usually get one at a good automotive parts retailer as Fred said they were used years ago on carburetor linkages.

You may find the rod has just popped out of the clip allowing it to fall out of the bell crank lever or the clip has popped off or broken if this is the case use  a magnet reach into the bottom of the door cavity to see if you can find the missing rod clip.

Hope this helps
Eric