BAC Forum
General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: Zeb Severson on March 18, 2025, 07:53:50 PM
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I just had a weird issue where there was a faint alarm (continuous high pitched ring) going off for 2-3 hours. We are parked, ignition off, leveling system off etc. I eventually discovered the sound was coming from the keyless keypad. While researching the make and looking for a manual it shut off without me doing anything. I just called Essex and the tech had no idea what it could be.
Has this happened or has anyone heard of this happening before?
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We had an intermittent sound, Essex said sound means bad keypad. Replaced keypad, no more sound.
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Ok I'll keep that in mind. I'm surprised the tech didn't mention that specifically.
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Zeb
perhaps this will help shed some light on your key pad issues.
https://beaveramb.org/forum/index.php/topic,10538.msg71807.html#msg71807
Eric
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Thanks Eric, for the reminder. I should’ve chimed in earlier.
As the linked-to prior thread, among others over the years, explained, keypads that get wet often get water inside them that fouls circuit board/pressure pad components. Rain or coach washing are the common culprit. With time the moisture dries enough to not short circuit things, and device function may return. But the box isn’t exactly open to the air, so drying isn’t an optimal occurrence.
If the pad’s box can be accessed from the inside (wall next to the copilot’s seat), dismantling things to get decent ventilation into it can expedite drying. Admittedly I’ve never had to go that route, but others here have accessed the device that way. So I’m uncertain of how it is constructed, but if possible I reckon I’d try disassembling things enough to examine and clean any electronics I could; but that’s just me, who has some minimalist electronics repair tools and experience. If inside box access isn’t reasonable, at least seal the outer pad.
I too am surprised the tech didn’t mention water intrusion. It seems to be all too common. Lexel is available at Ace Hardware in squeeze tubes and caulking gun sizes, and at Lowe’s and possibly other vendors. It’s better than silicone for sealing anything on coach, car, or home, but sets up quickly so smooth beads with a wet finger asap. Apply it to the pad’s escutcheon to the coach wall intersect and if possible to the touchpad to escutcheon.
Adding to the process these days would be to apply a couple coats of ceramic around and all over the touchpad, to encourage water to bead up and roll off before it can penetrate anywhere. I use HydroSilex brand on my other vehicles, but regrettably not often enough on our coach.
https://www.hydrosilex.com/collections/automotive-car-care-products/products/hydrosilex-recharge-ceramic-spray-coating
https://www.acehardware.com/departments/paint-and-supplies/caulk-and-sealants/caulk/17531?store=15939&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADtqLJEZtEC_UAk9fs8fcQ195JKZY&gclid=Cj0KCQjw-e6-BhDmARIsAOxxlxWNuB5A0Jgj9bOq3Q712DPLBsf6uCql2k2q3REBuVtPpzRgPVuZrcgaAnQyEALw_wcB
Joel