FIC Deadbolt Issue

[jsmith948]

Had an interesting experience while prepping our 5er for a trip and thought I would pass along the info.
Went to unlock the trailer's deadbolt latch and the key just turned 360* without moving the bolt. Tried putting pressure up and then down while turning but no joy. Sat there deciding whether or not to break a window. DW opined that the entry door glass was probably the cheapest to replace.
However, on our Cougar, there is an escape type fold out window next to the entry door. After studying how the window is mounted, I removed several short self tapping screws along the top of the hinge and was able to carefully tilt the window away from the frame. Using a long #2 Phillips, I was able to reach down to the bottom inside of the window and unfasten the folding latch bar. With the window out, I was able to push the screen in off its clips and then raised the shade. Reached around the valence and was able to unlatch the door from the inside. No broken window!
Now for the FYI - If you are blessed with one of these deadbolt locks, you might want to remove the inside door plate and check to see that the 2 countersunk Phillips machine screws are tight. The screws fasten a plate to the back of the lock. This plate is what keeps the little linkage rod that connects the deadbolt key and lever to the actual deadbolt in place. The screws were loose allowing the plate to move and the linkage to fall out. I guess our trip back east rattled the screws loose inside the lock. Tightened with blue Locktite. FWIW:)

[Ken / Claudia]

When that happen to me, I was going to drill out the lock. But, I have 2 doors and entered the other door and rotated the red locking lever inside of the door with the busted lock. Than removed the lock and handle and drilled out the lock. Which was not needed as per the lock recall. I checked with FIC and got a lock for free. All has been good since.

[notanlines]

Jack, funny you should bring that up about the deadbolt. That is EXACTLY what happened to us in Florida this winter. Brenda couldn't open the door to walk the dog so went out the back door. When I finally got the plate off the screws had come loose and the little actuator rod had fallen out. Fifteen minutes tops and all was in order again. At least we didn't have to face the possibility of breaking any glass.:eek:

[jsmith948]

The fact that I could open the door from the inside indicates that the rod must have been at least partially connected - but the key just spun. After I removed the plate, I found the rod inside the door cavity. The deadbolt cylinder was replaced under the recall. It works just fine now but I won't trust it. If we leave the trailer or while towing, we just lock the paddle lock. At night we lock the deadbolt using the red lever - but, I have a #2 square drive and a #2 Phillips inside the trailer - just in case:D

[the sodfather]

I had a simular issue with my main doors dead bolt. Mine was the tumblers got all out of wack and would not allow my key to go in. Thank goodness we have the secondary bathroom door to use. This is going to be an opportunity to get both doors keyed the same. 1 less key!