Entry Keypad

[Eric Perplies]

Fred,

Good luck in finding a Ford dealer with a new key pad. Four years ago when I
went on a search for one I wore a set of numbers off my cell phone calling Ford
dealers. Most of them will not be able to call up the part number because it
has be obsolete for some time. Finally, one helpful parts man directed me to a
indepentant parts supplier in Kansas City. I bought his last one.

Within a year after installing the new keypad the bezel around the numbers
cracked. Since it bugged me to see this crack every time I unlocked the door
and knowing that water was entering the coach around this bezel I chose to
replace the keypad. Knowing what I went through to get a keypad previously I
chose to go the easier route. I went to a junk yard.

The keypad that BB used on our buses was the same keypad that Ford used on the
1989 though 1993 Thunderbird. Only the high end T-birds have the keypad. The
keypad on other Ford products do not work. The connector is different. I
suspect that your reaction is: "I'm going to try and get a new one." Good
luck. One other factor. A new one, if you can find one was $165. The junk
yard version will cost you a few bucks, about an hour and a couple of cuts on
your hands.

Note: If you chose to go dumpster diving in your local junk yard you MUST
understand how the keypad comes out of it's holder and what exactly the wiring
is like. This is because you will not be able to see the mounting of the keypad
on the inside of the door. All work that you might do to get the keypad out of
the door will have to be done with only three fingers only to feel your way
around. (You can't get any more than three fingers on the back of the keypad.)
There is an square "E" clip type fastener on the end opposite where the wires
enter the keypad. There will be one fastener holding the wire in place that
will have to be cut off. I couldn't figure out how to release it. The
electrical connector is not hard to disconnect IF you understand how to do it.
Here again you will have to disconnect the connector using the touch system
only.

Another detail: When you install the new keypad I think you will see the gasket
around the keypad either inadequate or deteriorated, if you get a used keypad.
I'm sure that water leaking around the keypad is not the healthiest thing for
the keypad. I chose to use some non hardening putty that I cut and formed to
worm size around the keypad then cut off the excess after securing the keypad.

Good luck in finding a keypad. Maybe you will have better luck than I had.

Eric Perplies
96' 42' WBWL
currently in Moab, UT



--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Fred Hulse" wrote:
>
> Has anyone had success finding the keyless entry pad Ford supplied?
>
> Fred & Jeanne Hulse
> Morristown,Arizona
> 1997 Wanderlodge WB41
>