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Topic: Stranded Safely in Delavan WI: Ignition Switch Failure? (Read 771 times) previous topic - next topic

Stranded Safely in Delavan WI: Ignition Switch Failure?

We are parked safely and started our Cummins normally. Had voltage and air came up normally. Ready to roll and engine died as dash went dark. I cannot get dash gauges active in on position nor can I crank.

I suspect ignition switch as it has appeared to be sloppy recently, for lack of a better word. It may be original tumbler and key set. I have Coach Net service but hoped someone on the Forum might have an idea.
Paul & Kathleen
1995 U320c SE 40'
Build 4681 --Cummins M11 /17511
"That Irish Girl"
Red MINI " 40"

Re: Stranded Safely in Delavan WI: Ignition Switch Failure?

Reply #1 –
You don't want to be towed if it can be avoided.
The ignition switch powers 1 or 2 solenoids often located in the bottom center of the large 12-volt circuit breaker panel located behind the large vertical dash trim next to the door and in front of the co-pilot chair.
Pull off dash trim and with your 12-volt meter determine that the copper bus bars located on the panel have voltage when the key is on and don't have voltage  when key is off.
Sometimes the failure is in the ignition key itself, but more often it is the solenoid that powers the bus bars.
Battery terminals need to be clean and tight.

Re: Stranded Safely in Delavan WI: Ignition Switch Failure?

Reply #2 –
Do the headlights come on, this will confirm 12v is getting to the dash, if not the problem is further back in the coach. To add to Barry's good suggestions, you should hear a distinctive clunk when you turn the key to on - the solenoid closing. No clunk - could be your ignition switch, but if you hear a clunk, ignition switch is good and I would suspect the solenoid has quit making contact.
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: Stranded Safely in Delavan WI: Ignition Switch Failure?

Reply #3 –
Sent you a PM.  Can walk you through diagnosing this in just a couple of minutes.  Locate the IGNITION SOLENOID. If you have a voltmeter pull it out.  If a test light, that will also work.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Stranded Safely in Delavan WI: Ignition Switch Failure?

Reply #4 –
The bus doesn't show power with key on or off, if I am probing correctly. The solenoid "clunks" and shows 12V with key on. Terminals are clean and tight.
High beams headlights are not on with the  key on, but they should be.  Low beams working with or without key on, as designed.

Thanks for the rapid responses. Paul
Paul & Kathleen
1995 U320c SE 40'
Build 4681 --Cummins M11 /17511
"That Irish Girl"
Red MINI " 40"

Re: Stranded Safely in Delavan WI: Ignition Switch Failure?

Reply #5 –
Up and running again. The last rap on the solinoid with the screwdriver did the trick it seems. Thanks Brett, Peter and Barry! Time for a Blue Sea upgrade, I believe. Paul
Paul & Kathleen
1995 U320c SE 40'
Build 4681 --Cummins M11 /17511
"That Irish Girl"
Red MINI " 40"

Re: Stranded Safely in Delavan WI: Ignition Switch Failure?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Old Knucklehead –
Up and running again. The last rap on the solinoid with the screwdriver did the trick it seems. Thanks Brett, Peter and Barry!

2 1/2 hours from first post through diagnosis to success...  ^.^d
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320
 

Re: Stranded Safely in Delavan WI: Ignition Switch Failure?

Reply #7 –
That sure does beat a two hour wait for a tow and the greasy kid that comes with the tow truck. :)
Gary B