locked out

Yesterday after being on the water a 1/2 day my TM was done - zilch. Get home and go to open the battery compartment and its locked. Tryed to unlock it but it won't unlock. I put the key in and the thing just turns and turns. Any one have this problem? Any suggestions? It is a 2000 Stratos 21 ss extreme.

Becky

had it happen just gotta play with it and push down hard o the jey when turning, shoot it with some wd helps too.

Yep thats happened to me before. Once I was able to get some penetrant into the lock and in worked. I then replaced the latch. Another time ....Naaaa!! I had to drill out the lock, ruined the latch, had to replace it. I never lock my compartments now. Infact, I don't even know where the key is. I also installed a battery charger plug outlet last year. Pretty easy, just plug the cord in.

Thanks I'll try some WD or something like that and hope it works

if you have the Perko locks with the extended lever that catches underside the compartment, it may be that the tiny set screw that tightens the lever to the lock bolt has come loose. The lock/handle will turn but the lever stays in place, holding down the lid.
Might try sliding a putty knife underneath the lid edge and see if you can push the lever to the side.
good luck.

Got it open today. Took it appart and the problem is on the back side of the part the key turns there is a little nub or post that catches a spring loaded plastic piece. The post has broken off. I have a couple of others I thought were stiff so I took them appart. One is broke the same way, the other I sprayed with WD. I will go back and do the others as I have time.I found the battery that is bad. Its the one I din't replace last summer.

its always a good idea to keep them things lubed