Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

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Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

August 04, 2012, 07:40:46 pm

Tried to start the coach today, turned key, waited, then turned to start and nothing not even a click. Engaged boost with geny running still nothing. Tried going to rear and nothing when using rear start button. Checked and cleaned batteries terminals all 3 read 12.79 Volts. I ran geny for about 8 hours today with boost on still nothing when key turned!
I checked under the coach and through bedroom and could not see any loose wires.
Coach has been turning over and starting without hesitation had out last week for some modification in the rear plus took on some fuel no problem with starting.

Any thoughts?

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #1 – August 04, 2012, 07:53:21 pm

Is the trans in neutral? It sounds to me like a starter solenoid or trans neutral switch or there wiring . Gam

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #2 – August 04, 2012, 08:03:58 pm

If you're getting a proper warm-up cycle with the ignition in the 1st position, the ignition solenoid is doing its thing. If you get nothing when engaging the starter, then I would check the start solenoid circuit first (assuming the batteries & grounds are fine).

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #3 – August 04, 2012, 08:23:23 pm

tony give me a call

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #4 – August 04, 2012, 08:25:43 pm

TOny it is either your ignition relay do you hear a click up front or your starter solenoid that you can jump to start the coach with a heavy gauge wire on the start solenoid

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #5 – August 04, 2012, 08:26:34 pm

Gam, I had spoken to my mechanic and he mentioned the trans in "N" and I did have it in neutral, so then I even tried placing into Rev then back to N then into Drive back to N but still had nothing.

Peter, I checked the voltage and then cleaned the cable connections and terminals of the batteries they read 12.79. I am not sure to check if the ground is fine, where do I look to determine if my ground is okay?

My mechanic did mention a possible circuit problem also, I am not to good at handling electrical systems, as a matter of fact challenged with many systems on these coaches but I am willing to give a try, so I was hoping someone here my direct me to a place to check.

Also I was going to check with Coach Net tomorrow maybe they can send someone over who might be able to trace down this problem....!?

Thank you both, Gam and Peter for you replies.

Tony

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #6 – August 04, 2012, 08:44:26 pm

Something to try before calling CoachNet - thump the starter with a rubber mallet (aka The Katsuki Percussive Adjustment Maneuver).

It might not be the issue in this case, but we had the exact same symptoms once a few years ago after the coach had sat for a month in a damp climate. Nothing with the key or the remote start. Steve called James Triana and thumping was his suggestion to try first. Worked like a champ and haven't had any further issues.

Michelle

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #7 – August 04, 2012, 08:45:40 pm

Just spoke to John S and he advised I try jumping the starter solenoid, same procedure mentioned by mechanic, only wasn't sure how, but John suggested I use a heavy duty insulated cable. I will give it a try in the morning I am hopeful that works!

Michelle tried the thump method today to no avail, but I used a small metal hammer and I do have a rubber mallet maybe I will retry using that this time before trying to jump the solenoid! Soounds like a lot easier fix if it works!!!

Thank you.

Tony

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #8 – August 04, 2012, 08:45:58 pm

Tony,
You did not confirm that the start warm up cycle is working properly, then the Starter cycle is just not working. On the wall below the bed there should be a solenoid to inspect check for proper function. Also check the solenoid by the isolator. You can jump the starter solenoid to determine that the starter is functioning properly.
Peter

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #9 – August 04, 2012, 08:48:48 pm

Peter, I just spoke to Tony on the phone and told him to try jump starting the solenoid.

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #10 – August 04, 2012, 08:53:24 pm

Quote from: John S – August 04, 2012, 08:48:48 pm

Peter, I just spoke to Tony on the phone and told him to try jump starting the solenoid.

Great! Another possible test might be to clean and lubricate the terminals at the starter. And, if these terminals look like they needed cleaning, then while you're at it, clean and lube the alternator terminals as well as the battery isolator terminals along with the start and boost solenoids. These should be performed annually.
Peter

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #11 – August 04, 2012, 08:56:23 pm

Peter and John will give it a shot first or a "Thump!" per Michelle's suggestion, then if nothing try the solenoid jump....!

Thank you all for the suggestions, will let you know.

Tony

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #12 – August 04, 2012, 09:02:40 pm

Also check all connections on batteries

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #13 – August 04, 2012, 09:05:09 pm

Peter,

If what I was looking at today is in fact the Starter solenoid the connections did seem to need some cleaning, so I will take care of them.

One question though from someone who is learning when you mention "lubricate" what do you recommend? Can I get at Advance Auto, Home Depot or Lowes, which are all nearby me?

Hi Tim, I did clean battery terminals but again did not have a "Lubricant" any suggestions?

Thanks,
Tony

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #14 – August 04, 2012, 09:11:05 pm

Tony,
I clean & lubricate the terminals with an spray electronics cleaner and wipe clean and steel wool or fine sand if needed. Then I use dielectric grease to lube (prevents corrosion). You can buy these items at most at Advance, NAPA type stores. Then again, I am a fanatic about keeping electrical terminals clean especially if these come in contact with the road spray elements.
Peter

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #15 – August 04, 2012, 09:13:41 pm

I would suspect the ignition switch.

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #16 – August 04, 2012, 09:17:37 pm

Peter,

Gotcha will stop at Advance auto tomorrow on the way to the coach and buy some dielectric grease.

Twig,

Will probably need mechanic to check the ignition switch if solenoid Thumping and Jumping fails.

Thanks,
Tony

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #17 – August 04, 2012, 09:24:49 pm

Tony,if you are going to clean the wires on the starter, please disconnect the ground cable on the start batteries.

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #18 – August 04, 2012, 09:28:52 pm

Bill,

Noted Thank you,

Tony

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #19 – August 04, 2012, 09:37:58 pm

Let's start with some diagnostics:

Did the transmission shift pad show "N" as it normally does?

Did the other items that normally only work with the ignition on work-- things like gauges, dash HVAC fan, etc?

Of NO to both the above, either a problem with the IGNITION (not start) solenoid and/or ignition switch/wiring between the two.

Let us know and we can give you easy diagnostic steps if you have a voltmeter.

Brett

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #20 – August 04, 2012, 09:43:00 pm

Hello Brett,

Yes the shift pad read "N" and all the normal dash gauges, lights, HVAC worked when ignition key turned on.

I have a digital multimeter.

Tony

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #21 – August 04, 2012, 09:45:49 pm

You are doing a lot of work but I see 2 possibilities. Either the tranny n position is not being recognized or ....in the ignition switch is an actuator pin. When you turn the key on, all the lights and stuff light up, but if the pin is broken, it will do nothing in the start position. Here's a shocker! It is a PLASTIC housing. Very easy to replace, though. I did one in 15 minutes. Thumping is not going to work but jumping the starter will imho.

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #22 – August 04, 2012, 10:00:10 pm

Hi Twig,

What is the procedure to remove ignition switch and if removed would I be able to see if there is a broken pin?

Thanks,
Tony

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #23 – August 04, 2012, 10:58:23 pm

Tony,

Ignition swtiches are not expensive; challenge is getting the old one out. You have turn the key COUNTERCLOCKWISE to line up the tiny hole in the key socket with the release peg inside the switch; then insert the end of a paper clip in the hole, push in on the paper clip and pull out on the key. The key hole /switch will come out easily. Replacing Foretravel Ignition Switch

Re: Coach will not start; Starter does not even turn over

Reply #24 – August 04, 2012, 11:10:40 pm

there is a utube video showing it on a foretravel I remember seeing.

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