Yakima SkyBox Will Not Open From Either Side With Key Turned Counterclockwise

Question

Question:

Yakima SkyBox not opening after key is turned counterclockwise and handle releases part way, but the box will still not open from either side.

asked by: Jim

0

Expert Reply:

I spoke with Yakima and they said that you need to push down on the box just above where the handles are on both sides. If you are able to do this then engage the locks back and forth as that should then allow you to open your box. According to Yakima, if the cargo box was left on the vehicle for an extended period of time things can get jostled around and then cause this issue so once you get the box open make sure to inspect all of the components and let us know if anything needs replaced.

expert reply by: Conner L

0

Don L.

8/25/2025

Hi, can you explain more aobut how to do this. Where above the handles? I thought it was at the three places that are secured on each side, not the lock / handle itself. Why both sides, not just one since they are separate locks. I'm about to destroy my box, but really don't want to! Thank you!

Jameson C.

8/25/2025

@DonL Which box do you have?

Donl

8/25/2025

@JamesonC - it's an older Yakima skybox with the "s" lock (looks like an S or a propeller). Likely from around 2005. Thank you!

Jameson C.

8/25/2025

@Donl Okay so what Conner meant was that you'd push down on the top part of the box to try and close it a little more to hopefully free up the mechanism of the latch of the Skybox so that it will allow it to open. I suspect you've tried that though?

See All (9) Replies to Don L. ∨

Answer 1

If the front arm/hinge on your Yakima SkyBox Cargo Box like the SkyBox 12 #Y07334 isn't unhooking due to the carrier being over-stuffed, then your only real option is to try and wiggle around your cargo enough to get some clearance between it and…

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Answer 2

If you have a newer Yakima SkyBox NX 16 like part #Y95AV then you should be able to just open the box from the other side. That said, there really isn't a good way to go about opening this without the latch installed. If you like you can try to…

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Answer 3

It is very difficult to diagnose what the issue may be without knowing a model number and seeing photos but it sounds like the latch on the locking mechanism on your RocketBox may have somehow been damaged. I would need to know the model number in…

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Answer 4

Usually this break is related to a pin inside the locking mechanism breaking. You can switch sides by removing the locking mechanism and just switching the parts individually. However, this does mean that the box is overall less secure. You may want…

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Answer 5

Hey Filipe, so I attached the install instructions for the part #Y8880348 for you to check out. If you can unbolt/unscrew the broken lock core that would be what you'd need to do if you can't get the key out. You might have to have the key…

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Answer 6

It sounds like your Skybox has already been tampered with as this is not normal at all. I recommend you replace the entire assembly using the Replacement SuperLatch Handle Assemblies for Yakima SkyBox Rooftop Cargo Boxes - Qty 2 #Y8880348. These…

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Answer 7

The correct replacement handles for a Yakima SkyBox made from 2009 on is the Replacement SuperLatch Handle Assemblies for Yakima SkyBox Rooftop Cargo Boxes #Y8880348. These come in a quantity of two with lock cores and keys, so you have the right…

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Answer 8

If you do not know the key number, your best alternative is to have a locksmith open the lock for you. I do not recommend trying to drill the lock out, as it is highly likely that the box would be damaged. Once the lock is unlocked, you can use your…

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Answer 9

Based on what you are describing it sounds like both of the latches need to be replaced. The correct replacement part is the Replacement SuperLatch Handles for Yakima SkyBox Cargo Boxes - Qty 2 #Y8880348. I would try replacing the latches and go from…

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Answer 10

To replace the latch on the Yakima SkyBox 18 Rooftop Cargo Box item #Y07336 you will want the Replacement SuperLatch Handles for Yakima SkyBox Cargo Boxes item #Y8880348. This comes with two latches so that you can replace both and have matching lock…

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Answer 11

All Yakima Skyboxes 2009 to current, like #Y95AV, feature SuperLatch security latches on both sides, so if one of your lock cores fell out, and you lost one of the lock cylinder housing components, the only solution is to replace the SuperLatch…

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Answer 12

For your Yakima RocketBox Roof-Top Cargo Carrier the correct key and lock core is Yakima SKS Lock Cores #Y07202, which comes in a pack of two. In regard to the actual lock housing itself, you can use Replacement Hardware Kit for Yakima Q Towers 2007…

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Yakima SkyBox Will Not Open From Either Side With Key Turned Counterclockwise

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