Meridian Storage Compartment Latch

[richf]

I've a 2007 Meridian and had a problem where the back latch on a storage compartment would not release after it was locked. I had to get into the compartment so was prying on the door/latch and broke the plastic lock tab. Looks like I will have to remove the inter insulated panel to access the locking hardware but I'm not sure how this panel can be easily removed for access. It seems to be riveted to the door. Has anybody tackled this problem???

[Doug Sage]

My Suncruiser is probably just like your Meridian in latch design. My latch broke recently and I ordered a replacement part from Lichtsinn Motors in Forest City. I had to drill out the two rivets in the edge of the hatch door. Then I unscrewed the plastic cover on the inside wall. This gave me access to the mechanism. I unhooked the wire bar that went to the latch and taped a string to it so that I wouldn't loose it. Then I pulled out the latch from the side after the rivets were drilled out and replaced it with the new latch. I used a pop rivet tool to reconnect it and hooked the wire connector back up and was done.

[AFChap]

I've replaced a couple on mine ... that is normally called the slide bolt. I also got mine from Lichtsinn. My doors have styrofoam inside, so no danger of loosing the latch rod. I drilled out the two rivets, and got a pop rivet tool and rivets to secure the new one. Should be maybe 10 minute job once you have the new part and the right tools.

[robbstein]

I've had to replace several of mine like Paul above. My experience is that the lock (the white/clear latch piece) broke due to the door being dropped when closing. I mentioned this to my dealer (or maybe it was at the factory) and their answer is 'don't drop the door'. Since then, I haven't broken any more and I don't drop the door when closing it. Let the door down easily and either push it closed to latch or use the latch handle.

Paul is right, the replacement is about a 10-15 minute job with a pop rivet tool and screwdriver for the latch cover removal/replacement.

[AFChap]

Forgot to mention ...I also lube mine 2 or 3 times a year with white lithium grease in a spray can. And excellent comment about not letting the doors slam ...I also try to avoid that as much as possible.