My smart wheel is malfunctioning. This is just a list of the issues that remain after replacing the control module which we first suspected was because of the problems:
* it takes several pushes of the set button to get cruise control to engage
* After disengaging cruise control, the resume button works for radically. Several times when pressing the resume button, the horn will sound, or the windshield wipers will cycle.
* sounding the horn while cruise control engaged causes cruise to disengage
* hitting the headlight flash button, turns the headlights on and cycling the deck which is required to turn them off.
Apparently the smart wheel for our coach is no longer made. We were able to secure the control module, but that hasn't solved the problem.
We're waiting to hear back from VIP but I'm posting here to see if anyone has experienced the same issue and whether there are any new ideas we can try. Thanks.
Randy, I had the same issues with ours. I pulled the cover and checked all the connection to insure they were tight. Followed the ground wire and found it slightly loose. Snugged it tight and everything has been good for over 2 years now.
Try to check all the ground connections if you can, I believe that was my issue.
Unfortunately ground is good. Problem persists. Still looking for solution.
Mine was acting wonky at one time because of the 600 V background lighting on the dash was shorted out. Was causing interference.
Another thought...these issues on,y seem to occur when driving. Not duplicated when running while stopped...
A day on the phone with Vehicle Improvement Products (VIP) seems to indicate that they may have a replacement. The wheel in our coach is PC209L and the reported replacement is their V4209L. I sent them the schematics for the smart wheel wiring, steering column and 12v wiring diagram from our manual and they assure me it will work...and guarantee money back if it doesn't. Stay tuned.
UPDATE: The issue I'm having is now centered around the contacts/circuit board in the wheel. The Smart Wheel installed in my coach is the PCL217L. Attached is a picture of the wheel and the troubleshooting guide provided by VIP.
I've been assured by VIP that their V2409 wheel is a replacement but now that we have it in hand we can see it clearly has different connections. I've also attached the troubleshooting guide for the new wheel.
We've been assured that the new SM210 module we just installed will work with both our old and the new wheel. The issue is that the wiring in the steering column appears to use different connectors. It may also be that the slip rings in our existing wheel may not work with the new wheel which, MAY, use the clock spring mechanism that was used after the slip rings.
While I"m still waiting for more help from VIP I though I'd post the information I have to see if the smarter minds than mine on the forum can see how the new wheel might work based on the schematics for my coach and the schematics for the new wheel.
Let me know.
Randy, the numbers in your reply #5 don't match the number you have in your reply #6 is the v4209L in reply #5 the PCL217L in reply #6?
I was incorrect on our smart wheel model in post 5. You'll note in the pictures to my most recent post the correct model number tag on our wheel with the cover off. V2409 is the replacement wheel recommended and supplied by VIP as the original wheel is no longer made. Does that clear it up?
Yes, the only thing I know about the smart wheels is that you have to have the newer steering column to get the illuminated features to work or install a separate power supply.
OK. Thanks. I've contacted Foretravel to see what I can learn and haven't given up on pestering the VIP for a solution.
If the steering column is part of the solution, does anyone know the manufacturer and model number required?
Does anyone know who makes the steering column for 2000 model year coaches. Mine has the slip ring design but I'm also interested in whether the same manufacturer makes the clock spring design.
Thanks
Per our coaches component list and serial number document, 2003 used a Douglas 9203314-C.
The parts manual for a 2000 U295 (in the Media library) mentions p/n 9201104 which looks suspiciously like the same (Douglas) numbering system (the parts manual doesn't list manufacturer, but does list the mfr part number)
After replacing the control module and cleaning the slip rings, the wheel still did not fix the problem. Fortunately, I was able to find a NOS wheel with the control buttons and imbedded circuit board on EBay. Monoco used the same configuration. Works perfect. I have the new wheel and the removed control button modules and slip ring I may later offer in Classifieds for those who may want to try and "fix". For me it's about havin my coach fully functional when we decide to sell next year. Same as ordering the new hydraulic pump.
These coaches are worth keepin on the road compared to the issues with new coaches costing 10-20 times as much with much more complicated systems!
Just in case someone needs more parts etc...
Northwest RV Supply | Eugene, Oregon (https://www.nwrvsupply.com/)
Floridarandy, I am cncman on the forum.
I have a 2001 U295 that was having same issues. I could not buy replacement parts for the slip ring design Douglas Autotech column. During the past couple years I would go through the same problems with cruise, wiper activation etc. Being a research and development machinist all my working career I designed a clock spring conversion assembly for the slip ring column.
Believe me it is not something the average person can accomplish since it requires lathe and milling machine work as well as drilling 1 new ,406 dia. hole in the column upper casting for the anti rotation bar for the clock spring. Incidentally, the material was there for that but the hole was not. In order to use a newer style lighted wheel as pictured in your info you would need to replace the column. I'm guessing somewhere around $6,000.
Maybe I didn't speak to the right people at Douglas but I wanted a steering column that used a clock spring like every other modern vehicle in the world uses and the only way to do it was to design and fabricate one. Unfortunately, this is not a lot of help to the members but is information on my approach.
Larry - interesting information. It's my understanding that the bulk of high end Motorhomes in the mid-90's to early 2000's used the slip ring design as did many over the road trucks as Douglas made these for the industry not for brand specific vehicles.
I've seen complete columns on eBay and, as I found, even complete wheel assemblies so I encourage anyone concerned to set up an email alert on eBay.
I also expect that places like MOT and FOT may eventually come up with retrofits as the number of these older coaches continue to thrive "in the wild".
Randy, you are correct about the industry using the Douglas column early on. However, most OEM's did not use the Smart Wheel. Their cruise, wipers, icc flasher function were generally accomplished via separate switch groups. They did incorporate a horn button in the center of the non smart wheel. I like you,would hope the factory and MOT would address this but so far, have not. If I was younger, I'm 80 now, I would build a kit for the cause.
I replaced my 97's steering wheel with the fully covered arm model pictured. 97 had a different button layout and bare metal arms which were uncomfortable. worked with my 97's original control box. I wondered when and if they would run out. I kept my working 97's wheel for emergency use.
Good info on Monaco having the similar setup. I almost bought 2 as they were fairly inexpensive but that would have meant someone would have not been able to fix their coach so I did not.
Interested if the new design does work. Kind like the grouped button layout. Expecially as my 97 is not lighted
If my dim memory serves me I am thinking my 97 was not the slip ring design?