Battery tray slide lock

[Ed B]

I have a '03 Dutch Star DP and just noticed a problem with the latch on the battery tray slide. The latch moves but does not unlatch the catch that holds the tray in place. Using a hefty screw driver between the bottom of the tray and the frame that holds it allows one to pry up and release the tray.

I am looking for a little less primitive way of opening the battery tray. The latch unit seems to be welded in place and not accessible for repair. Any one have the same problem?

["007"]

Go to post # 46 in Quick Tips and Dave5942 did a fix for his battery tray may help you.

[tmitchell]

Don't know what to tell you about fixing your latch, but it is a good idea to add a bolt or pin as a backup, in case the latch fails.
My latch still works fine but I still drilled a 1/4" hole about 4" off center from the middle of the tray. I put a 1/4 x 20 bolt through the hole and use a wing nut to keep it in place.
Tom

[dportem]

I had the same problem with my latch last week, except my problem was with the shroud that covered the latch, the weld just parted. I drilled a quarter inch hole through the slide and it's base plat then locked it closed with a 1/4 bolt and nut. Simple fix and a lot heftier than stock. Hope this helps. Josh.