In the process of troubleshooting, it occurred to me that seller of my coach advised to leave the ignition key in the ignition after shutdown and at all times, for a reason I do not remember. I vaguely recall it had something to do with the air system, but could be wrong. Perhaps someone here can refresh my memory, as I have lost contact with the seller.
Thanks in advance!
"leave key in?" Nothing I know about. Have always removed the keys, and I still show air after a long time sitting. Different suspension, possibly, than ours, but, I don't get it!
That's what I thought. It is always possible that I am "mis-remembering" the instruction. I know of no reason why FT or any other OEM would design a system that required leaving the key in.
I have a set that stays in the ingition all the time with all the keys for the bus. Then I have another set I carry with me. And Eileen has a ingition and bay door key with her. Works for us. It a preference .
I had a SOB that I had been told the same thing, once the key was removed, it was a bearcat to get back in! When I had the switch replaced, the old-timer told me, "too many people have every key they own on the chain, the weight of all the keys trashes the switch." I never knew whether he was right, but, I always kept only the ignition key on the fob. ^.^d
Not a good picture, but I think this is what he was talking about.
Me either Mike. I've seen how the coach behaves when I leave the key in, now I'll take it out and see if there appears to be any issue.
Thanks
I have that placard too and had forgotten it. Very likely that was what he was referring to.
I don't know if a "dry" or "wet" lube would help, but, if the key sticks, wear it! ^.^d Not sure what the other posts are about, but, if you are towing, is not the switch on, always?
Yes it would be while towing. This question, however, had to do with advice to just leave the ign key in all the time, and I couldn't remember why the PO had said that.
I leave a key in the ignition, cannot lose it that way. DW has a complete set, I have another full set also in the coach and 1 full set in the safe at home.
John
Once you shut down and "IF" you want to dump the air the ignition switch must be ON!!
Otherwise as above!!
Sorry I was not looking at your model. I was thinking U320. Old age!!!
Speedbird 1.
Randall,
Your coach has a 100% manual leveling system; there is no voltage going to it (the one exception is the "air level" light on the dash to remind you to put the levers in the middle position before you drive off - the light is triggered by micro switches on the levers). It does however need compressed air for the bags and while going down the road (towed or not) it "consumes" air as the ride height valves fill and dump with every bump in the road. If your coach is like mine (and still stock) there is a 3/4 hp 120 VAC air compressor under the stairwell. It's there to keep the coach level when parked and plugged in. Leave the key in or take it out - it's your choice but the coach won't care.
If you ever have the coach towed, a supply of compressed air needs to be provided by the tow truck to keep the air bags up (unless it's a short distance and the coach tanks are enough).
Alternatively, you can leave the generator running so the 120VAC compressor will run when required.
Starting in 1992, U280s and U300s came with an HWH electronic leveling system that includes a 12 volt compressor that (I believe) needs the ignition to be left on so it will run when required. On those coaches you'll find the warning label shown in Reply 5. I don't have such a label on my 1991 U300.
Thanks very much for this. I still don't know what the cause of my listing problem is, but have the coach scheduled into the service center to evaluate.
Just a little bit of caution about leaving you keys in the ignition.
In Ohio, if your key are in the ignition and you are parked and maybe having a few "adult" beverages, you maybe arrested for drunk driving.
This is from a brother-in-law who was taking a nap after leaving a bar and left his keys in the ignition. He was legally park and engine was off. That cost him over $10,000 including a night in the local "hotel".
I'm just saying, be very careful about leaving keys in the ignition. We always take ours out and put them in the cup holder.