Today we had quite a shock , we where having our morning coffee and noticed smoke coming from the dash, So I removed the dash cover and found out were the smoke was coming from. For no apparent reason the air horn solenoid was having a meltdown
Both hoses were melted right of . I did not know this at the time what that solenoid did
I have replaced it , A product by Hadley air horn solenoid # H00550A . It was ease to do however when I had finished the instal
I started the coach up air up and tried the horn , everything was good to go . then when i turn of the ignition there seem to be air
being released from this solenoid . My question is this . Is this normal . There is a small port on the bottom of this valve
Any way we where very lucky to be home and spotted this problem as it could have been a disaster .
Hope someone has answer.
Thank you
Rob
Yes, very unusual and fortuitous that you caught it.
Sorry, no answer to your question, but were it me, I would be on the phone to Hadley tomorrow to ask them about the bleed hole/small port. I can't think of a reason for it, but hopefully they can.
maybe try disconnecting 12 volt power source or neg. as its leaking, tap with the end of a screwdriver. some reason why the other one over heated?
Or what Brett said....
It might be directional with small vent on the horn side ?
It should only have power to it when the horn button is pushed, check to make sure something is not stuck
When replacing a horn solenoid, be sure to check that the system is ok. In my case, I ended up replacing the "new solenoid"
with another one due to it being faulty.. VOM to the rescue. pc
This thread scares me! We all have that brand of horn and can't wait to hear what the problem was. :(
Yes, scary, but the very first failure I have heard of of that solenoid in all the years on 3 RV forums. So, incident of failure has to be extremely low.
If of concern, determine the actual amp draw of a properly functioning solenoid and install a fuse that is only 15% more than that rating. If on a separate fuse, just replace the fuse. If multiple fuses on their circuit, just cut the hot wire just before the solenoid and install an inline fuse holder/fuse.
The same thing happened to us 3-4 winters ago. I thought the cat pushed on the horn (zero air pressure at the time) and burned the solenoid up. There was no damage to anything nearby. I just replaced the smoked solenoid and have had no problems since.
Bob
2000 U270
Help the new guy: anyone got a pic of the solenoid and/or where under the dash is it?
Mike,
Open the dash top. It will have two wires and two air lines going to it. Should be able to feel the solenoid click when ignition on and you push the horn button.
Thanx, Brett. Looks like the dash top has been re-done, but I'll cross that bridge if needed. (Hopefully NOT)!
Mike,
Yes, it has been redone, but no effect on access. Lift from the back (part toward you) lip of the dash. It will pop up.
You really need to know how to access this area, as that is where a LOT of your fuses are located.
If question, call.
It sure beats floor-crawling under the dash on ones back to get at the fuses of the Airstream! :headwall:
Thank you al for your concern and your help . Yes it was very scary at the time , however we must move on. One thing i did do is isolate the solenoid from any other wires so in case it ever happens again heaven forbid it will not do any damage .
Again thank you all
Rob.