We have been spending time visiting with a friend in West Monroe, La. While moving the coach on Sunday evening to dump it, the engine died just like I had turned the key off. Got it restarted and backed into my parking spot and plugged in.
Monday had us looking into this with no success even with some good hints that included checking all the grounds. No luck so called Beau Reece to come rescue me, it is a hike from Nac to here.
Beau arrived today at 10:30 am and was on the problem in 15 minutes. Engine code was low voltage so he went immediately to the power to the ECU. Turns out there are two fuses in the wiring bundle near the ECU that protect the power to the ECU.
We could not see them in the bundle and had no idea they were there. Beau, of course, knew right where to look. He cut the bundle apart and found corrosion in both fuse holders and failing wires to the holders due to corrosion. Replaced both fuses and holders.
Engine code became inactive, engine started much better and dash voltmeter did not dip with all lights on as before.
No being stranded on road, no towing to a shop, no big shop bill. What is not to like?
Thankfully a simple fix, a knowledgable person to know where to look. All is well again, YEA!
Thanks giant bunches Beau.
So Rudy, I am sure that you took lots of pictures of those fuse holders and exactly where they are located. Right???
No pics. But easy to see the location by opening bed, finding ECU on passenger side of engine, locating the top ECU harness connector close to the engine and following the wire bundle to this connector. Mine is wire tied together with the inline fuse holders hard to see in the bundle. They are very near the rear of the engine above where the trans is bolted on behind the ECU.
Knowing to even look for fuse holders helps in finding them as we had no idea fuses were there. Inline fuse holders are available at local auto parts store. Ten amp regular blade car fuses are the ones used. I bought the more robust holder for $6 vs the regular ones for $3 and change.
Rudy,
As you know, my coach is one year younger than yours, so I am taking notes on your issues, hoping i dont have the next year!
These in-line fuse holders and lots of small plug together connectors can benefit from a bit of dielectric grease to waterproof them and prevent corrosion. Glad Beau was able to figure out what was causing the low voltage fault that you saw on your VMSpc.
Good info, Rudy! Thanks
Richard,
Not Rudy but here is a link to some pics. of the fuses that was posted a few years ago. Cummins M11 ECM Fuses (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=24498.msg191899#msg191899)
Pamela & Mike
Thanks Mike,
You can tell my senior brain does not have the memory power like I did in years passed.
I searched Beamalarm for info but failed to search the forum. I am taking my crushed ego and having some morning coffee to recover. Thanks again.
Rudy,
When you are broke down on the road it can cause "Brain Fog Syndrome" Glad you are back going. We are just west of you at Bayou Bodcau watching the sun rise clearing our thoughts for the day.
Pamela & Mike
I don't know how Mike can recall things like this either, as he has some obscure things filed away in his brain.
Pamela
What are the odds that the original questions as to the fuses was asked by the same person that had the problem? I am going to make sure I do not ask any questions until I have a problem.
Well turbo, all I can say is "Getting old leaves something to be desired".
What does Beau charge per hour and does he charge for mileage and what is that charge?
Hourly charge is $125. Do not know precise service call cost but he will tell before he comes when you call him.
The dash voltmeter not dipping when the lights are on got my interest on top of the chance of failure.
Maybe some smart people here can help me visualize why and where circuits interact?
Thanks. Bob
Don't have a wiring diagram for that particular coach, but very likely power goes from chassis battery to dash/ignition solenoid and THEN back to the engine ECU. So dash voltmeter could still read good voltage, but corrosion/resistance between ignition solenoid and ECU would cause that condition.
And, some ECU's have two power feeds-- one for memory and another for "let's go to work". Certainly the Allison does.
Thanks as I have a similar coach and adding lighting does cause a dash voltage gauge reduction
Bob,
Try running an additional ground from dash gauges to chassis metal/ground.
Will have my guru check the dash stuff and probably replace the solenoids with sea land units anyway then have the Cummins guys redo the fuzes...
Do you mean Blue Sea?
L Solenoid - 12/24V DC 250A - Blue Sea Systems (http://www.bluesea.com/products/9012/L_Solenoid_-_12_24V_DC_250A)
Yes