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Strange Air Leveling System Alarm

Hey folks!  We have been having a random issue happening with the leveling system on our coach that has happened enough times for me to hop on here and see if anyone has had a similar issue. 

It seems to only occur when it is raining pretty significantly as far as we have noticed.  It will happen as we are driving along in the rain.  Basically a faint, almost half beep alarm will come on, even though everything else appears to be fine.  We will pull off at the nearest safe stop, dump the airbags, turn the coach off and back on again and into travel mode and the alarm will still be there....just really faint.  As we continue down the road it will eventually turn off.  All the while there are no warning lights or anything on the control panel and a visual check of all the airbags shows nothing outside of normal.  Last December we had our rear travel solenoids both replaced while in Nacogdoches.  Could it just be a slight glitch because the sensors are wet or is there something further we should look into that may be causing this?

Thanks in advance for your help.  :)
-Trent and Siobhan Walker + 5 boys
Proud owners of a 1995 U300 SE that we bought from Jor.  We are so blessed and loving life on the road!

Re: Strange Air Leveling System Alarm

Reply #1 –
If not warning lights lit, could also be an issue with the "antenna up" sensor.  I would replace it (under $5 at most box stores and certainly at home alarm companies).
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: Strange Air Leveling System Alarm

Reply #2 –
Not to hijack the thread, Wolfe, but what does that antenna sensor look like on my rig?.
I'm having issues and can't identify it.
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Strange Air Leveling System Alarm

Reply #3 –
Antenna up is a magnet and switch like you would find on a house-type alarm system on a window.

Go up on the roof and you will see it.  Not uncommon for water to get in and cause issues.
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: Strange Air Leveling System Alarm

Reply #4 –
You can hook the wires together at the antenna and by-pass it.
But from your post, sounds like a HWH solenoid getting wet at the 6 pack connection. Have fixed bunches of those.Even on new coaches.
Unplug the connections, clean them with contact cleaner,then put Dielectric Grease in them. You can get it at Napa. I would start with the back, seeing how they just replaced those.
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Strange Air Leveling System Alarm

Reply #5 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Antenna up is a magnet and switch like you would find on a house-type alarm system on a window.

Go up on the roof and you will see it.  Not uncommon for water to get in and cause issues.
I see a lump under caulk, that would be the switch?
mount a magnet on the mast?
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Strange Air Leveling System Alarm

Reply #6 –
If you buy a new replacement switch, make sure you get the correct "type".  See description below:

"There are two types of reed switches: "normally open" reed switches and "normally closed" reed switches. The metal reeds on a normally open switch stay open when there is no magnet near the switch. In the presence of a magnetic field, the contacts of a normally-open reed switch will close. A normally-closed reed switch is closed when it is not near a magnet; as a magnet is brought close to it, a normally-closed switch will open."

The original factory installed switch could be wired either "NO" or "NC".
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Strange Air Leveling System Alarm

Reply #7 –

Found this is our Forum parts number list:

Part Number Collection

NTE ELECTRONICS 54-627 SWITCH, REED, SPDT, 250mA, 125VAC (1 piece): Amazon.co...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Strange Air Leveling System Alarm

Reply #8 –
Again, available at any place that deals with home security systems.
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: Strange Air Leveling System Alarm

Reply #9 –
It is a common HWH alarm problem when driving in rain.  The 6-pack has a pressure switch with two wire and if connections are not clean when wet, they will partially complete the pressure switch circuit.  Clean the switch contacts with contact cleaner and spray with wire protector.  Cleaning may be all that is needed.
The alarm does not indicate a problem with system.

Re: Strange Air Leveling System Alarm

Reply #10 –
Yes, again, start with those things that can be triggered by water-- you have two places already-- total cost under $10.
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: Strange Air Leveling System Alarm

Reply #11 –
My question would be...... how do you know its coming from the HWH system if there are no warning lights anywhere?
A "half beep"?  is the sound coming from the area of the HWH control pad? or from behind the dash instrument panel?

Ours has a warning light for the OTA antenna.... might just be to hard to see it blink in the daylight?
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota