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Topic: Dash gauges stopped working (Read 494 times) previous topic - next topic

Dash gauges stopped working

I was driving along just fine and my cruise control kicked off for no reason. I looked down at my gauges and they were all inop. The coach still ran fine so I drove about a mile where it was safe to pull over. I think my AC also stopped working. I checked out my still idling engine, everything looked fine. Then I heard the AC compressor clutch kick in, I got back in the coach and everything was OK again. I drove for two more hours, no issues. A forum search seems to point to the solenoid up in front of the passenger seat. I will replace it with a good continuous duty one. If anyone has any other ideas I would appreciate them. It is hard to fix something that seems to be working fine now. Thanks, Mark
Mark Freeman 1995 grand villa, Brimson Mn
8.3 Cummins  G95 4709 40 WTBS U280 WE21

Re: Dash gauges stopped working

Reply #1 –
If the Allison shift pad also flashed when this happened and dash HVAC fan quit, YUP, the IGNITION SOLENOID is the prime suspect.

Pretty easy to diagnose with either voltmeter or even just a 12 VDC test light.  If you need the step by step, let us know.

Failure can be the solenoid itself or loss of signal from bad ignition switch or wire from it to solenoid.  Same symptoms-- nothing that should work only when the ignition is on works.
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: Dash gauges stopped working

Reply #2 –
Good to know. So the solenoid behind the panel in front of the passenger seat on the bottom of the enclosure is the ignition solenoid?
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Dash gauges stopped working

Reply #3 –
Quote from: dans96u295ft –
Good to know. So the solenoid behind the panel in front of the passenger seat on the bottom of the enclosure is the ignition solenoid?
Yep, remove the kick panel and turn the ignition to "on" should hear it click, if not check for 12v on the small coil wire.
Mine has done the same thing while driving.  Replaced it 3 years ago with one from NAPA, get a continuous duty rated one.
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Dash gauges stopped working

Reply #4 –
Thank You for the reply's, anyone know the part number for the ignition switch?

Mark Freeman 1995 grand villa, Brimson Mn
8.3 Cummins  G95 4709 40 WTBS U280 WE21

Re: Dash gauges stopped working

Reply #5 –
It's a standard old GM ignition switch.  Take yours to NAPA.  They'll have it in stock.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R
 

Re: Dash gauges stopped working

Reply #6 –
Thanks Brett for the reply. I was hoping to get a part number and throw the new switch in my extra parts box.But is is easy enough to change and match up. Just trying to do stuff so I don't have troubles on the road,. Mark
Mark Freeman 1995 grand villa, Brimson Mn
8.3 Cummins  G95 4709 40 WTBS U280 WE21